Piano Lessons in Upper Saddle River, NJ

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

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with simple chords and teach them a few fun songs. If the student is interested in learning how to read music, I will use Hal Leonard's 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 if they are interested in performing live. For adults, I like to find out what they are most interested in, whether it is a specific genre, (jazz/classical) or if they are more interested in learning songs (classic rock/pop/etc.) or songwriting. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I like to maintain a nice, light-hearted environment during lessons. Students should alwaysenjoy singing, afterall. My promise to each student is twofold: to make you the very best singer you can be. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

I always tailor my lessons to the needs of the student. Sometimes students just want to get into learning specific songs, while others are interested in theory. Also, there is a massive backlash against the pharmaceutical industry for over-prescribing drugs for things like ADHD. Instead, doctors are now recommending music lessons to burn off that excess energy a child may have. Also, a teacher has to be able to have the social skills to 'read' a student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard

After teaching for 12 years I don't have a fixed method. I have categories of students, from children who are trying to function in a band setting, to children who are trying to develop a musical or compositional talent. I take particular joy in teaching adults who believe it is too late to achieve levels of technical proficiency that would make them proud. My journey from classical music to jazz through pop, swing, rock, soul and folk has taught me how to blend in with any style, and my classical education has given me the necessary toolbox to communicate about advanced theoretical concepts with students who are interested. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

My teaching includes all aspects of music; Musical theory, sight singing, as well as Music History. My teaching style allows the child to have fun while they learn their instrument, but I emphasize a strong practice regiment. Your child will understand that while learning music and an instrument can be fun, there will be some work involved if they want to become great. I usually use either the Alfred or Rubank method books to supplement a curriculum that I tailor make for each individual student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium

Every student is different so I never take a cookie cutter approach in my lessons. I will address every issue or question each individual student has. I like to figure out what inspires my students and use that to cater their lesson to them. If one of my students really like movie theme music we will learn those songs. If one of my students doesn't like playing classical music we will work on jazz, funk, and rock! Read More

Instruments: Piano

Music has been part of my life from a yound age. I started playing piano when I was five. At age nine I entered St. Thomas Choir School, a boarding choir school in midtown Manhattan. At age fourteen I started studying music theory and composition with a local kappelmeister. In university I continued to study classical theory at Syracuse University and then Jazz Theory at Hampshire College. I moved to the West coast and played iin the big band jazz ensembles at San Francisco State University which is where I eventually got my degree in Music Ed. Read More