Flute Lessons in Park Ridge, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I believe that in order to engage a student in the learning process, goals must be clear. I begin by asking new students what they want to learn. Many students are not sure what they want to learn, and this is to be expected. In this case, some trial-and-error is necessary; if a student is bored by Bach, maybe its time to see how he/she can relate to learning a simple tune by ear maybe a jazz tune like Summertime, or maybe the latest single on the radio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginner students I focus on the fundamentals; developing a sound and technique to allow them to be creative. I mix in ear-training with all of my students through different ways of connecting them to the music. I allow for all of my students to express their creativity through improvisation and all students are encouraged to reach creatively. I look to engage with my students in any way that relates with them. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

For beginning students, I start with the Douglas Steensland Flute Student books. For intermediate and advanced students, I focus on memorization of scales in addition to working out of Taffanel and Gaubert's 17 Daily Exercises, etude books (i.e., Melodious and Progressive series), and standard flute repertoire. My goal as a teacher is to help the students improve their overall musicianship, while also addressing each students personal goals. While I have listed books I work out of with students, I am always interested in hearing what the student would like to play and work on those pieces/songs as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Clarinet Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I prefer to start them on a book based in warming up and getting used to movement in hands if we are playing piano. Throughout my teaching, I incorporate music theory and ear training into my classes as it creates a fantastic bridge to understanding the instrument. As we get used to our new instrument, I will recommend some songs to get started on and allow my students to come to class with ideas and songs that they want to learn how to play or sing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Mike C, both with vocals and instrumental performance fuses together a combination of classical training, old school jazz, and funk, altogether bringing a creative, and soulful interpretation to music.  Mike's heart and soul penetrates each note he plays in a fashion that is characteristic of performers double his age. At the same time he has brought the advancements of electronic music technology into his performance and composition expanding his sonic palette beyond "one horn, one sound." Mike's recording credits include the independant films "A Cup of Coffee" and "The Masterpiece." He has also performed live with The Crests, Melvin Sparks, in the Bahamas with Barry Newman, and appeared at such festivals as Woodstock, Riverhead Blues Festival, movie premier party for "The Prince of Central Park", The Bayou Music Festival, The Blues 2000 Festival, Lead vocals and saxophone for Pulse Productions, as a frequent performer both in lead vocals and sax at the Trump Casino's in Atlantic City as well as Empire City Casino.  Mike currently holds a Masters degree in Music Education from William Paterson University and is a New Jersey Certified music teacher with 16 years experience  teaching, K-6 band, general music, and chorus, music and movment for Autistic and special service students, as well as High School dance club. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

I've been coaching students since I was in high school in Seattle, Washington, and have continued throughout college and after. I've worked in several different after-school programs in Boston and now New York, and I am currently running a piano workshop at the Brooklyn New School. In Boston I coached woodwinds at two different El Sistema programs, with emphasis on giving students the chance to perform and inspire themselves through that experience. Read More