Music Lessons in Hackensack, NJ

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

For beginning students I begin by talking to them about music and what songs they like. We start clapping along and picking out what the drums are doing and eventually begin playing along. A wonderfully laid out book for beginners that are interested in pop music is "The Funky Primer." I also like to teach the reading of rhythms out of a book by Ted Reed called "Syncopation for the Modern Drummer." This is a great book that you can work out of for many many years to come. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My training in piano started from when I was 5 years old. Since then, I continuously took piano lesson and have had performed on the stage as well. I continued my training in piano at the University of Hartford under David Westfall, Paul Rutman, Susan Cheng and Grace Smith. From Manhattan School of Music, I studied composition/theory with Richard Danielpour and Reiko Fueting, and piano with Lisa Yui. I am currently acting as a co-founder and executive administrator for Sforzando Composers Collective, an association of four composers currently based in New York City created in January 2017. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I am a classically trained vocalist, but my true calling is music education. Raised in a very musical family full of teachers, I was singing before I was talking and I started taking piano lessons at the age of 6. I hold a bachelor's degree in Vocal Music Education from the University of Tulsa and I have served as a choir director, taught general music, choral ensembles, fine arts, and musical theatre, and have several years of private voice and piano teaching experience. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Music

I have made just about every mistake that an aspiring trumpeter could make! I have had to repeat lessons never learned properly, try to skip necessary building blocks, muscle my way through performances that have damaged me physically, repeat and ingrain bad habits, and almost destroy my deep passionate love of music and the instrument that I have played for 67 1/2 years. My goal is to inspire right practice habits, illuminate the beauty of brass instruments, and help the student create their own voice. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am a very laid-back teacher. My belief is that music is fun. I encourage my students to have fun. Too many teachers make music all about practice and drilling. While practicing and drilling is definitely a part of learning, it is not the end-all be-all. Music needs to be enjoyed for what it is - fun! I have had teachers who have sucked the joy out of learning for me, and I strive to make sure that never happens for my students. Read More

Instruments: Drums

We start by doing proper warm up exercises followed by learning or practicing rudiments. We work on our grip of the sticks and our movements while drumming. In other words, I teach economy of movement for maximum energy. If a student is flailing their arms, we talk about a more fluid movement by utilizing the wrists and incorporating finger control. Then we move on to reading out of instructional books which is then followed by practical application on the drum sets.With a beginner student I find Basix Syncopation for Drums by Alfred Publishing to be a very effective tool. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I started teaching in high school and then decided to pursue degrees in performance and music education. At UNH I taught lessons part time for four years.  I always put students needs and schedules first and met them either in my studio or at their home.  I encourage all of my students to practice at home using techniques that are effective.  I engage my students each lesson, ensuring they are constantly improving as well as enjoying their musical experience.  It is my duty as an educator to pass my love of music onto my pupils.  My students are of all ages and skill levels.  I encourage them to enter competitions and recitals, train their ears, learn about music history, and have musical intentions whenever they play.  I will help my students to achieve any level of playing. Read More