Music Lessons in Westfield, NJ

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Alfred. 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.“The fact that music education creates well-rounded, confident children, helps them become whole human beings who are sensitive to the world around them and teaches them the ability to think critically is why finding your music and giving your kids music lessons is such and important worthwhile undertaking. “ Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Latin Percussion

Every student is a universe in itself and every universe is unique and precious. I believe one of the most important things in teaching is understanding. Deeply understanding the student and be flexible to constantly find different and more effective ways to deliver, depending on each individual, is the strength of my method. Every student is a different world and every world is unique and precious. Ultimately, I believe lighting up the students inner fire of curiosity and passion, is one of the greatest lesson that can be taught. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I am a Pop Keyboardist, Songwriter/Producer, and Composer, who has toured with two bands, and done plenty of gigs with solo artists. I recently graduated from the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, where I studied contemporary piano, and I have had the pleasure to play with student musicians at the GroundUP Music Festival, Okeechobee Music Fest, SoFar Sounds, WLRN Radio, and Adrienne Arsht Center, performing with Il Volo, Michael McDonald, GRiZ, Eric Krasno, members of Snarky Puppy and Vulfpeck, Gallant, Lawrence, Becca Stevens, and Darmon Meader. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I am a musician and educator who is passionate about creating and playing music with others. In 2011 I graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Performance Diploma. I have experience teaching in schools througough New York City. I am currently looking to expand my private studio. Besides teaching I'm an active performer. I have played on TV, Music Festivals, Cruise Ships and I have performed in Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I use a big diversity of books and methods for my flute classes, that I pick trying to adapt to my students' age and interests. With little children I use many short and simple songs, that get more and more complex while the students are progressing. I like to introduce solo repertoire as soon as possible, to start developing the students' personal taste for music. I also encourage them to bring their own suggestions about the pieces or songs they want to play, and I create personalized technique exercises to improve the specific difficulties that they find along their practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone

I am a strong advocate in fusing together practice and performance. I personally have had teachers that focused too much on technical studies and theory, and not enough time on incorporating those skills into performance; which is the main reason why many people have a desire to learn a musical instrument. In my lessons, I focus on developing skills that are essential to my student's overall musical development. These skills include music theory, ear training, rhythmic analysis, technique, and finally, applying all those skills into a performing setting. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Student Favorites (for both piano and guitar): Pop Rock, Folk partial list samples: Star Wars themes Somewhere over the Rainbow (ukulele too) We Are the Champions Mission Impossible Classical Gas Star Spangled Banner (National Anthem; Jimi Hendrix electric guitar with distortion) The Entertainer (Ragtime) Taylor Swift Series Classical and Flamenco partial list samples: Malaguena Leyenda, Albeniz Spanish Romance J.S. Bach: Air on a G String Bouree, from Lute Suite No 1, Carl Fischer Prelude from Cello Suite #1 Minuet Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring Sleepers Awake Beethoven: Fur Elise Fifth Symphony Moonlight Sonata Ode to Joy Djorak: Largo (New World Symphony) Study in Am Carcassi Hall of the Mountain King, Edvard Grieg Christmas Carols and Hymns, e.g., Silent Night, Carol of the Bells GUITARS: Classical Acoustic Steel Electric Ukelele PIANO Guitar Techniques and Skills: Posture Sight-reading Standard Notation Treble Clef; note values, dotted notes, rests, syncopation Tablature Names of Strings and names of notes of entire fretboard Open Chords vocabulary and fingering Chord Vocabulary: Minor, Major, Diminished, Augmented, 6th, Seventh, Maj7, 2nds, 9ths, Flat5, Flat9, 11th, 13th Arpeggios Octaves, Fifths, all Intervals Barred Chords (Full, Half, Two-Thirds, One-Third Bar vocabulary and Left Hand Fingering (All Keys) Cross-over fingering Finger per fret rule Finger per string rule Ladder Principle (Left Hand fingering) Positions (1-10): Strumming patterns for 2/4, , 4/4, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8 Time Signatures Fingerpicking patterns for 2/4, , 4/4, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8 Time Signatures Right Hand 3 and 4 finger simultaneous chord strike Rest strokes Free Strokes Flamenco Strumming variations Rasgueado Flat and plastic fingerpicking Harmonics, false harmonic, ping harmonics Tambora Snare sound Bongo effects String bending Left Hand damping Vibrato Tremolo Palm muting String snapping Left hand chord muting Righthand fretboard slapping percussion effects Glissando Hammer-ons, Pull-offs (Slurs) Power chords (Rock) Major, Minor, Pentatonic Scales, sharps, flats, accidentals Pizzicato Vocal accompaniment Chord progressions, deceptive cadence Improvisation Music Theory Songwriting Producing Concert/Recital Performance Presentation Skills/Mike Techniques Pro Tools Recording Software. Read More