Music Lessons in Packanack Lake, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Ukulele Euphonium Tuba

Simply put, I love music. I listen to music and make music and teach music in different styles, on different instruments, in different ways. I've recorded and performed on trombone, trumpet, bass, guitar, ukulele, tuba, and more. I've played with symphony orchestras in Carnegie Hall and with rock bands in Brooklyn basements. I've shared the stage withjazz greats Maynard Ferguson, Jimmie Lunceford, Conrad Herwig, "Blue" Lou Marini, and Jeff Coffin (Flecktones), androckers Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots), and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater). Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

In the commercial field, I haveplayed trumpet for entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Steve Lawrence Edi Gorme,Michel Legrand, Nancy Wilson, Lena Horne, Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis Jr, Diana Ross, The Spinners, TheTemptations, and others. My passion and practical experience in the music field make me well suited to guide students of all ages and help them to enjoy learning music at all levels and styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I usually use the Faber, Beyer, or Czerny depend on the student's level. I'd add Hanon, bach 2,3 part invention, Sonatina album, and the list can go on. For Jazz, all I need is manuscript paper and a Jazz Real Book (I'd hand out some exercise notes). For advanced students, I want them to listen to music a lot. Listening to music is very critical, it is just as important as practicing the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Organ Synthesizer Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Positive reinforcement is key. I never learned from the mean or the overly strict teachers. In fact those teachers pushed me in the opposite direction of wanting to pursue music professionally. By going at the pace that is comfortable to the student, and praising them at every hurdle they encounter, the progress made can be exponentially greater than if the student is rushed to prepare a piece of music they don't truly care for in the first place. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students of any age, I focus a lot on technique and building good habits. I will always use Stick Control by G.L. Stone, which has great material for a beginner drummer/percussionist. This is a stage where I will lightly introduce concepts of beat, tempo and rhythm, to help establish a musical vocabulary. Once I've determined that they have a good grasp of time and rhythm, I slowly begin to introduce rudiments and reinforce them lesson by lesson. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I do not limit my students to a predetermined method. I find, through my own experiences, that this is tedious as well as boring. There are many books I use, including Ted Reed's syncopation for all levels of students, but I focus most of my time with a student to finding out what inspires them to want to learn the drums, and go from there. With every student I start with the basics of technique. Read More