Music Lessons in Wood Ridge Garfield, NJ

Instruments: Piano

I use a combination of established teaching methods, such as Alfred, Bastien, Hanon and Hal Leonard, as well as my own methods, which I've developed over the years. I also effectively utilize technology, such as Finale notation software to create special arrangements of songs for my students, YouTube videos for audio/visual support, and iPads. I have cultivated a warm demeanor and good sense of humor, which has helped my students remain engaged and in anticipation of the next lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I started teaching music in college through my babysitting network. When the mothers and fathers of the children I cared for found out that I played piano and woodwinds, many of them asked if I would also give their kids private lessons. Having a knack with kids and with music, my music teaching practice quickly blossomed in that small town. I have found that while it's important to keep kids sharp in their ability to read music on the page, it is at least as important to engage their creativity off the page. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

For beginning students, I use Faber and Faber's Piano Adventures, which offers a variety of supplemental material to encourage a variety of styles. As a musician who values both classical music and improvisation, I teach my students how to use chord sheets very soon after they begin to read music. As their skills increase, so will the variety of music I introduce based on their interest. Since I quit piano at one point around age 10, I empathize with struggling students and try to make music as fun and accessible as possible to help them truly grow a lifelong love of music! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

I believe you already on your journey to who you want to be, so it is just a privilege to help and watch you get there. I am big on encouragement as well as introspection, so that when I'm not around, you know the questions to ask to work through any challenges you may be experience. Getting you out of your comfort zone is also a focus of mine. A lot of people are closer to their goals than they think, if they would just try. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I have recently again started playing after many years. I have played in a the pit band at the Count Basie Theater for Jesus Christ Superstar, and Into the Woods for a Wagner College and Brookdale Community College productions. I have been sitting in on local jam sessions with very favorable feedback. I played at a performance at Brookdale Community College with a group, Hot Air. Enjoyment, hearing pitch and rhythm by vocalizing, and developing a register appropriate and flexible embrochure, and using harmonics to tone match are some of the techniques and strategies I would emphasize for flute specific instruction. Read More