Music Lessons in Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice

Born and raised in Alaska, I have been teaching kids, teens, and adults music and theatre since I was in highschool. I began my training at the University of Alaska Fairbanks with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, finishing my degree at Western Connecticut State University with a Minor in Theatre Arts in 2013. I went on to study Acting at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with my Masters of Fine Arts in 2016. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe the most important part of lessons is the student's engagement. This is achieved by understanding what they want to play and tailoring lessons around that music. When a student is engaged in the songs they are learning, they are more motivated and excited to learn. This makes it so fun to practice that they won't be able to stop! This will amplify all their skills and they will progress much faster. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I teach vocal technique to students of all ages and genres. For beginner students I work on each of their registers (chest voice, head voice, mix and flageolet) emphasising range and flexibility to begin with and then adding strength work as we progress. The student and I will choose repertoire appropriate to their level while still posing a challenge to apply their newly learned technique in the context of singing a song. Read More

Instruments: Cello

One of the keys to learning a musical instrument well is patience and comfort. So regardless of age or experience, I begin with scales. As the famous cellist Paul Tortelier said, "Scales are the language of music." Once there is a solid grasp on this fundamental, I progress to teaching simple etudes, and at the same time solo pieces within the student's ability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

29 years playing the saxophone. 16 years teaching in Ridgfield Park, NJ K-6 general music, band, and chorus. Instruments taught are flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion, as well as piano. Constructed and teach a music and movement program for autistic and special service students. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano

When I teach children, I use the adventures piano lesson book. When I see that the student are advancing, I encourage them to further their knowledge. I make sure my students learn the scales; which are very important. I also use the Hanon book for exercises when my students begin to advance to a higher level of understanding. I have multiple pieces prepared for my students to play in order for them to be ready to play recitals. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Bassoon

My teaching process looks like a mountain stream. We start at the top of the mountain, and the goal is to get to the bottom. As I teach using my tried and true techniques, we make our way down, but when I notice that my student needs extra help, or should be pushed more, we detour into another stream until we can return to our main path. Sometimes, we diverge immediately and continue down different paths until we make it to the bottom anyway! Read More