Voice Lessons New Jersey

Instruments: Piano, Voice

For students of voice, my curriculum will adjust depending on the needs of the student, be it pitch, rhythm, breath, etc.  I use many different vocal exercises and songs to help with whatever the student needs to work on.  For piano, I like to use the Faber books.  I  believe these have a good balance of technique and repertoire so the student does not get bored just playing scales, and hopefully maintains or strenghtens their interest in the instrument.

Instruments: Guitar, Voice, Acoustic Guitar

I have had over 20 years of teaching experience in voice and guitar. In addition to my private teaching practice, I've taught at The Little Red School House in Manhattan as well as the Groove Academy in Edison, NJ. Although I have had the opportunity to teach to classes in the past, I much prefer one on one teaching. I feel that the student gains so much more by individualized lessons and can improve so much more quickly. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my students easily sing or play something that they initially felt was impossible for them to do!

Instruments: Guitar, Voice

Establishing what they know already so our time spent together is more efficient. Then we discuss the student's goals and I create a custom gameplan for them to achieve it as quickly as possible. Connecting with a student on a personal level and be open to guiding you, rather than forcing you, into a curriculum. Look for other intagible benefits too, like being able to record your lessons to track and even making demos of your songwriting. My favorite part about teaching is becoming a mentor for aspiring musicians and helping them achieve their musical goals. Having FUN making music!

Instruments: Guitar, Voice

Teaching Methods: With the small devotion of 30 minutes a day to your practicing, I can make a novice player become a good guitarist, and a good guitarist into a great player. For beginning pre-teen students, I most often begin with the Alfred Auberge method.  For those who can already read music or have played another instrument, the Mel Bay method is a good start.  For adults, I often use the Frederick Noad books Segovia Diatonic scales and Giuliani arpeggios. For intermediate and advanced students, I often use the period-based methods of Frederick Noad while introducing the larger works in the guitar repertoire.

Teaching Styles: I first taught guitar at the unlikely age of ten. To my surprise, my first student became very proficient very quickly and still plays today. The idea that anyone has the potential to do something well really sold me on teaching. There are standard ways to learn this instrument, but when a reliable method falls short, it's up to a qualified teacher to get their students to achieve their goals. The guitar has a poor reputation as a serious instrument, when it fact it is quite difficult, even physically un-natural to play. Bad habits can not only set you back, but take a great deal of time and effort to un-do, and can even cause physical pain or damage. I can't understate the importance of selecting a guitar teacher who has extensive experience with physical technique, and how it can free the guitarist from sluggish learning, frustration and most musical limits in their playing.