Piano Lessons in Harrisonville, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners on string instruments , I start with teaching them the major scale in the key of G, and then progressing to beginner songs. After a few songs are mastered, I ask each student to propose a song theyd like to learn based on their individual taste. For percussion, I focus on fundamentals such as proper sticking techniques and rudiments. Then I begin teaching them how to use the kit properly, as we work into basic rhythm, eventually progressing into learning songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Organ Double Bass Keyboard

I am also the creator of a unique method called "The Seven Secrets of Jazz and Soul" which emphasizes the importance of using simple/easy-to-understand language, even when teaching the most difficult of concepts. I also believe in the importance of "coaching" as opposed to lecturing and try to minimize reading, writing and one-sided lecturing during the lesson. Instead, I sit next to my students, and calmly guide them through the creative process. Read More

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

Performances with Celine Dion, Gary Burton, Tower of Power, John Swana, Wayne Naus, and many more in venues across the country, including Nashville, Las Vegas, New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia. -Over a dozen Broadway musical theater productions including Rent, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Last Five Years Teaching students guitar, piano, bass, voice, ukulele, banjo, and mandolin lessons in a private studio setting. Responsibilities include preparing individualized lesson plans, designing curriculums consisting of original material and published compilations, and recital preparation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

I encourage the student to perform their music once it has been learned, either in a student recital, or simply for their parents, friends, even pets! Performance is the best way to ensure that the music will stay with the student for quite a while. Teaching has been perhaps the most important part of my life. It is certainly what I spend most of my time with and I truly love it. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I've loved piano playing and performance since I attended a piano recital in college. I love to practice, and have developed methods to make practice more efficient and fun. I encourage students to attend recitals and performances whenever possible, since this can provide motivation and familiarity with the piano literature. I encourage students to choose the music they want to play, and don't impose my preferences on them, though classical literature and basic harmonic theory are important.    I've performed numerous times, mostly in informal situations such as church, parties, rest homes, and hotels. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

For young beginning piano students, I typically start with John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano: The First Grade Book and move up throughout the series from there. For young beginning voice students, I start with lessons on proper breath support, sight-singing, intonation exercises, and warm-ups to shape their voice. For both my piano and voice students, I establish a strong, classical foundation that is built on fundamentals to get their instrument working properly and then branch out to other genres from there. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

When I took piano lessons, my teacher simultaneously taught John Thompson, John Schaum, and Alfred's Basic piano courses, which was a bit overwhelming! For children in particular, I believe that John Thompson does the most effective job of working from the fundamentals up to the classics. That said, private lessons are very personal, and I'm happy to work with any student to find the repertoire that is most engaging to them. Read More