Music Lessons in Closter, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In-demand NY session musician, teacher, and musical director Pete O has studied with many of the world’s top bass players. In addition to his independent studies at Berklee Music school, Pete has had the pleasure of studying with industry legends such as Victor Wooten, Chuck Rainey, Anthony Wellington, Adam Nitti, and Matt Garrison. Pete’s highlights include opening the Gathering of the Vibes festival in upstate New York, featuring James Brown, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Gov’t Mule, and the Allman Brothers. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I try to incorporate some form of a goal to achieve, whether its a recital, audition, or just an informal get together with another student. In order to reach these goals its very important to instill proper practice techniques. So for weekly assignments, I have the student's practice scales, finger exercises, and chord changes. At each lesson, we review the previous week's assignment and address any playing challenges or difficulties. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My journey in music took a couple of unexpected turns. As a youth, it was my intention to get a degree in trumpet performance, but life held a different path for me and I put the instruments away. Some years later, my wife- knowing how much I continued to enjoy music- suggested I take up trumpet again and I did, for which I'll be eternally grateful! I now perform in multiple ensembles in Westchester and Fairfield counties as well as in New York City in addition to maintaining a teaching studio where I can share my love of music. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I am a saxophonist, composer, and teacher based in Brooklyn. I have been fortunate to perform all over the world, including recent tours in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Panama, and Costa Rica; and has shared the stage with many great artists, including Danilo Perez, Kenny Werner, Ralph Thomas (Sun Ra Arkestra, Quincy Jones), Benjamin Koen (David Murray, Cecil Taylor), Yessaï Karapetian, Opor Red, R&B singer Allen Stone, and singer-songwriter Amanda Palmer. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone

For beginning students, I start with Accent on Achievement, book one. Once the student has gotten a grasp of the fundamentals, I then introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate for the student. I will always reference the method book if students are having trouble with a certain technique. For beginning jazz students, I start with the Greg Fishman Jazz books. Once students have mastered this book, I then switch to the omnibook and real book and allow students to learn and try to improvise a solo. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I like to make music learning a self-engaged process. Students will keep track of their assignments, make some of the decisions about what music to play, and be expected to practice a minimum of 5 or 6 days per week. Students are sometimes reluctant to have discipline at first, but once they realize that they are making fast progress and overcoming musical challenges, they tend to have a great time. I have had parents of middle schoolers tell me that the structure music lessons have brought to their students' lives has made a huge difference in other areas. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Everything we do on stage begins with breath. Sing, Acting, Dancing- all of these require disciplined breath management. Once a strong foundation of good breathing is laid, I tend to use visual-spacial prompts to get the singer to feel the changes rather than use pedagogical terminology. While this is a wonderful set of tools, I will always defer to the student's learning style. Everyone learns differently, and the most important thing a coach or teacher can be is a good, patient communicator. Read More