Music Lessons in Mickleton, NJ

Instruments: Drums

I try to cater my methods to the individual students goals and personality, however ultimately utilizing the same materials. Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone is a great tool for drummers. It offers simple, effective patterns for developing technique, skill, and vocabulary. It can be used intensively or casually as we borrow concepts and patterns to work with. Rudiments are the foundation of quality drumming and they can be developed using this book as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I have experience teaching all levels and genres and change my teaching to what is best suited for the learner. With piano students I enjoy using John Thompson and Alfred methods for beginners and I choose different songs as students get more experience. For voice students I use simple songs to develop their vocal technique. Through effective warmups and reading, students will develop musicianship skills. I focus on technique development through music learning. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder Piccolo

For my beginning young students, I generally start them on a book called "The Potential Contender" by Rebecca Simonfalvi. It is a wonderful book that will have the student playing a major scale in as little as a week! From there, I tend to gravitate towards the Rubank series, as they are often what's most used in schools for auditions, and covers several levels of playing. Rubank also has several collections of solos for young flutists to try. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Oboe

My teaching style is very straight forward. I like to start every lesson with what I gave as an assignment the week before. It's always something very attainable. I also like to assign something that makes the student test their abilities. If the more challenging piece isn't quite there, they work on it again the following week. That way they can see progress in one or more areas but also understand that some music takes more work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Latin Percussion

I grew up in a household that flourished with multiple music genres which led me to really try and be versatile in regards to creating music. I first played the drums in middle school where I never read music, only played back what was told. By the time I got to High School, I knew it was necessary to be able to understand theory and by practicing throughout my years in High School, I was able to sustain a successful audition with the school's jazz band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Once I feel the student has a solid understanding of these fundamentals, I move onto introducing them to repertoire that I think would help in putting these newly learned fundamentals into use as well as allowing them to expand their knowledge on other important factors of singing such as diction, pronunciation, phrasing, keeping a legato line, and possibly language skills depending on the piece. Over time I may even have them bring in pieces they may be interested in and work with them on understanding how they can incorporate these fundamentals and newly learned skills into the music that they love. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

I have been a highly effective piano instructor for over forty years. While having taught many pupils to play simply for their own enjoyment and satisfaction, I have to my credit a number of students who have been accepted as music majors at leading conservatories and universities and have embarked on their own performing careers. My students have also won many competitions and scholarships. The most important element in my teaching, however, is instilling a knowledge and love of music. Read More