Music Lessons in Cresskill, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Flute

For younger students, I find that book based methods are very helpful, and typically I go through the Hal Leonard Essential Elements Series. Once the student has a firm handle of the basics of saxophone (fingerings, embouchure, dynamics, etc.) then I start having them read etude books, and prepare pieces for recitals and other performances or auditions. For adults, I like to teach based on a goal oriented program. For example, If I have a student who is only interested in learning the saxophone for the sake of playing "Yakety Sax" or "The Pink Panther Theme", then I will tailor the lesson plan towards learning that while still working on the fundamentals of Saxophone along the way. Read More

Instruments: Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started learning guitar about 9 years ago in Malaysia. During that time, I also picked up running as my favorite sport. I came over to US in 2012 and graduated from Queens College with a BS in Exercise Science in 2017. During these 5 years I have been serving in church as a guitarist and teach whoever approaches me. At the same time, I also competed for Queens College in Track/Cross Country events. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have experience teaching on both a private lesson and public school environment. I started to teach private lessons shortly after my undergrad career and during my grad school career. During my grad school program I had the opportunity to teach both at a elementary and high school level in General Music and in Strings. I during these placements in the public school I wrote out lessons plans and taught music theory and instruments to the students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

A lesson with me equals half of the allotted time being used to learn good technique (i.e., learning healthy vocal habits, singing vocalises, learning to read music, playing scales, etc.) and the other half of the time singing and playing repertoire. The repertoire includes both pieces chosen by Kathy (always approved by the student) which excite and inspire the students particular musical tastes while providing a new challenge in technique to be conquered, and also pieces brought in by the student; for example, if a student is working on music for a specific performance, etc., or if they just really like a piece and want to learn how to play or sing it, I am always ready and willing to lend a hand and an ear! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

We will do some playing together so i can determine what you've already gotten "under your hands". Or if you're a complete beginner we'll start from the beginning. I'll find out what your musical interests and inspirations are and we will incorporate that into the overall context of learning to play music well. We'll of course work on scales and arpeggios all over the bass, in various fingerings etc, and importantly, we'll talk about WHY we're doing it! (spoiler alert: it's because all musical sound is made up of notes, and once we can confidently access them, we'll be able to play anything we can hear) No area of the bass fingerboard will be a mystery. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I think that it is very important to teach not just how to play an instrument, but also the fundamentals of how music works and why. I create custom lesson plans so that my students not only learn to play the clarinet, but also gain fluency in music reading and music theory. Although method books are helpful tools, I do not consider myself or my students bound to them and I work with each student and their individual goals in order to craft lesson plans that work for both of us. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I have taught both private and group lessons in music programs and schools within the Manhattan and Flushing area. I have taught students ranging from 4 to 35 in piano, guitar, voice, music history, and music theory. By getting to know each student's music tastes, I can create a lesson plan that makes practice seem less like a chore and more like something they feel inspired to do on my own. And that is always my biggest goal. Read More