Music Lessons in Alpine, NJ

Instruments: Trumpet

The best lesson I learned before attending college, my trumpet teacher taught me, "If you sound good while practicing, you're not really practicing", which I make sure to mention multiple times. I never try to overload my students with too much material, but instead try to understand what they would like to learn, and develop lessons and exercises from that. Brass instruments require commitment, and although difficult, playing should seem fun, instead of a chore. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I cater the lessons towards the individual needs of the students.  For beginning students 6 years old and under, I prefer to use Shirley Givens' books, "Adventures In Violinland", along with Suzuki materials through rote memorization.  When the student is 5 or 6 years old or older, I like to use Suzuki materials but supplement with note reading right away.  Also, I love it when a student brings a specific piece of music in that they would like to play, whether it is from the classical repertoire, or jazz, pop, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When it comes to teaching, the one constant look for in all of my students is a budding passion for music. For some, it may take more time to develop said passion, but that is okay! Everyone moves at their own pace, and it differs from person to person. I firmly believe everybody has things they are good at, regardless of skill level, and I do everything in my power to hone in on those skills to make them the best they can be. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

Throughout my teaching career, I have been guided by three principles: 1) In music education, "music" is the adjective and "education" is the noun. It is most important to educate the student *through* music, with the ultimate aim of "teaching them to teach themselves", so that they can enjoy a life of learning in music. 2) Care about the student as an individual. No student advances unless they are working with a teacher who truly CARES about them as individuals as well as their musical progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

I began teaching when I was in High School. My first teaching experience was mentoring younger musicians as drum line captain for two years. I lived in Cincinnati Ohio during my summers between semesters at Berklee College of Music. While home, I maintained a busy teaching schedule with beginners all the way up to college students in the Cincinnati area. I draw from my experiences studying with some of the best teachers and musicians in the world at Berklee College of music in order to be the best teacher possible. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Notable venues include: Alameda Jazz Festival, Ashevilles Bele Chere Festival, Birdland, 55 Bar, Greatest Bar on Earth, Knitting Factory, Marin County Jazz Festival, Meadowlands, Mercury Lounge, Metronome, Ortliebs Jazz Haus, Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, and many others. Founder and manager of original bands:Craig Graham Band, Creatrix and Rural Free Delivery, and others. Nationwide orchestra, classical ensemble, show band and musical theater experience. Teaching Experience- American Institute of Guitar, New York, 1999 to 2009 Professional Music Center, New Jersey, 1994 to 1999, Guitar Activity Center, California, 1989 to 1991, Kauai Music Studio, Hawaii, 1988 to 1989 Music Unlimited, Massachusetts, 1986 to 1988. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Keyboard

I'm committed to nurturing the next generation with the love and joy of music. I earned my Master of Music at the New Jersey city University. During my time there, I participated in the University Choir and several chamber ensembles studying and performing technically advanced pieces. Not simply an incredible pianist, I also has extensive knowledge of Flute performance, all levels of music theory, music history, music composition arranging, aural skills, and advanced conducting. Read More