Music Lessons in Winslow, NJ

Instruments: Piano

I keep a "Piano Homework Assignment" Word document for each student on my laptop which I can then email to you after your lesson is over for reference during the week.  A usual assignment would consist of a "Warm Up" section where we focus on hand position or scales or technique, a "Lesson Book" or "Repertoire" section where we work on new pieces or songs, a "Theory" section for written assignments, a "Fun" list for pieces we are done with but want to keep playing just for fun and then a number of special sections depending on student interest.  Special sections might be things like - improvisation, composition, playing by ear, recital or competition prep, exam prep, sight reading, ear training, etc.  I'm comfortable in few method series but I prefer Faber Piano Adventures for typical beginning children and The Music Tree for very young beginners.  I try to make sure each student has a piece they love every week. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For beginning students, I normally start with Alfred's Drum Method. This book works on the fundamentals of reading snare drum music and basic technique. Once the students grasps the basics on reading and playing with a metronome then we tend to move to Tommy Igoe's Groove Essentials (while still working on the Alfred's Method). After the student has began to play with the audio tracks and have succesfully gone through a few lessons from Groove Essentials then we begin to work on some solo repertoire and personal favorites as well. Read More

Instruments: Double Bass

Lessons, while involving discipline and work, should be fun! My teaching is a continuing dialogue with my students and (in the case of younger students) their parents. I adhere to a traditional technique and tailor my teaching to the individual student. Read More

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

I have published my own series of method books to cover a wide range student needs. In addition, I often create materials depending on the student's interests. For more formal styles, I will use traditional methods created by Hal Leonard, Mel Bay, Frederick Noad etc.. My philosophy of teaching is that lesson materials must match the students interests and ability. Methods and materials must be carefully chosen or created to move them to the next level of playing, without frustration or boredom. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I am sort of involuntarily retired from a 30+ year career as a Worship and Music Pastor in several churches in the Midwest and eastern United States. I began church work in 1976 and left my last position in 2010. I enjoyed the opportunities to perform in several local productions of Broadway shows as well as many church-related solos and ensembles. As a church musician I often found that no appropriate music existed for the group of instruments I had to work with. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For beginning students who are children, I have a range of beginner method books that I like to choose from. I pick the one that suits the childs' needs the best, based on how the first few lessons go. We will then progress through the books and introduce supplemental materials, such as solo repertoire and other extras, once the student shows positive progress. I base my methods around the students and their needs to ensure the lessons are engaging and beneficial. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

KINDERGARTEN ACADEMY, Mechanicsburg Area School District, Mechanicsburg, PA 2018 Student Teaching. General Music • Co-teach general music lessons to several groups of children. • Develop basic music skills using singing, movement and instruments. • Design effective lesson plans for co-teaching. PAXTONIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Central Dauphin School District, Harrisburg, PA LAWNTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Central Dauphin School District, Harrisburg, PA PHILLIPS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Central Dauphin School District, Harrisburg, PA CHAMBERS HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Central Dauphin School District, Harrisburg, PA 2017 Student teaching. Read More