Music Lessons in West Orange, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice

For young and/or beginner vocalists, I focus on classical fundamentals, as they are the roots for success in all genres. This means working on breath support and learning about vowel placement. The next step would then be developing and strengthening the singers vocal range and repertoire. For adults and/or more experienced vocalists, I focus on what the student is trying to accomplish and help them move towards their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Teaching Experience: 20yrs+. I have experiences teaching students private, small group, and large group ensembles with diverse colors and ages of people. I have students with different ages from youngest ages 5 years to seniors 85+. When I meet students for the first time, I try to learn their musical background and listen to their ability so I can find their best way to improve their abilities. For younger ages, I try to be more fun and define how they concentrate, so I can choose the right materials to teach them and guide their way to accomplish their goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with basic melodies that are singable and easily recognized. From there we are able to introduce basic theory knowledge. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My journey in music took a couple of unexpected turns. As a youth, it was my intention to get a degree in trumpet performance, but life held a different path for me and I put the instruments away. Some years later, my wife- knowing how much I continued to enjoy music- suggested I take up trumpet again and I did, for which I'll be eternally grateful! I now perform in multiple ensembles in Westchester and Fairfield counties as well as in New York City in addition to maintaining a teaching studio where I can share my love of music. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Several of my students have gone on to have careers in the music industry. One of my students is Candi Lynn who was kind enough to give me a "shout out " on the sleeve notes of her first CD. http://www.candilynn.com/ I set realistic goals for my students and I'm always honest. Success is 90 percent perspiration and 10 percent inspiration. Hard work always pays off. I work to find out what a student's strengths are and help develop them. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

In addition to maintaining a private studio since 2009, I have taught at the San Francisco Conservatory Pre-College, The Chamber Music Institute, Little Mission Studios, San Francisco's Kipp-Bay Academy, and Inspire Music. I am currently a Teaching Artist for the Midori Friends Foundation and Elizabeth Faidley Studios, and I was previously a Teaching Artist with Oakland Symphony's MUSE program. My students have performed alongside members of the Kronos Quartet, won numerous concerto competitions, regularly participate in All-City and Honors orchestras, and gain entry to music schools and youth orchestras such as the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, Crowden Music Center, and Berkley Youth Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

Most importantly, we are all here to have fun and enjoy playing music.  I always encourage my students to take risks, have a laugh and ask questions.  I work to build the student's confidence in their playing, ability to practice well, ability to perform in public and ability to be comfortable making mistakes.  We all progress at various rates and progress at any level is an accomplishment that each student should be proud to achieve.  If a student or parent of a student expresses their interested to move forward in a serious capacity, I am more than happy to encourage such movement. Read More