Piano Lessons in Deptford, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

As a student, I would dread the idea of a boring practice, therefore as a teacher, I do all I can to make lessons engaging and useful. I believe that music should be approached holistically and with an open mind rather than trying to force one method to work for everyone, so I strive to tailor my methods according to the needs of each of my students. With that in mind, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for young students, and our lessons will consist of playing from the book, as well as working on crucial skills like ear training and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

I am always listening and reacting to my students. I use a variety of methods in my teaching depending on what my students need most. Some students respond really well to demonstration and imagery, while others prefer a more directional approach in understanding the anatomy of the body and a technical understanding of what needs to be done, I strive to incorporate my lessons with theoretical and stylistic knowledge to help my students develop a self-aware ability to interpret pieces of all eras on their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson, while also gently pushing them to take their abilities to the next level when I see that they are ready to. In addition, acknowledging accomplishments help fuel students' desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

If a student isn't having fun learning the instrument then I am doing something wrong! Learning should be fun and a joy not a chore. I try to encourage the students to practice without being told to do so. With that comes a joy of doing it on your own and for themselves not for anyone else. Lessons in my studio are to compliment each students experiences and desires. Since teaching piano from my early college days until now, I find that students have many more interests than just music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I began teaching my sophomore year of college teaching a beginner class aimed at teaching 5-8 year olds the foundations of music in a fun and interesting way. Soon after, I started teaching private piano and voice lessons to students age 8-18 as well as directing performance program shows. I have found that letting students pick their own material to work on helps keep them motivated and interested. Teaching music through song instead of teaching music and then song helps students connect the dots as well as making it more fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Acoustic Guitar

For my beginning piano students, I emphasize the twelve major and minor scales with proper fingering, first one octave and then two octaves. These exercises strengthens fingers and create more familiarity with the keyboard. I use the book, Level 1 The Older Beginner Piano Course by James Bastien and the companion book, Musicianship for the Older Beginner. I have seen results when these books are used in tandem. The student increases in technique and start to master music theory simultaneously. Read More