Piano Lessons in Teaneck, NJ

Instruments: Piano Drums

My methods vary. For piano, we start with simple technique exercises to make sure a student is making every note count. For younger students- like 6 and under- we'll nickname everything to make it easier. An example- the fingers should always be curled when playing piano, not flat. There should be enough space under their palm to hold hold a golf ball, so when they are playing with flat hands, I'll say 'golf ball' to remind them of the correct way, instead of being 'that mean old lady' type. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I began teaching voice and piano lessons in grad school and have been teaching for the past 5 years. I love sharing my passion for the voice as an instrument, and I feel that a strong foundation of music theory and keyboard skills is a must for vocalists. I enjoy incorporating all of these skills into lessons. I've also found that no matter what style and genre of music interests you there is a primary fundamental healthy technique as the foundation for all of them, and I find it ver exciting and thrilling to develop the skills needed to unlock this vocal freedom! Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

My teaching experience started when I was college student, as I began teaching for composition, Harmony, Counterpoint and piano, also sight-singing for students at the local church and school, and have been teaching some of the students in their home for last 2 years. One of my important goal of teaching is to teach my student that how to enjoy the music and how to tell their own story through music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a constructivist teacher. I like my students to drive their lessons. However, there is a structure to the lesson. There is always a warm-up, theory and/or sight-reading, and choice time, where the student works on something they have chosen, and then time to work on something I have chosen.\ Lessons always end on a positive note! Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Clarinet

For beginner students, I typically start with rote lessons that teach the basics of the instruments. Then, I move into performing basic, pedagogically-appropriate scales, and begin curriculum in the Rubank Elementary Method books. For more advanced students, I usually have them start with the intermediate or advanced method books, and we learn more advanced major and minor scales, followed by arpeggios and chords (if on piano.) Overall, my main objective is for students to have fun and make meaningful connections. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

For my younger students who may not have musical goals I keep the instruction very easy going and well rounded. For my advanced and more focused students I let them set their own goals and then help them in every way I can. I want my students to learn how to play like themselves and not like me so if a certain aspect of the lessons does not work for them I make adjustments and we keep moving forward. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

For trumpet students I initially provide my own material, based on the exercises which I have found to be beneficial in my own playing. Early on, I'll ask most students to play a recording of one of their favorite songs, which we'll use to improvise to as well as for ear-training purposes. As soon as the student has learned enough notes, we'll begin playing songs. I firmly believe that developing a good sense of a singing style is the foundation for good playing. Read More