Music Lessons in Allendale, NJ

Instruments: Drums

For beginner level students I start out with learning how to strike the drum as well as simple coordination exercises and intro level drum beats. After the student can grasp basic exercises, I introduce learning how to read music which will lead to reading out of various drum set instructional as well as technique books. For more advanced students I work out of books focusing on furthering coordination and technique, widening the ability to play different styles, chart reading with play alongs, soloing as well as the students interests. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to lay a foundation for what musical notes are and how they relate to the instrument. If we're on guitar I will draw a piano keyboard and give the student the guitar string names and make them figure out the rest of the notes. Then I teach them what chords are and, now that they know their way around a fretboard, they can build the chords themselves. While most students aren't total beginners and won't need all of this groundwork to be laid by me, I've found that almost everyone has gaps in knowledge, more often than not when it comes to actual note names and the music theory behind the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone

It is important for me that the student feels comfortable with me, so I try to make sure each lesson has a specific goal, but to keep the lesson light-hearted and fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

Nothing makes me happier than having the opportunity to share my love of music and guitar. Upon graduating from Skidmore College in 2000, I was accepted to Florida State University to the classical guitar program under the study of Bruce Holzman. I feel my decision to simultaneously work towards two masters degrees speaks clearly for my motivation and passion towards music. While I focused on music theory/composition for my PhD studies at Louisiana State University, I continued performing newly composed works by graduate composers for the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I graduated from the Manhattan School of Music with a Bachelor's degree in Classical Cello Performance. I began playing cello in elementary school, and not soon after began participating in Youth Orchestras both in New Jersey and in New York. After attending several music festivals over the summer, I took an interest in music as a career. After attending New York University for two years, I decided to transfer over to the Manhattan School of Music to have a more career-focused education. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I specifically make a plan for each student based on their need and goals. Unless the student has specific requests, I go over all the fundamental characteristics that a drummer need to have in order to play music, such as technique, time keeping, reading, and so on so forth. No matter what level or age the student is, play and study music has always to be enjoyable and fun. It's really important that the student feels always comfortable and relaxed in order to express himself at the best in every situation. Read More