Music Lessons in Newark, NJ

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin Music Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 15 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 10 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience dates bak to my middle school/highschool days, as I began teaching friends how to accomplish that one part of the song they just could not work out. This lead me into teaching private lessons part time 10 years ago and have been consistently teaching students in my professional studio for the last 5 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule and understanding that drumming is journey and no one is better than anyone else, is of the the key points I like to emphasize for younger students as it tends to help the student progress and gain confidence with the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Students have successfully achieved the results they desire. My passion, extensive experience, personal connection, and my detailed approach to teaching provides proper methods for advancement. "Whether performing their original songs or beautifully interpreting songs from any generation or nation, Ray G. Commonwealth posses a rich musical tapestry that seamlessly stretches from Miles to Mavis (Staples), Memphis to the Middle-East, New York to Nashville to New Orleans beyond. Rhythm melody are the key to this groups danceable dynamic! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching guitar and music since 1997 while I was midway through my Bachelor's Degree program at William Paterson University. I have consistently taught all ages from 7 up through 70, as well as all abilities from absolute beginners and hobbyists, to advanced and even professional musicians and TV/Film actors. I first began teaching private lessons in the New Jersey and New York City metropolitan area at both my personal recording studio and other establishments for 11 years, and then since 2008, I have been teaching in Los Angeles at both my personal recording studio and other establishments as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe a lot in a "democratic classroom". This applies to public school teaching as well as private teaching. I always ask for the students input, opinions on rep, and am always asking them questions to get to know their personalities and other interests. With a beginner student, I would take the time to understand their long-term goals, why they're taking private lessons, and what they hope to get out of them. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I always begin with an interview to get a feel for the student’s level and interest. I start out with basics; musical alphabet, finding keys in the piano, finger numbers, listening. The method books I prefer are the Music Tree series, the Schaum series, Bastien notecards and i have recently began looking into Piano Pronto. I like to keep my lessons instructional and fun so I welcome any books or sheet music the student would like to work on. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

While some teachers may be very strict or hard on their students, I try to take a more inviting approach. I like to cultivate an atmosphere of openness and encouragement, but I do also believe it is important to maintain focus and make sure students are practicing sufficiently. I believe that at least a basic understand of music theory is important for learning any instrument, so from time to time we will discuss theory in relation to the bass. Read More