Piano Lessons in Ridgefield, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

For Beginner students I have them start with the recorder. The instrument allows for a smooth segue to the flute being that the student can see their fingers and the recorder does not require the same air speed and lung capacity that the flute does so the student can pace themselves. For intermediate or advanced students I will go through orchestral excerpts, etudes, or technical studies with them. I follow the same model with my adult students, if they are just starting out I will recommend beginning on recorder to solidify fingerings however the mental and physical capacity of an adult versus a young child are very different. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I expect my students to set aside some time to practice their pieces with regularity and focus. Having a goal makes the daily practice more meaningful. The goal may be a recital or a small performance for close friends or a relative. It may also be the desire to learn a program of pieces by a stated time, or the desire to reach a particular level of proficiency. I see performance as act of musical creation and also as a meditative process. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Finding what makes a student glow, sing, or dance is the key to my teaching. Nothing beats the joy of being able to perform a beloved piece in a relaxed way, knowing that you can make the hearts of your audience surge with excitement, to become serene, to soar inside. Music is magic and healing. That's why the story of Orpheus continues to inspire us. When I practice, the voices of my own teachers resonate inside me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Ukulele

I can also teach people to sing and play piano at the same time. My teaching philosophy is to take away negative self-talk like "I can't" or "I'm bad at this" and replace this with "this is uncomfortable right now, and together we'll make it comfortable". So many times people get hung up on what seems like an unsolvable issue, and the resolution can be as simple as fixing a vowel. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

Sharing the joy of making music has been a passion of mine since my undergraduate days. I've been lucky enough to have had some of the most fulfilling students along my journey since then. I enjoy beginning students and their progression and growth and have seen some of my younger students granted music scholarships and even music degrees along the way. I've also had the pleasure of working with some of the finest adult beginners since living here in New York. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

As mentioned in my methods, I customize my lesson plans based on my students goals and needs as a musician. I try to balance out the importance of theory and understanding music notation with having fun and working on songs or techniques that the students particularly desires to play. I take the time to ensure that the student thoroughly understands concepts and songs before moving on. Though I also will take breaks to try something new to keep the student actively engaged. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

For all of my students, regardless of level, playing together in lessons is a big part of my teaching method. Playing together in lessons fosters intonation, musical commutation skills and sound blending. For beginning students, I work a lot on sound production and tonguing through progressive etudes and duets. I incorporate performance environments early into my curriculum. For older students, I explore fundamentals through advanced etudes and work on solo repertoire, chamber music and orchestral excerpts. Read More