Music Lessons in Pluckemin, NJ

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

I am a multifaceted musician with busy career as a conductor, arranger, pianist, and teaching artist. I call myself an artrepreneur. I founded my own orchestra called Ensemble 212 in New York and we have received critical acclaim for our innovative programming of works by living composers, exciting interpretations of the standard repertoire, and my own arrangements and transcriptions. I have also guest conducted numerous ensembles in Europe and North America and my arrangements and transcriptions have been performed throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America by leading orchestras such as the Baltimore, Phoenix and Singapore Symphony Orchestras. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

One thing I love to implement early on is that your student shouldn't put themselves in a box. Many singers refer to themselves as "an opera singer" or "a belter" and I believe that all-singing styles benefit each other. There is a healthy way to explore all singing styles, and being fluent in those styles will make you more versatile throughout your whole life. For beginning singers, I would begin with the basics of music reading and simple melodies that would be recognizable to their ears. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I begin my Classical students with the Julian Sagreras guitar method book, then move into the Aaron Shearer Learning the Classic Guitar series. Once students have a firm grasp of the fundamentals, we begin on solo repertoire. For contemporary styles, I prefer to start complete beginners on the Hal Leonard guitar method books, and then I encourage them to seek out artists that they enjoy. In all of my lessons, students will analyze chord structures, sing and dictate melodies, and learn history about the guitar and general music. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I want to get a sense of why my student is interested in singing. Do they want to sing in a choir? Be the next pop star? Once I have an idea of what their goals are we start working with their voice and figuring out what styles work best for them. We always start off with warm-ups. They're a very important part of the singing process. They can also help students when they are on their own. Read More

Instruments: Flute

As I mentioned I use a similar method to my teachers, which includes ear training, practice on the instrument and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Nothing gives me more joy as a teacher than to have one of my students ask me a question. It sounds simple, but a student with questions is a student who wants to learn. I take this creativity and try to sculpt it into passion. I feel that a teachers job is to inspire, and point the student in the right direction of their goals, rather to be overbearing with a book and pencil. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Rather than academic performance, I want my students to love playing and feel personal satisfaction in the skills they have gained. Learning piano is a long-time investment so I try to encourage patience and perseverance. We set goals each week that help to motivate and keep track of the students progress. With younger students, the parents support is vital. Every week I make sure to keep them informed of what the student is working on so they can offer support and encouragement at home. Read More