Music Lessons in Somerdale, NJ

Instruments: Trumpet

For beginners I will typically start out of a book called Essential Elements. Once the students have a grasp of that book it is essential we get in to Arbans Conservatory Method for Trumpet. From there we can go in any direction the student wants. Be it Jazz or Classical. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching style is very transparent; I want my students to recognize what we are working towards and how close they realistically are to that goal. This way, the student and I are working together to achieve a greater understanding of their instrument! I love feeling like I'm helping a student gain an understanding of a topic, rather than simply dictating a list of rules to know. I myself have an appreciation for many different styles of music, so I do my best to help students understand stylistically what is appropriate, necessary, and customary about the repertoire they are performing. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I enjoy teaching private lessons and helping students discover their niche and their full potential. I graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree (magna cum laude). I've performed as lead/solo trumpet with the Blue Lake International Jazz Orchestra on their month-long tour of Europe in 2010. I have performed with the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra and many smaller ensembles. I'm currently pursuing my Master of Music in trumpet performance at Temple University and am studying with David Bilger, principal trumpet of The Philadelphia Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Lute Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

What I have found works best with semi-slow but significant results is the idea of 'planting seeds'. I describe this concept quite regularly with my students, and what I mean by it is that we will often talk about important musical ideas and simply make the student aware of what's happening. They may not totally understand it right away, but the seed is planted. We start off planting many seeds and sometimes the same seed multiple times. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

That is a luxury we have with the guitar, which is something that makes it different from almost every other instrument, and in my mind, just being a "chord player" is an acceptable goal for a certain type of student. Just to clarify, I would never say that reading is not important. It is very important to people like me, as a jazz player, and I take it very seriously, as do many of my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Students learn best at their own pace and in their own ways. Thats whats so great about private teaching. Private lessons afford the opportunity to customize to the students learning style, mood, abilities, and how much theyve practiced. Speaking of practicing, I believe that its my job to give students the skills and tools for their musical development in the most supportive environment and its the students job to meet me halfway. Read More