Music Lessons in Union, NJ

Instruments: Voice

For those students (both children and adults) who are just beginning lessons, we will focus on the development of basic technique. This is centered around breathing, posture, and basic musicianship. We will spend time working on basic notes, rhythms, and ear-training in addition to vocalizing and learning songs to help develop and reinforce what we learn in our exercises. For those with a bit of experience I like to spend our first lesson getting acquainted and determining what your goals are for our lessons. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I approach each student individually, working with strengths and addressing weaknesses in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Individual musical interests (such as jazz, pop, classical, or rock genres) are incorporated into each lesson, helping to streamline and facilitate the learning process. Lessons focus on:Beginning students learn to make music from the first lesson starting with simplesongs, and eventually withme joining in playing duets at each lesson. Tone production Finger technique Music notation Rhythm Sight reading Playing by ear Phrasing and interpretation Improvisation At each lesson we work with short term goals, leading to long term improvement. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I am a mentor-style teacher. I love to see my students develop their love for music at their own pace, and I will do whatever it takes to help them achieve their goals. I feel that the music teacher/student relationship is something that can transcend music, and so I can be counted on for trustworthiness, reliability, punctuality, and honest encouragement. I also feel that it is critical that the music teacher themselves be a performing musician, and so I try to remain active with various performance projects involving piano and chamber music; this experience helps to benefit the student as well. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I draw attention to the importance of listening and help the student identify what to listen for. There is nothing more frustrating than practicing a particular fill 1000 times, only to later realize you've been practicing it incorrectly. This is very common among drummers young and old, but is easily dealt with by simply cultivating a sense of listening and apt imitation. However, I do not endorse perfectionism as a means of effective learning either, and I also will remind the student of the fact that sometimes when you're jamming,even if what what you're playing is not perfect, it's "good enough for rock and roll." This is part of the attitude of rock and roll that I feel is conducive to better, faster learning: a willingness to make mistakes, acknowledge them, learn from them, and move on. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have taught children and adults. I especially delight in helping beginners discover the beauties of music, the keyboard instruments and their classical repertoire, and the basics of music notation. Some of my students have been music majors who went on to become music professionals. Others have been non majors who wanted to learn music in order to expand their cultural horizons, experience the discipline and pleasures of performing an instrument and to learn to perform the pieces they always wanted to play. Read More