Music Lessons in South River, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For younger students and all of my students who want to learn how to read music I start with the Mel Bay Guitar Method Vol. 1. As we progress through that I usually start giving out more reading that is complimentary to the direction that the student is going in. However, I know there are several guitar students who don't necessarily want to learn how to read music which I am fine with teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

My teaching style is to identify what area a student needs help in and to remediate the problem by creating supplemental materials. Showing students what to practice and how to practice are key elements. My methods are geared to improve tone production, articulation, phrasing and musicality. I strongly recommend that students select classical music to practice. I heavily emphasize the playing of scales and arpeggios. The composers that are the best to study include Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann and Brahms. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums

However, that's an intimidating road to stare down, when you're at the start! But the journey of learning music is all part of the fun. To help make this more palatable, I like to get to know the student a bit more, to understand what it is that they enjoy listening to, and why they like it. By incorporating material that they enjoy, and by keeping the environment of the lesson fun, safe, and comfortable, it's easy to give people the tools they need to really enjoy playing their instrument to their fullest potential. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My style is very interactive in not teaching the students, but demonstrating what are the proper ways to approach different praticing techniques and repertoire selections. With my vocal lessons I have students do proper warm-up techniques and various scales before we begin working on vocal selections.  Afterwards I use repetition with the repertoire in order to help the students with skills that are needed to perform any particular piece including intonation, diction, and breathing. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I've had numerous students over the years, and at every lesson try to leave the student with a clear path to follow that is not too demanding, while still leading on to new levels of development. Many techniques I use are self-learned from trial and error.  I've done the work for the student.  This enables the student to make the most progress with limited practice time. I show my students how to practice, and also encourage them to explore the music they love. 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: Guitar Violin Fiddle Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a determined instructor in violin, guitar and composing and I love to write music as well as teach students to write. I believe firmly in positive reinforcement and a gentle approach. As a violinist I have played with the Hoff Barthelson Festival Orchestra and have played in venues such as a Purchase College Theatre and Carnegie Hall. As a singer songwriter and producer I have played at Bitter End, Sidewalk Cafe etc. Read More