Music Lessons in Highlands, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With all students I put a lot of emphasis on leaning how to learn. I believe that by, for instance, teaching students how to make good use of their practice time (being productively self-critical) and processing information in an intuitive way, drastically expedites musical development and profoundly affect brain development. Much of this intuitive practice has to do with internalizing information such as music theory or recordings to the point that they become second nature much like a language. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with basic melodies that are singable and easily recognized. From there we are able to introduce basic theory knowledge. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching style is molded around the student. The first lesson will consist of me asking the student what he/she wants out of music and out of the specific discipline they have chosen. After that, I tailor the lessons to them and their learning speed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Beginners - intermediate have a healthy helping of both theory ( notes, scales, chords), technique ( physical drills), and creativity! Meaning, songwriting, listening, learning favorite songs.. improvisation! This of course varies from student to student, but whatever they are physically and mentally able to handle at the time, is what we will embark on -- nothing challenging enough to keep anyone away from their chosen instrument -- it's supposed to be fun - 'PLAY"ing music! Read More

Instruments: Drums

I've also found that some students have a knack for playing "by ear" and others by the book. Allowing those student to learn and explore "by ear" can provide winning results and allow then to progress faster over time. Others students learn better by understanding notion and sheet music. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students (when ready) are encouraged to enter competitions, auditions, make videos and more, so they feel good about their accomplishements and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I have a tried and true set of vocal building exercises (also known as "warmups") that I use with all of my students. These exercises help to strengthen students middle voices, extend their ranges, increase their agility, and increase their stamina. I combine these exercises with carefully assigned repertoire to promote growth and functional freedom. I love to have my students sing in many different genres because our voices are muscles, and I believe that they should be cross-trained so one can be as versatile and flexible as possible. Read More

Instruments: Flute

Flute Instructor at Tissimo Flute Instructor at The Modern Music Academy in NJ Private Flute Teacher I focus on both the musical and technical aspects of playing the flute. Proper breathing Sound production and the formation of embouchure/aperture and placement of flute on lips Introduction of long tones Understanding time signatures and basic note values Good hand position as well as good posture when standing or sitting Introduction of basic articulation (single tonguing, slurring, staccato, accent) Range: D1 to D3 (to G3 if able) Scales, thirds, and arpeggios in the major keys of C, F, G, Bb, D, Eb, A, one octave, memorized Chromatic Scale C2-C3 Consistent fingering of D2 and Eb2 with no left-hand first finger; use right-hand pinky consistently on all notes but D1 and 2 Read More