Music Lessons in Ridgewood Bogota, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice

My mother influenced my life as a musician. In 1969 she encouraged me to audition for the Newark Boys Chorus. I auditioned. I was accepted and sang in choir-school for three years, singing music from Renaissance to R&B. In 1980 I received a BM and MMT from Oberlin Conservatory. At Oberlin I met three great teachers who encouraged me to sing professionally. I pursued the career! Performance highlights are: The Metropolitan Opera, The Met Museum, The Wigmore Hall and The NY Philharmonic. Read More

Instruments: Drums

One of the most important things that I strive for is seeing a student enjoy themselves and discover a passion for music like I did. This is why I make sure my students are having fun and learning at their own pace. I will guide my students to set realistic goals that they can achieve by our next lesson time, and push them to express their own creativity and interests in their playing. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone

I love teaching music and working with students. I started playing saxophone in the fourth grade and had a passion for music. While at the University of Delaware, I played with the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensembles, and Marching Band. I also created my own jazz combo called "Tree". I had the opportunity to play with jazz legends, such as Buster Williams, Todd Groves, Larry McKenna, Dave Schiff, and Matt Harris. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I grew up in Gillette Wyoming playing Euphonium and Trombone, also achieving 4 years in the all state band. From there, I went to the University of North Texas, and my world grew so much larger. As the largest Euphonium studio in the world, I was blown out of the water at the ability level of the players around me. I achieved both a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Euphonium performance. Read More

Instruments: Cello

Moreover, apply what they have learned and perform in front of audiences will help them building confidence. Respectability is also a vital aspect of teaching. A student must be allowed to explore his or her own imagination with the guidance of the teacher. This means a teacher cannot dictate, but a guide. I would never order students to do exactly what I tell them to do. For example, students could come up with their own fingerings, bowings, or musical ideas which enables their critical thinking. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Each student is different and that is the greatest part of this job. I always respect the student's opinion and choices. I am here to help and support so when it comes to new students, a good discussion with them is a small start to learn more about each other and what they want to get out of their lessons. Do not forget that this is YOUR lesson and I am here to support your goals by teaching you the tools. Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Keyboard

For younger children I typically begin with the Alfred Piano Lessons series as I find the songs very accessible, catchy, and the format of the book to be engagaing for kids. The series is also very suited to a complete beginner in its introduction of new concepts and will have the child already playing songs by the end of the first lesson. For older students I will skip over easy material in an effort to simply fill in the gaps of what they already know or can learn quickly and focus on moving them more into music they are interested in playing. Read More