Music Lessons in Woodbridge, NJ

Instruments: Drums

For beginner students, I will introduce the basics of drumming techniques as this is the most important step in becoming a proficient drummer. Once the student has progressed and shown me that they can play simple beats with the proper technique, I will begin introducing them to repertoire appropriate to their skill level to get them to be able to play drums in a more musical manner. If the student is older and/or more experienced, I will likely start with exercises and ideas to build their level of skill within areas of their interest or what I think would benefit them the most. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

When I teach beginners, I put my faith in the Hal Leonard Standard of Excellence series for woodwinds. For Pianist, the Suzuki series is quite good, as well as A Dozen A Day and the tried and true Mikrokosmos of Bela Bartok. For more advanced players, I like to work within their preferred style, ie RB, Rock, Classical, but also find it important draw relevant material from other styles like Jazz and non-Western music. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My musical background originally consisted of classic rock and blues music. I then wanted to expand my pallet of music while attending Hunter College for my Bachelors of Music with a concentration in Jazz Performance, therefore, I began studying Jazz, Funk, and Latin music. 
This consisted of joining the college Big Band and many small Jazz and Contemporary music groups gaining much experience. I've had many opportunities to learn from some of the greatest musicians in the world and I am excited to share that knowledge with my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Music has been part of my life from a yound age. I started playing piano when I was five. At age nine I entered St. Thomas Choir School, a boarding choir school in midtown Manhattan. At age fourteen I started studying music theory and composition with a local kappelmeister. In university I continued to study classical theory at Syracuse University and then Jazz Theory at Hampshire College. I moved to the West coast and played iin the big band jazz ensembles at San Francisco State University which is where I eventually got my degree in Music Ed. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

My teaching experience began in 1980 while still in high school teaching private lessons. Since then Ive taught at Westminster Choir College, Rutgers University, NJ State and County Teen Arts Programs as well as private and group lessons in my own studio. My casual approach allows students the relaxation and freedom necessary to learn at their own pace. With a strong focus on fundamentals and using those fundamentals as building blocks, my goal is to help students become musical and creative and find their own unique voice on their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I like to get to know what type of music interests my students, see what makes them excited. I then center my lessons around what they like. This makes them more invested in learning guitar if the focus is on their interests. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Through my years of lessons and practice, I've narrowed down the fundamentals into two books based around Rock and Jazz: Ultimate Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice and Advanced Techniques for the modern drummer by Jim Chapin. I also teach rudiments through the practice pad to sharpen control and speed when playing drumset. Through these books and rudiments you'll build a solid foundation that will make learning more advanced grooves or fills easier to play. Read More