Music Lessons in Piscataway, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I have an open approach to teaching guitar, and encourage students to utilize knowledge obtained through my lessons in whatever context they prefer as opposed to gearing them towards a certain style of playing. Much of my own teaching was based in jazz, but I have managed to find myself utilizing much of what I was taught playing in a heavy, shoegazey rock band. The preferences of my students are important to me, and while setting goals for progress is important, it is important to me that students learn at their own pace and move forward on their own initiative. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music Keyboard

I always want to help my students understand the basics of music and universal principles that can apply to any music they are interested in learning. Whether it's jazz, pop, classical, blues, most styles of music share these principles in common and are best played when the musician can understand the underlying structures. Rather than having students memorize one piece that they'll forget as soon as they move onto the next, I want my students to have the skills to play any music they like any time by helping them develop their ear. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Djembe

Born in Bogot, Colombia, I started playing piano at an early age, but soon after I discovered my true passion for percussion instruments. After completing my studies at the Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Bogot, I won a scholarship to study music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. I graduated from Berklee with a dual degree, cum laude, in Contemporary Composition Production as well as Jazz Drumset Performance. Since coming to the Unites States, I have performed in major venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Apollo Theater in New York City; the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; and the Detroit Jazz Festival, among others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching in my college days, when I would help friends learn different instruments. My experience includes working at School of Rock Red Bank, where I taught guitar, drums and bass. I encourage my students to develop their own musical tastes and to learn music as a language. As a songwriter, I think that it is always a good idea for students of any level to pursue their own compositional goals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I've taught private lessons in the New York area for 15 years. Over years of touring internationally, I've been involved with running workshops on Eastern European music at festivals and cultural centers. And, while working on my master's degree at Queens College, I founded and directed the Queens College Balkan Music Ensemble, devising a curriculum for students that had no familiarity with Balkan music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

I don't have a singular method because every student is different. At the beginning of my lessons with a new student we will begin getting to know each other. Then we try different things. Some students are naturals at imitating what they hear, so we play to those strengths. Other students are more comfortable with structure and math, so we take that route instead. What I find most important is being flexible. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

On the basis of one's skill and prior experience, I will devise a plan starting with ideas of fundamental musical ideas (scales, arpeggios, key signatures, reading music) all the way to more advanced concepts of harmony and placement. Having the opportunity to hear a student's wishes will help me align myself with their goals and intentions musically which will inform my concepts. While there is an expectation that the student gives assistance in their difficulties to decide what is best for them, there also will be a thorough diagnosis of skills and weaknesses, for a better learning experience. Read More