Piano Lessons in Roselle, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Bassoon

I like my lessons to be fun! I like to start my lesson with a "music swap": we each play one minute of a song that we found that week from youtube or spotify and take 30-60 seconds to say why we found it interesting or inspiring (it can be any genre). We then aim to discuss and practice a new technical skill and use exercises to develop it, we work on a song from the method series or a song that the student wants to work on (I often transpose pop/rock songs for my students), and then rhythm training, ear training, and music theory concepts are interspersed throughout. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My music pedagogy is influenced by Zoltan Kodaly, mile Jaques-Dalcroze, Edwin Gordon, and Carl Orff. For teaching violin, while I employ elements of the Suzuki Method, Strictly Strings, and Metodo Nicolo Violin to instill discipline and establish ,precision, I set up a lively, interdisciplinary, and creative environment by incorporating calisthenics, games, dancing, singing, and storytelling to encourage versatility and innovation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass

I'm a driven musician and educator who strives to use my gift to make a positive difference in the lives of my listeners and students. I studied (undergrad and graduate respectively) at Howard University and Temple University, two wonderful urban campuses. I have been blessed to spend years cultivating my style and technique in the authentic music scenes of these cities. I have had the opportunity to perform in venues including Blues Alley, Chris's Jazz Cafe, South Kitchen and Jazz Parlor, The Kennedy Center, and The McCarter Theatre with artists such as Tim Warfield, Warren Wolf, Chucho Valdes, Akua Allrich, Braxton Cook, Khary Abdul Shaheed among others. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Alfred piano series books( lesson, solo, theory and technic book) and Elementary method trumpet book, Essential elements.Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

For all students I stress fluent music reading and a natural stress-free technique. For the early stages I have had good results with Faber's Piano Adventure series, finding that these progress at a reasonable pace and build reading skills logically. For technique I like FJH Music's Accelerando series. These short exercises have a big impact on the student's technique and reading, and bring maximum results in a short time. I also like to assign keyboard harmony drills of my own invention which help the student understand how chords are built and how they are linked within each key. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I have been teaching consistently since the summer of 2013, working with students of all ages and ability. Although I specialize in violin performance and pedagogy, I have also spent a significant amount of time teaching piano, music theory, and harmony. I believe that consistent practice, alongside warm encouragement and motivation is the key to any kind of success when teaching music. Over the years, I have learned that teaching violin and music does not have to be done solely on the instrument, and I like to spend time developing a strong sense of harmony and rhythm by playing small practice games throughout a lesson- especially with children. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For young beginners, I prefer to use Alfred, piano adventure and Bastien method book. I also use piano tree to teach young kids as well. Once my students finish the fundamental study I will begin to introduce classical pieces and all other genres as well. Also I will provide two recitals every year to give students an opportunity to perform in front of their family and friends. For adults beginners, I prefer to use Alfred for adult all in one. Read More