Piano Lessons in West Orange, NJ

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

Over the course of many years, I've developed a method for beginning piano and woodwind students which yields excellent results. For the first series of lessons, I want the student to become comfortable in understanding the keyboard or the wind instrument, avoiding the secondary interface of sight reading. There are about twenty short, simple, basic songs I have the student master. At this point, not only are we working on understand the harmonic and melodic "hardware" of the keyboard or horn, but we are developing proper technique in terms of hand position, posture and sound as well as a natural rhythmic feel. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

The most important thing is to engage my students to learn. Inspiration and motivation are very important factors in teaching music. It's very important to go with the student's pace. I always want the best from my students. I have high expectations and I always get excellent results. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My general rule of thumb is, the younger the student, the less technique I will teach. Although I do not necessarily consider there to be a minimum age requirement for pursuing voice lessons, I do copiously encourage parents to be astutely aware of the potential risks encountered when young students are taught vocal and breathing techniques which should be reserved for intermediate or advanced students. My focus with younger students is to instill a passion and excitement for music while developing fundamental techniques. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

If I am teaching children, I will mostly focus on fundamentals and developing finger strength or coordination for the instrument. I will try to instill the foundations of music while attempting to make it fun and interesting. If the student is an adult or has more skill level, I will let the student dictate the direction we go in, based on their desired skill level and interest. I am deeply interested by all genres and styles of music and I try to follow where the excitement is. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

I have been an active private teacher and performer for 30 years. Even though I am based here in NY City, I have done concerts and taught lessons and master classes in twenty countries in the USA, Europe and Asia for concert series and festivals. Besides getting my Bachelors of Music from Ithaca College, I furthered my private studies here in NY and France. My background spans all aspects of the music business including commercial recording, theater orchestra, symphony orchestra section member, chamber music, artistic representative for leading flute companies and soloist for classical/pop concerts on cruise ships. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

For young beginners I typically with Suzuki Book 1 or the Abracadabra Flute Book.  For children preparing for NYSMA I use the Rubank method with supplements from Forty Little Pieces and gradually move on to more solo repertoire.  For adult students I make repertoire selections based on students' interests while taking care to keep lessons both engaging and fun no matter their starting level.  Although my training is primarily classical, I am happy to incorporate music from other genres into lessons. Read More