Music Lessons in Berkeley Heights, NJ

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I started at the age of 9 on the accordion. I performed various concerts while continuing to sharpen my skills as a piano player. I have over 40 years of experience performing and teaching. What separates the best piano players from the rest of us is that they persevere through these challenges. Having the personal fortitude and work ethic to look at any difficult passage, and practice it until its perfect, is an attribute that you can learn, but will need to be cognizant of every day. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The guitar has a poor reputation as a serious instrument, when it fact it is quite difficult, even physically un-natural to play. Bad habits can not only set you back, but take a great deal of time and effort to un-do, and can even cause physical pain or damage. I can't understate the importance of selecting a guitar teacher who has extensive experience with physical technique, and how it can free the guitarist from sluggish learning, frustration and most musical limits in their playing. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My approach is repertoire-based, meaning that we learn technique through the demands of particular pieces; I also teach strength-training exercises to help students develop their fullest potential on trumpet. Deriving inspiration from both classical and jazz methods, I also believe in exploring the physical capabilities and limitations of the instrument so that the player can develop a personal relationship to it. Indeed, this relationship forms the crux of true musical expression, which is the overarching goal of my teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

For students who are learning an instrument for band or marching band, I like to integrate their sheet music or method books into the lesson. I use method books with students who are new to their instrument. These materials are then supplemented with scales, solo repertoire, exercises, and technique work as appropriate for each student's interest and skill level. Lessons also consist of listening to previous assignments/repertoire from prior weeks and then offering feedback, answering any questions a student may have, and giving new assignments for the next lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Double Bass Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Each year after that, I got a new instrument and taught myself how to play it. I got the John Phillip Sousa award for playing trumpet in my high school orchestras. I love playing music in bands and I am always consistently playing music on a daily basis. I would love to be able to teach others how I taught myself music and I hope that other people can be as good as me and make the world more of a musical place. 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

Instruments: Cello

While the relationship every teacher and student will be different, I strive to find a balance of discovery and fun with determination and work. Developing skill at a musical instrument is difficult and takes time! Nurturing my students' love of music is essential to helping them persevere through the challenges of learning. Based on students' goals, we develop roadmaps together to help pace their growth. Every lesson is an opportunity to evaluate and adjust those goals, and consistent lessons means that there will always be clear communication about where a student is at and where they want to go! Read More