Music Lessons in Upper Montclair, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I have a deep passion for the convergence of theory and performance, because I believe that understanding the theoretical reasons behind musical decisions opens up vast realms of experimentation and creativity. Consequently, my teaching style revolves around the marriage of music theory and performance, so that my students can learn how to build on the foundation that has been laid by the musicians who have come before us. I believe that it is the educator's duty to tailor his or her teaching to the unique learning style and needs of each student. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music

I teach in all styles. I believe technology is a big part of today's music industry and needs to be taught.  Every student has a different intention for studying an instrument. It's important to understand his or hers intention. My best teacher was the hardest on me and gave me the best results. I’m very fun, but also know when to push people to do things they never thought they would be able to do. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For very young beginning students, I usually start with Shirley Givens' Adventures in Violinland. After some time, I like to switch to the Suzuki books to encourage training their ears. Each student is very different, and I cater and switch method books based on each student's individual need. For all ages, I encourage them to listen to violinists they enjoy on YouTube, and choose pieces they want to learn. Even if what they choose is a challenge, I believe they will be more inspired to work hard to learn the piece if they chose it. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience dates back to high school where I taught the younger siblings of my friends starting at age 15. When I went to college, I tutored freshman and sophomore piano majors to prepare them for jury (College competition evaluation at the end of sophomore year to determine if that student can continue in the music program). I continued to teach for the next 5 years until personal issues prevented me from dedicating the time required. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

For voice, I focus on proper understanding of the body and its role in singing. I combine this with a breakdown of individual skills followed by performance practice. The combination of the 2 allows there to be an understanding of the correct technique and an immediate opportunity for application. This is accompanied with homework in the form of exercises and books.For violin and piano, it is a similar process. I create and customize lesson plans for each of my students to that it is relevant to their goals and needs. Read More

Instruments: Voice

In the summer of 2009, after my freshman year of college, started what would become an annual "pop-up" voice studio of 20-30 local students in my hometown who would take weekly lessons for the duration of the summer. Long before graduation, I saw this opportunity as a one to build teaching skills, test my own knowledge, and further instill a love for music and the voice into kids from my home community. Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Music Keyboard

Maybe how you play video games can teach you something about how to practice at the piano, maybe your favorite sport can teach you something about performance anxiety, or maybe something as simple as opening a door can show you something about trill technique. After all, music is made by people, not purpose-made automatons. With this in mind, all my courses emphasize not only a comprehensive view of music, its history, and its philosophies, but also a high degree of self-reflection through which one can learn to overcome any challenges set before them. Read More