Flute Lessons in Upper Montclair, NJ

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

The most difficult skill for beginner flutists is sound production. For beginning students we will focus the first couple weeks primarily on making a sound and forming the correct embouchure, or lip position. We learn simple tunes by ear during this time and begin to associate them with musical notation. Once a good understanding of sound production is achieved we begin to broaden the range and learn new notes. Repertoire will depend on skill level and the amount of practice time that a student devotes to the flute. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is heavily student focused: By listening to my student's voice and choice, I want to work together to create musical goals for them that we can develop as we progress. While I believe in creating a learning environment focused on intrinsic motivation, I hope my positive attitude and love for music can serve as a source of inspiration for my students! The most important aspect of any lesson is the joy that we bring to it, which is crucial to us developing musical skills and beautiful music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Clarinet Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I prefer to start them on a book based in warming up and getting used to movement in hands if we are playing piano. Throughout my teaching, I incorporate music theory and ear training into my classes as it creates a fantastic bridge to understanding the instrument. As we get used to our new instrument, I will recommend some songs to get started on and allow my students to come to class with ideas and songs that they want to learn how to play or sing. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginning students I typically start with an elementary band method (Yamaha, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, etc..). We focus on basic tone production, finger technique, note reading, and playing simple songs. Once the student is comfortable we begin to work out of a duet book. This gives the student a chance to "perform" with me at each lesson, tends to accelerate progress, and is fun! For advanced students we can focus on particular areas of interest.Whether jazz, classical or popular music is your focus, refining various aspects of tone and technique are always incorporated into the learning process. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching method is different for every student based on age, level, and their musical goals. However, the two things that I try to keep consistent among all of my students is a solid technical foundation and curiosity for different musical styles. For beginners, I typically start with the Rubank Beginner or Intermediate method book. Once the student has progressed to grasp the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce etudes and solo repertoire along with any pop or jazz songs they might want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

In addition to helping me improve my facility with the saxophone, Paul helped me develop a solid pedagogy for the instrument. At Queens I also devised a curriculum for the Queens College Balkan Music Ensemble, a group which I founded and directed for one semester before graduating in 2012.   Since completing my masters degree, I've continued teaching privately, and performing with my groups, Raya Brass Band and Sherita. I perform around 80 shows a year, both in the New York Area and touring nationally. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

For beginning piano students, I enjoy the Faber Piano Adventures. As the student progresses, I guage what their interests/goals are, and choose repertoire according to their interests. For beginning oboe and woodwind students, I focus on a myriad of things that have nothing (and everything) to do with actual music: how to form a correct embouchure, correct hand and finger position, double and single reed care, instrument construction and maintenance, and finally, sound production. Read More