Piano Lessons in Lawnside, 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 Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

I usually start my beginning piano students who are children, in Alfred's Basic Piano Library, Lesson Book 1A. After a few months, I begin adding solo repertoire that is appropriate for age and ability. For middle school age students and adults, I start with Alfred's Basic Piano, Adult, Level 1. I also like to find out the student's individual interest and find repertoire that they are interested in learning and that are aligned with their current skills. 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

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

I describe my teaching style as casual in that I tend to encourage creativity along with traditional classical music teaching. Also, I avoid repetitive drill and favor teaching derivation such as intervals as the basis of all scales and chords instead of memorizing scales. I integrate chords and chard variations as appropriate with the execution of a song. To emphasize the fun part of the lesson, which is song, the student participates in the song selections as well as the type of music which is taught. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar

I first began teaching music in 2006 as the trumpet instructor at Silver Creek Central School where I directed trumpet master classes for high school students.I later took on various private students teaching trumpet, guitar, electric bass, improvisation, and arrangement composition.While earning my Master of Music at the University of the Arts, I served as the trumpet department intern and was responsible for teaching private trumpet lessons, preparing transcriptions for class materials and live performances, and proctoring music theory exams.Also at UArts, I was a teaching assistant for the Freshman Jazz Improvisation class for which I conducted sectionals, administered exams, and offered critiques regarding inventiveness of improvisations. 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