Music Lessons in Oakland, NJ

Instruments: Drums

We start with the basics like how to hold the drum sticks, how to read music, and how to start playing some simple basic beats. Then things become more tailored to the specific drumming needs. For example, if you are trying to learn the drums for a jazz ensemble, we can practice jazz songs together. On the other hand, if you are in a punk band we could start learning some covers and then I can teach you to write your own punk songs! Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginner level students I start out with learning how to strike the drum as well as simple coordination exercises and intro level drum beats. After the student can grasp basic exercises, I introduce learning how to read music which will lead to reading out of various drum set instructional as well as technique books. For more advanced students I work out of books focusing on furthering coordination and technique, widening the ability to play different styles, chart reading with play alongs, soloing as well as the students interests. Read More

Instruments: Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My teaching experience began when I was a student at the University for the Arts in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and has taken me all over the world, from schools and universities to music festivals and workshops. I've had the pleasure of teaching students from various age groups, backgrounds, and skill levels. One of the things that I've learned over the years is that teaching world percussion is not just about imparting knowledge; it's also about creating a sense of community and encouraging students to embrace and appreciate different cultures. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I've been teaching private lessons for over 12 years. I teach all ages, but my focus is elementary-aged kids. I think that, while proper technique and repertoire are important, it is essential that young beginners enjoy playing the piano. My job is to show my students that making music is fun! And this is my goal with my album for kids, everything in that was thought to go through the mostly important techniques but always having fun and making music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I am an intuitive teacher: I have learned how to observe my students, their moods, their energy levels, and adjust my lesson plan on the fly. For instance, one student has ADHD, which I manage by injecting exciting new rhythms for him to mimic when I see his attention wander. I then harness that renewed focus towards the original goal of the lesson, whether it’s learning a new time signature or a complex cross-rhythm. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For intermediate students, I incorporate short concertos such as Vivaldi, Bach, and Haydn. In addition, etudes and scale practice with arpeggios are the basis for technique improvement. Other teaching materials may include Carl Flesch scale system, Hřmal scales, evčk, Wohlfahrt, Kreutzer, and Vieuxtemps. My curriculum is individualized to each students ability and interest. The ultimate goal of my teaching philosophy is to help my students truly understand music in an artistic form. Read More