Music Lessons in Borough Of Ridgefield, NJ

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

The methods that I would typically use are the Arbans complete Conservatory method for trumpet and Cornet. Schlossberg´s Daily Drills and Studies, Clarkes method and Caruso. I have been studying these four methods quite some time now and understand not only the instruction on the page but the purpose of the excercise itself. So for each student and level a unique methodology would be put together. It is very important to point out that I studied these methods with masters such as Victor Paz. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Accordion Banjo Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a teacher that focuses on lifting students up, while still maintaining realistic expectations. Whenever I start with a new student, I'll have a talk to ideally set up goals and expectations (for example, if a student's goal is to feel like a competent songwriter, all of the lesson plans will be pointed towards best achieving that.) I view every student as an individual and while I have my go-to methods, I make a concerted effort to listen to what each student needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

For trumpet students I initially provide my own material, based on the exercises which I have found to be beneficial in my own playing. Early on, I'll ask most students to play a recording of one of their favorite songs, which we'll use to improvise to as well as for ear-training purposes. As soon as the student has learned enough notes, we'll begin playing songs. I firmly believe that developing a good sense of a singing style is the foundation for good playing. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For most students, I typically start with breathing exercises and warm ups to learn the student's voice. I would ask for the student to prepare a song of their choice and we would typically spend a few lessons learning the fundamentals and engaging in proper technique. I like to make learning fun, so there are a few exercises that I have up my sleeve that are engaging and fun, no matter what the student's ability level may be. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Latin Percussion

When teaching a novice student the drums it is extremely important to note that learning the drums is not an overnight affair. The amount of practice needed for thorough syncopation is not to be slept on. HOWEVER, I genuinely believe once a student hits that learning curve where their arms and legs have "minds of their own" there is an infinite amount of progress that can be made after. I always say music is fun and it should always be whether the student is practicing rudiments, or legitimately playing to pieces from Glen Miller's Orchestra all the way up to Michael Jackson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Orchestral Percussion

I focus on nurturing a students natural curiosity, while helping them find the tools to pursue their own musical interests. Many of my younger students prefer to use technology to connect with music (learning how songs are recorded, and the theory behind songwriting), but I also work with more serious students to prepare for college auditions, state/regional jazz band, etc. My methods differ depending on a student's own goals, but they generally all will start with a technical exercise, an exercise designed to get the student thinking critically, and an application of the concepts we're learning. Read More