Music Lessons in Mount Ephraim, NJ

Instruments: Piano Flute Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music

My teaching is very student-driven. I try to keep the students interests as a primary goal in keeping their interest level and so that they can progress in a musical situation. When they are interested in what they are learning, they strive for success. I try to acknowledge their successes and accomplishments which helps keep them learning and wanting to learn more. The best way to learn music is to teach it effectively, and I ALWAYS am learning from my students in a variety of ways, whether it be a new group that I'm not familiar with, or another style or genre that is new and fresh. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

In addition to drum set, I also teach djembe (West African), bodhran (Celtic), doumbek (Middle Eastern) and conga (Afro-Cuban). My favorite thing about teaching is watching students develop into creative musicians and finding their own voice. My playing and teaching has always been based in tradition, but not bound by it. I have found that keeping a relaxed, fun atmosphere during lessons allows students to learn at their own pace. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

It has been a humbling privilege of mine to perform around the world and I have had the opportunity to perform in David Geffen Hall in NYC, Carnegie Hall, Kimmel Center in Philadelphia as well as major venues in Kansas City, Chicago, Ireland, Italy, and Spain. I was a member of the world-renowned Westminster Choir for 2 years during my graduate program and, in 2017, we had the honor of representing the United States at the World Choral Symposium in Barcelona, Spain. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Electric Violin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

You can not use a "one size fits all" kind of approach when teaching an instrument. It is important to me that the student is involved in creating their musical journey, which means each lesson I teach and the way that I teach it will be different. I understand that not everyone learns the same way, and what may work for one student may not work for another. One of the things that has made me a better teacher is that I learn from my students. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I used a combination of my own methods and standardized books for drum set education. I break up the lessons in two or three sections depending on skill level. The fundamentals are key aspects to progress as a drummer. Using a combination of technique lessons and also practical musical application are key lessons to go over with any student. I like to make the lessons fun and the most important part is to play with music. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My new students typically spend their first lesson and sometime their second getting used to playing the trumpet for the first time; the goal is to learn proper breathing, posture and tone. I have found the best method book for students is the "Learn to Play the Trumpet/Cornet" method book and always ask that students purchase the Arban's Method book, a must have for any trumpet player. Once the student is proficient in beginning methods, I like to move on to technical studies and the Sigmund Hering Etudes, as well as studies in the Arban's Method; if the student has progressed well enough Concertos and solo performance music will be added. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Synthesizer

For all beginner students, I start with Berklee Music Theory Book 1 and a few selections from one of my Real Books to begin to apply some theory techniques.  Once I feel that the student has a firm understanding of fundamentals of theory I usually have the student select one piece from the Real Book selections and we then begin working on playing the piece as well as analyzing the piece. Read More