Violin Lessons in Passaic, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Synthesizer Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe that creativity is important and I use Alfred and Hal Leonard books as well as theory books to help with the lessons. 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. I also try to teach music theory, chord progressions and all the musical scales in the major keys. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

Voice methodology is to learn how to make the correct sound on the flow of breath.  One must learn how to breathe whether singing loudly or softly in whichever style or genre the student wants to learn. String playing can be hard on the ears when beginning, therefore it is important to develop a good bow technique in order to make the best sound possible.  I use the All For Strings method books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I encourage my students to learn at their own pace and push them when I see I can. I do not want to deter my students from liking what they do. I try to find the passion for a style of music and bring it out in my students while connecting that style to other styles to show the student that styles are idiosynchratic, but that they can also interchange with other styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Fiddle

I love having my students use notebooks to keep track of their own goals, practice habits and achievements. I think this is a great way to have them keep themselves on track and it's also a neat way to track progress! As a teacher, I like to encourage my students to be self-motivated so they can improve on their own. Taking lessons is obviously important but it is also crucial for students to practice the materials learned in lessons on their own time. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching method combines aspects of the Suzuki method with my own creative exercises and improvisation. I believe that teaching students to invent melodies and rhythms from early in their musical training deepens their ability to hear and perform. I also believe that rhythmic exercises are not emphasized enough in classical instrumental training, and I incorporate such exercises into my own core curriculum. If a student is interested in improvisation, jazz, or pop music, I offer in-depth instruction to performing over chord changes, and other creative violin techniques like playing chords, chopping, and other percussive tools. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin

After my own experience with it as well as teaching it, Suzuki has great techniques and music for getting students experience in sight-reading, ear training, and memorization. With the youngest students I start with the fundamentals such as naming the different parts of the instrument and some basic rules with notes. Acronyms and games are always the best way to memorize the different rules. I write out detailed lessons plans for each individual student, constructed specifically for their learning process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harmonica Banjo Mandolin

       I have studied with several professional, performing musicians, but most of my learning has come from books, magazines and listening. Listening is, quite simply, the best teacher you can have, provided you do it properly. I have played music since age eight, in school bands, jazz bands, blues, and rock bands. I also have written songs since age 10, and recorded numerous cd's of original music in various styles. I am currently the frontman in the Jersey Shore Blues Rock Tribute Band. Read More