Music Lessons in Mount Royal, NJ

Instruments: Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

As percussion does not consist of one instrument but of hundreds, methodology changes depending on which we are discussing. for anything requiring drum sticks (snare drum, bass drum, timbales, drumset), the fundamentals and rudiments come first. After all, you don't put someone on a motorcycle if they cannot first ride a tricycle. Rudiments are every bit as important on Drumset as they are just playing snare. They give you the skills to move fluidly around the drumset. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

My teaching style is relaxed and focused on having fun with music. I have had many teachers who have been very influential in my life and teaching philosophy. My biggest goal is for the student to make beautiful music they like to make, and I believe that enjoying the music is the best way to make that happen. This is because I think practice is often over complicated, in my mind the best way to become a good musician is to spend as much time as possible playing the instrument, and a relaxed and fun approach is the best way to get a student playing all day. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I have been playing in original and cover bands for 30 years and I currently perform as a guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist in a cover band that I founded in 1999. My band has appeared on VH-1 and we have had the opportunity to play up and down the East Coast. As a volunteer, I perform as an acoustic guitarist in a church music group every Sunday. I have been a part-time instructor at a local music store for 13 years and I am looking to sign on more students than they are able to provide. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Euphonium

For beginning students, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements as well as my own individual exercises written specifically for each student's needs as they develop. After they have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire and etudes for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in as well as where they are at in their musical development and proceed accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginners, I generally start with Suzuki, Hal Leonard's Essentiel Elements or Grant's Fundamentals of Violoncello Technique. For intermediate levels, I work on solo reperory of my student's preference/my suggestion. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I believe a strong working knowledge of rudiments is fundamental to establishing good hand technique. I create arrangements combining rudiments to promote memorization and musicality. In addition, I teach four way coordination exercises, to develop bass drum consistency and promote general coordination skills. Students will also be introduced to different types of drum fills that progress into more challenging combinations using both hands and feet. Once a basic foundation in technique is established the student will be introduced to new music styles using pre-recorded play along tracks. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

My teaching experience began in 1980 while still in high school teaching private lessons. Since then Ive taught at Westminster Choir College, Rutgers University, NJ State and County Teen Arts Programs as well as private and group lessons in my own studio. My casual approach allows students the relaxation and freedom necessary to learn at their own pace. With a strong focus on fundamentals and using those fundamentals as building blocks, my goal is to help students become musical and creative and find their own unique voice on their instrument. Read More