Piano Lessons in Totowa, NJ

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

Over the course of many years, I've developed a method for beginning piano and woodwind students which yields excellent results. For the first series of lessons, I want the student to become comfortable in understanding the keyboard or the wind instrument, avoiding the secondary interface of sight reading. There are about twenty short, simple, basic songs I have the student master. At this point, not only are we working on understand the harmonic and melodic "hardware" of the keyboard or horn, but we are developing proper technique in terms of hand position, posture and sound as well as a natural rhythmic feel. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I always teach my students about proper style and technique and help them understand music better. Whether they want to play piano just because of their interest or because they want to be a concert pianist in the future, I would always teach my students in the most suitable method and work on their potential. I have a master's degree in Piano performance and pedagogy and a bachelor's degree in music education. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

In addition to partimento, I use other traditional methods. For beginner students who are children, I typically start with the James Bastien method. I like this method because it combines reading and playing the piano from the very beginning in a well-structured progression. Then it introduces important new concepts with fun (if charmingly old-fashioned) songs designed for teaching. As the student progresses, I like to use Hanon exercises for developing finger strength, and classical repertory for use in performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

Aside from being an active opera singer and performer I have had the privilege of being a teacher since I was 17 years old. I started teaching private voice students, choir classes, piano and Music theory. I enjoy helping my students explore all music genres including classical, folk, pop, jazz, rock and RB. I believe that music is capable of changing lives, teaches discipline, and gives light to the life of any person that experiences it. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Rather than academic performance, I want my students to love playing and feel personal satisfaction in the skills they have gained. Learning piano is a long-time investment so I try to encourage patience and perseverance. We set goals each week that help to motivate and keep track of the students progress. With younger students, the parents support is vital. Every week I make sure to keep them informed of what the student is working on so they can offer support and encouragement at home. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar Recorder Double Bass Keyboard

My primary goal with all of my students is to help them make great music that is true to themselves. I also try to stick with a sound-before-symbol approach to learning music. What this means for my teaching is a focus on training both the ears and technique. I always prefer a more personalized approach to teaching, working with students to find repertoire that speaks to them and improves their musicality and technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I believe in acquiring a global understanding through a multiplicity of styles. Jazz and classical are my points of departure and then I incorporate different material as you develop your skills. I have several method books that I use including "Mastering Piano Technique", "Manual of Scales and Arpeggios", "The Jazz Theory Book" and "Harmony and Theory" by Keith Wyatt to name a few. For vocalists, I develop your sound to a point where we can do a full basic assessment of skills that we can build off of so we have a clear direction of where we are going. Read More