Piano Lessons in Hewitt, NJ

Instruments: Piano Organ

For all students I stress fluent music reading and a natural stress-free technique. For the early stages I have had good results with Faber's Piano Adventure series, finding that these progress at a reasonable pace and build reading skills logically. For technique I like FJH Music's Accelerando series. These short exercises have a big impact on the student's technique and reading, and bring maximum results in a short time. I also like to assign keyboard harmony drills of my own invention which help the student understand how chords are built and how they are linked within each key. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I realized the power of music at a very young age, when I first started singing in a musical theater workshop. I was incredibly shy up until I got to sing as someone else. The music transported me from my rather hectic childhood to a place beyond trouble, and only to freedom and expression. I was lucky enough to continue on this magical track when I was 10 with piano lessons, and then when i was just 13, one the most lively and angst-filled ages, with private guitar lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Essential Elements of Band by Hal Leonard and Tradition of Excellence by Bruce Pearson and Ryan Nowlin. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce more advanced method books such as J.B. Arban: A Complete Method, and various etude books as well as solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I firmly believe that a love of music, over anything else, should be the driving force behind learning to play an instrument. I therefore try to instill in my students a genuine love of the art. This love then makes him/her want to practice! Practicing (and the entire learning process in general) should be natural, fluid, creative process rather than the heavy burden many young people make it out to be. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Keyboard

My technique for teaching students vary depending on the student and their competency. If the student is a beginner I like to start them with the basics of theory and rhythm by explaining the circle of 5ths, major scales, minor scales, augmented, and diminished scales. Then once the student grasps the very basic concepts of music theory I then either have them bring in a song the would like to play or I will give them variations of Ferling Etudes or Bach Etudes to establish a solid foundation in music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am a patient instructor who likes to keep a relaxed atmosphere throughout the lessons while at the same time fostering an intensive learning environment. I am especially good with children. I expect my students to work hard, but my philosophy is that music should never become a chore. It is my hope that music should allow my students to discover a part of themselves that they never knew existed, but above all playing music should be about having fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Keyboard

My Teaching experience began in High School when people would ask me to teach them after they heard me play. In order to teach my students more effectively, I decided to study classically at that time and studied with Morton Estrin, (Billy Joel's Piano Teacher) and Ross Barentine, a celebrated conductor. While they each had drastically different styles of teaching and playing, I was able to take the best from both and create a method of teaching that will give my student the technical ability to play advanced pieces while helping them to become well-rounded music artists. Read More