Piano Lessons in Union, NJ

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Synthesizer Music

For beginning students, what I start with generally depends on what instrument they play, but in general, I use various "Essentials" books. As the student progresses past the fundamentals of music and playing their instrument, I will move on to more advanced or technical musical exercises, as well as solo repertoire if the student is looking to perform for a recital, NYSSMA, etc. My teaching style for older, more advanced students is relatively the same, excluding the "Essentials" and fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

As a bandleader of 'Felix Peikli & Joe Doubleday's Showtime Band', I have had the opportunity to perform and teach at jazz festivals all over the world such as the Oslo Jazz Festival, Sopot Jazz Festival, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Mid-atlantic Jazz Festival and Caribbean Jazz Festival. I also have done teaching on the university level with lessons and masterclasses at Harvard, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, University of Idaho, and The Juilliard School. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

I like to start beginner students on method books, to help introduce the concepts of basic notation and musicianship. I like to reward students with songs that they can prepare and then perform for others. If a student is in concert band at their school, I also like to work with them on their percussion music and responsibilities. For my older students, I like to use method books and videos created by some of the best drummers in the world. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe strongly in approaching each student with a blank slate. This means that, before even considering a workbook or a songbook, I take the time to learn from my student about what makes him or her most excited about music. If I find out that my student loves the theme song from La La Land, we're going to learn that! If he or she wants to understand how it's possible for a major scale and a natural minor scale to share the exact same notes, then we'll explore it, not only theoretically, but practically. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Choosing appropriate repertoire that appeals to the students and helps to address technical deficiencies, as well as showcases their natural gifts, is of utmost importance. Highest on my list of teaching goals is to create a highly inclusive learning environment, where students with a range of abilities, across intersecting social identities, feel at home in the space. To sing powerfully and technically well, from the heart and spirit, requires incredible vulnerability, and I am mindful of the different learning styles and range of vocal abilities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

All of my students have personalized lesson plans. I take into account their learning style, their musical passions, where they struggle, and where they thrive. With beginning vocal and piano students who are younger, I often use a music theory book right away. I use the Hal Leonard theory books and the Full Voice Vocal Series books. For my adult students, I do a lot of my own worksheet-making. When it comes to vocal repertoire, I pick everything individually. Read More