Music Lessons in Long Branch, NJ

Instruments: Piano

Both, Music performance and music education have always been my passion. I began to teach piano at the young age of 19 years old at the Alejandro Garcia Caturla Conservatory of Music in Havana, Cuba. Attending Master Clases and Concerts helped me achieve a maturity level of teaching piano throughout my years in Cuba, Poland and The United States. I encourage anyone who feels a desire to learn piano to follow their heart and go for it no matter their age. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I believe every student needs a comfortable, fun and non-judgmental environment to thrive. My main goal is to help them achieve their goals (passing exams, getting a scholarship, joining an orchestra, performing at school, playing their favorite pop songs at home, etc) and to enjoy the journey. I am easy-going and understanding but I expect all my students to practise from one lesson to the next and I always set clear and realistic goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For piano beginners, I generally start with the Faber method books, but I always supplement with other books or pieces that are tailored to the students abilities and interests. There will be short pieces to practice at home which can be mastered in a week or two, and frequently there will be longer challenge pieces that will be worked on for several weeks with the goal of giving the student a piece they will enjoy playing for themselves or for friends and family. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been teaching people music since I was in college. I have experience teaching little kids as well as older adults. I like to give my students a combination of music fundamentals that I think will help them, as well as putting some focus on music that interests them. The key is to make sure the student is enjoying themselves. I have also put lesson videos on YouTube that include various advanced topics about things that I am passionate about, and I have received pleasant feedback on the content. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching experience dates back over twenty years where I started teaching students privately and then on to Dun Levy Milbank where I had a formal class. Encouraging regular practice, confidence while performaning and learning the clinical aspects of singing are the key points that I emphasize as a vocal coach. I also do various fun but thought provoking games to make it interesting to the student to motivate them to practice and to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Notable venues include: Alameda Jazz Festival, Ashevilles Bele Chere Festival, Birdland, 55 Bar, Greatest Bar on Earth, Knitting Factory, Marin County Jazz Festival, Meadowlands, Mercury Lounge, Metronome, Ortliebs Jazz Haus, Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, and many others. Founder and manager of original bands:Craig Graham Band, Creatrix and Rural Free Delivery, and others. Nationwide orchestra, classical ensemble, show band and musical theater experience. Teaching Experience- American Institute of Guitar, New York, 1999 to 2009 Professional Music Center, New Jersey, 1994 to 1999, Guitar Activity Center, California, 1989 to 1991, Kauai Music Studio, Hawaii, 1988 to 1989 Music Unlimited, Massachusetts, 1986 to 1988. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Keyboard

I use a variety of method books--Bastien, Hal Leonard, John Thompson, and Faber are all favorites of mine for piano. For strings, I stand by the Suzuki method and String Builder series. All lessons are supplemented with sheet music that I print out myself for free on imslp.org, so you get that free of charge! Young children (Ages 0-7), if they are mature enough to sit through a short lesson, learn mostly through play. Read More