Flute Lessons in Hackensack, NJ

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I first ask the student to play so I can hear him/her. After a student plays a short piece of music of their own choosing I can determine what the next step is. Each student has his/her own individual needs. In general though I focus on 3 key elements: 1) Sound quality 2) Technical dexterity (how the fingers deal with the twists and turns of the instrument) 3) Reading Music If a student has a specific genre of music that he/she wants to focus on then I mainly concentrate on that. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

You can learn so much about a student in a 30 minute trial lesson! If a new student is not a total beginner, I will ask them to play their favorite song (or one of their favorites if they have trouble choosing just one). After their performance, I ask them what they liked about how they played. Its important for students to always be aware of what they do well. If they arent able to see their strengths on their own then I share with them what I think their strengths are and encourage them to keep that up. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Ukulele

I approach teaching on an individual basis, meaning it's important to me to know the goals, hopes, passions, and if applicable, the worries or insecurities the student is feeling. In a first lesson I identify something that is special and unique about each student, and build their technique from this place. I find this helps the difficult areas feel a little less challenging because they already have something they feel proud of when working through the discomfort of something new or intimidating. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe

I believe strongly that passion is infectious, and is key to my teaching. I ask all of my student to set realistic goals and treat our progress as a journey in which we will gradually pick up the skills to grow with steady work. This comes from enjoying the “artistic process” and can only be discovered when we move together at a pace that is comfortable for the student. The only requirement I have for any budding musicians is that we both be open-minded and willing to listen using our ears and mind (this goes for me too!). Read More

Instruments: Flute

For beginners students, I start with Trevor Wye's Beginners Book for Flute, as well as Rubank's selected duets (Volume 1), and Marcel Moyse The Debutante Flutist. Once we have covered the basic foundations of the flute and have formed a core sound, I then introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate for the students. For all of my students, I always like to ask what they are interested in playing, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

My approach to teaching can be different based on the age and level of the student. In general I like to keep the pressure off my students and above all find ways to make learning fun and enjoyable. My ideal lesson is one that the student will remember, whether it's a concept we talk about or a song that we learn. I try and teach my students more than how to play notes on a page and to learn songs, but how to discover and tackle projects themselves that otherwise might seem too big a challenge. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I love helping my students find their paths on their instruments and in music. Through finding their paths and following their inspiration I impart proper music techniques and ideals. I hold a Masters Degree from the Manhattan School of Music and a Bachelors Degree from Berklee College of Music. I'm an active performer and have performed with groups on Captiol and Warner Brothers Records. I have performed extensively throughout the USA, Canada, and Europe. Read More