Piano Lessons in Short Hills, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

We also begin work on scales and cadences. Since dexterity and interest in exploring the keyboard usually exceeds note-reading ability. I use a chart to spell out scales and chords instead of a scale book at this point. Students enjoy progressing through the songs and ask for new scales. By the time they've completed "Teaching Little Fingers...." and have learned single-octave C major, A minor, G major and E minor scales, we're ready to move on to John Thompson's First Grade Book. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching methods vary by students specifications. I first work engaging beginners with piano pieces that gradually go from easiest to more complicated. The most important element is to keep the student focused through the entire class. For early ages I usually use playing, singing, exploring the instrument before reading the book. This way has always help me to get children motivated and ready to learn and read. It also breaks their shyness right from the trial or first lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Mike C, both with vocals and instrumental performance fuses together a combination of classical training, old school jazz, and funk, altogether bringing a creative, and soulful interpretation to music.  Mike's heart and soul penetrates each note he plays in a fashion that is characteristic of performers double his age. At the same time he has brought the advancements of electronic music technology into his performance and composition expanding his sonic palette beyond "one horn, one sound." Mike's recording credits include the independant films "A Cup of Coffee" and "The Masterpiece." He has also performed live with The Crests, Melvin Sparks, in the Bahamas with Barry Newman, and appeared at such festivals as Woodstock, Riverhead Blues Festival, movie premier party for "The Prince of Central Park", The Bayou Music Festival, The Blues 2000 Festival, Lead vocals and saxophone for Pulse Productions, as a frequent performer both in lead vocals and sax at the Trump Casino's in Atlantic City as well as Empire City Casino.  Mike currently holds a Masters degree in Music Education from William Paterson University and is a New Jersey Certified music teacher with 16 years experience  teaching, K-6 band, general music, and chorus, music and movment for Autistic and special service students, as well as High School dance club. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium

I've been teaching privately since I was in high school when I taught beginner trombone and euphonium to middle school and junior high students. I love teaching because it is absolutely incredible watching a beginner blossom into a passionate and talented musician and being there every step of the way to watch their growth. Music is supposed to be fun, so I try to make the lesson experience as enjoyable for the student as possible all while still providing them with a solid education. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

My lessons have a specific flow. Instead of focusing the whole lesson only on a book, I take my time to jump around and make sure the lesson isn't repetitive and boring. We will switch the focus from to warm-ups, to the book, to scales, to chord, etc. I will also frequently express my gratitude and appreciate to you instead of complaining with frustration. I believe finding the correct actions within a student brings out the best in them and motivates them to be the best they can be. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

For students who are learning an instrument for band or marching band, I like to integrate their sheet music or method books into the lesson. I use method books with students who are new to their instrument. These materials are then supplemented with scales, solo repertoire, exercises, and technique work as appropriate for each student's interest and skill level. Lessons also consist of listening to previous assignments/repertoire from prior weeks and then offering feedback, answering any questions a student may have, and giving new assignments for the next lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass

I've been a musician for almost longer than I can remember and teaching has been the greatest part of my musical journey so far! I've been teaching for 4 years privately and have been teaching through Guitar Center for 1 year as well as teaching through other private lesson applications. I've seen that students grow faster in places that they're more passionately driven, so I want to provide a space for any student to learn or take steps to learning what they want to on their instrument, while also providing structure and giving other feedback along the way. Read More