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BM, Montclair State University, Music Theory/Composition (Piano)
1998 NJ Arts Winner, Jazz Piano
2001 Outstanding Achievement in Composition, MSU
2011 Scored web-series "Agents of Cracked" for Cracked.com
2014 Scored series "Rom.Com" for Demand Media
I continue to be amazed and moved by music. While I love all of the many places I've been able to play in my life, my greatest joy comes from inspiring students to want to pursue music. The 'how and why' of music fascinates me. I love being able to teach fun, improvisatory music while instilling a solid foundation of standard notation and basic theory. (Or advanced theory, if you're a nut like me!)
I was educated in a very classical style with standard exercises and methods, so the roots of my private lessons began there, as well. Currently I employ a more fluid method, based solely on my experience with an individual. This came from two places, really. One: My love of improvisation and having fun, musically and Two: My tenure as a high school music teacher for emotionally disturbed students. There, I really learned to assess the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of each musician.
I think music HAS to be loved. That's how you excel. Love and passion drive the work. As an educator with 15 years in the field, I make it my goal to create extremely individual curricula for each student. No two people learn in exactly the same way. The aim, for me, is to find out what you love and use it to reach your musical goal.
I want you to love what you do. Maybe you want to be able to play for your own version of music therapy. Maybe you want to prepare for a college audition. Maybe you want to understand how to take the fundamentals of music and turn it into Jazz or Rock improvisation. Whatever it is you're looking to accomplish it's my goal, and, indeed, the goal of any solid teacher, to get you there. I want to find the "Key Song" that will unlock a drive in you to continue. The rewards of having music at your fingertips are endless.