Music Lessons in Maplewood, NJ

Instruments: Piano

I am devoted and motivated instructor who loves working with students of all ages and background. After graduating from Boston Conservatory in 1991, I attained MM from Juilliard in 1993; and, in 2010, I earned a Ph.D. in music from NYU. As a composer-pianist, I performed in Japan and the throughout the US, including a debut performance in Carnegie Hall. As an experienced chamber player, I worked with singer Jacqueline Horner (member of Anonymous 4), Malena Dayen, and many noted musicians. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My love for playing guitar/teaching how to play the guitar dates back to when I was a young man learning how to play from my instructor. My teacher instilled in me what it meant to play guitar and gave me the confidence to do the same for others. Music has always played a crucial role in my life and it has gotten me through some tough times. My instructor helped me to realize the importance of what an instrument can do, not only for boosting my confidence, but also for how I live my life. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Having had so many teachers myself, I have a very broad understanding of what makes technique work and not work. I think developing my students ears and teaching them not only how to play music, but why music is the way it is by far the most important and invaluable part of my lessons depending upon my student's goals. If a student can understand why the songs I teach them are written the way they are, and are able to identify certain structures in a song, they then have the ability to teach themselves something I haven't yet, maybe develop their own opinions on individual songs, and even write their own! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

Ideally, I prefer to work with younger children because it is at this stage in life that they are most musically receptive; I believe it is important for a budding musician to love their craft and - regardless of age, technical skill can only take one so far in the arts. I have seen far too many musicians abandon their gift for the mundane, due to distorted visions of incompetence and unwarranted deceptions of grandeur. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience dates back to even before my college days. I began to teach both in private lessons and institutions to various age groups. I was teaching during my undergrad and grad studies, and now I am a full-time teacher. I do teach both classical and Jazz. I am specialized in Jazz, but I have a very strong classical background (I studied classical piano during my undergrad even though my major was jazz). Read More

Instruments: Drums

I believe a strong working knowledge of rudiments is fundamental to establishing good hand technique. I create arrangements combining rudiments to promote memorization and musicality. In addition, I teach four way coordination exercises, to develop bass drum consistency and promote general coordination skills. Students will also be introduced to different types of drum fills that progress into more challenging combinations using both hands and feet. Once a basic foundation in technique is established the student will be introduced to new music styles using pre-recorded play along tracks. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I love seeing my students develop a passion for music! That is why I make sure each student progresses at their own pace by setting realistic goals for each lesson. I always acknowledge a student when they practice very hard and ask great questions. By understanding what the student wants out of the lesson, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. I recently have been teaching elementary general music as well as directing a middle school choir and orchestra. Read More