Piano Lessons in Cresskill, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe it is important for voice and piano students to have a basic understanding of music theory, as well as technique. I pull material from a variety of sources. For piano, I typically use Bastien and/ or Hal Leonard. For voice, I build a build upon the "legit" classical foundation of voice training (Similar to a dancer learning ballet first, before other forms of dance) Following that, I cultivate my students to find their own particular genre of vocal style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Adult students can opt to go to the next book in the series (Book II and III of the 'modern' piano course). For String students I am comfortable in the 'Essential Elements' series, 'String Builder' series and 'All for Strings' methods as an excellent base with which to start. For Guitar Students I am a fan of 'Alfred's Basic Guitar Method' Books 1-3. For Bass guitar students I prefer 'Mel Bay's Bass Guitar Method. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

I make sure my students have a strong foundation, which means I start with classical training. I work on the basics such as posture, articulation, breath-support, vowel shapes, and rhythm. Once they have a strong basis, I move to modern and musical theatre if they desire it. For a student who is going the strictly classical route, I will teach them IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) to help them with pronunciations in foreign languages when singing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Keyboard

I tailor the program to the student's needs. A student seeking a traditional eduction would be presented with method materials such as Simandl, as well as Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Pop, jazz and other genres of music could be explored, depending on the goals of the student. As a jazz musician, I find that learning multiple styles opens up whole worlds of expression and concept. I have studied with classical players as well, and have worked through method books and excerpts. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Piano Voice

My teaching style is strongly based on the constructivist method of learning. What that means is I prefer to help students by means of demonstrating skills( Left/ right-hand technique, excerpts from music, etc.), to scaffold their learning, and to help them overcome challenges by means of critical thinking and problem-solving. Setting practice goals and also keeping a practice journal is an effective way to keep students on track with their playing development. Read More

Instruments: Piano

As a teacher I aspire to challenge and engage all of my students in a safe, supportive, and compassionate learning environment. With my energetic, sensitive, and enthusiastic demeanor, I seek to motivate and engage my classroom in teaching methods that reflect the unique and individual needs of each student. As a life longer, I also yearn to consistently grow and evolve as an educator, by embracing new techniques and perspectives. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Organ Synthesizer Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For all my students, including vocalists, I always try to keep things enjoyable with mixed repertoire assignments. Even at beginner levels, I've seen some of my students cover the songs thattheywant to learn. I didn't learn to sing and play the piano by being forced to play songs I didn't enjoy as a listener. The key is finding music that is both challengingto create andfun as heck to perform. Specifically as a vocal teacher and overall vocal performance enthusiast, I rely on contemporary ear training as the key method to my teaching style. Read More