Music Lessons in Garfield, NJ

Instruments: Guitar

Although I grew up with Hal Leonard and the Real Book (and have access to those if need be), I personally do not prefer to use any specific book in my lessons. I like my students to have a blank manuscript notebook with them at every lesson where I can write down scale shapes, chords, notes, and homework each week; this makes it easier to structure things around what they want to learn, rather than what the book wants them to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have been teaching piano and voice students for the past 7 years and have really come to enjoy the experience more and more. Encouring regular practice is definitely key, as well as giving the students a chance to work on pieces they are interested in. This tends to, in my experience, make them even more interested and motivated to practice and hone their craft. I am looking forward to bringing on new students! Read More

Instruments: Drums

Nothing gives me more joy as a teacher than to have one of my students ask me a question. It sounds simple, but a student with questions is a student who wants to learn. I take this creativity and try to sculpt it into passion. I feel that a teachers job is to inspire, and point the student in the right direction of their goals, rather to be overbearing with a book and pencil. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am both a performer and a teacher. I received my bachelors degree in viola performance from The Juilliard School and my masters degree from Northwestern University. I have been teaching for about 6 years and truly love it. I have taught students from ages 6-18, both privately and in group classes. I am open to teaching all ages. As a performer, I have solod With the Northwestern Baroque Ensemble, and the Narnia Festival Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Ukulele Euphonium Tuba

I have been teaching since the year 2000, and currently maintain a diverse studio of 10-20 students ranging in age from elementary school to mid-50s. My mission is to help students clearly define their goals in music-making, and lay out a plan to accomplish those goals. Competitions and recitals are strictly optional--there is no pressure here. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning piano students, I often get them started with the Faber piano series, then incorporate music theory along with their song requests. For beginning fretted string students (guitar/bass/ukelele), I like to start with the Hal Leonard method book to get started with reading notation, so that we cover more than just tabs and chords. For drum/percussion students, I'll have them start with a combination of Syncopation by Ted Reed and Peter Erksine's Drumset Essentials Volume 1. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Clarinet Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to make learning an instrument an enjoyable experience and allow students to progress at their own pace.  I also introduce them to different styles of music such as classical, folk, Broadway musicals as well as popular songs.  In addition, I teach students new skills and techniques to enhance their playing abilities. I encourage my students to practice, ask questions about the music and how it should be played with respect to the technique and expression required to perform a piece of music effectively. Read More