Music Lessons in West Long Branch, NJ

Instruments: Voice

I am classically trained, so my teaching methods are in line with the classical method. For all beginner students, we work on breath control and tone to start before concentrating on song repertoire. Once the student is comfortable and producing good sound, we then start to look at material suited the student's voice. I try to keep lessons fun and engaging, whilst also making sure good technique is being harnessed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

In my private lessons I emphasize building a strong foundation in rhythm, intonation, and note accuracy.  I incorporate learning theory, and playing with musical intention into every lesson to develop maturity, even in young musicians.  My students are comfortable reading music, and have all the skills they need to practice effectively.  In addition, I have prepared many musicians for successful concerts, festivals, and gigs. I create my own custom lesson plans and materials to cater to the students needs.  For young beginners, I recommend the KJOS Standard of Excellence book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Because the voice is the only instrument we cannot see with the naked eye, voice lessons must be extremely interactive. I believe in catering each lesson towards the goals of the individual student. I also believe in the collaboration of teacher and student. I am always asking students opinions or reactions on what we work on in the lesson. I want to empower my students at every level to become more aware of their instrument to the point that they can eventually become their own teacher to a certain extent. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I'm a passionate instructor who loves music and believes that playing an instrument should be fun.   My educational training includes undergraduate study in Piano Pedagogy, as well as masters and doctoral degrees in education.  This advanced training enriches my piano teaching and enables me to accommodate all learners through an array of pedagogical strategies tailored to the individual student. My students advance and develop into complete musicians through a well-rounded musical curriculum that is both systematic and flexible. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I've had a number of devoted teachers and being in New York there's always a chance to learn something new by simply saying hello to a musician. I look at teaching as sharing information enthusiastically and giving a student a chance to check in about issues they're dealing with relating to the instrument, music in general, and psychology of performance. I'm a student of the directions I was nudged towards by several key teachers. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I have recently again started playing after many years. I have played in a the pit band at the Count Basie Theater for Jesus Christ Superstar, and Into the Woods for a Wagner College and Brookdale Community College productions. I have been sitting in on local jam sessions with very favorable feedback. I played at a performance at Brookdale Community College with a group, Hot Air. Enjoyment, hearing pitch and rhythm by vocalizing, and developing a register appropriate and flexible embrochure, and using harmonics to tone match are some of the techniques and strategies I would emphasize for flute specific instruction. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For younger students/beginners, I am a huge advocate of the Rubank Elementary Method for Saxophone, since it covers a lot of the basic materials such as note values, scales, and arpeggios. For students who have progressed past this stage, I introduce "The Art of Saxophone Playing" by Larry Teal which introduces some more advanced rhythmic and articulation concepts. For saxophone students of all levels I strongly recommend Sigurd Rascher's "Top Tones for Saxophone" because it develops a students understanding of how to develop a strong sound and knowledge of the overtone series. Read More