Piano Lessons in West Orange, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

A teacher who is not implementing his own skills or who does not experiment and search for different forms of practice will soon become very limited and limiting. As a kid, I was raised in the so-called Russian tradition, took lessons with European professors in my teenage years, and immigrated to North America at the age of nineteen. A by-product of cross-culturalism, I simultaneously learned the principles of different violin schools, researched their traditions, particularities, and distinctions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Clarinet Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use String Builder, Essential Elements, etudes, technical studies for each instrument and Suzuki Methods for strings and essential elements for clarinet. I emphasize good posture, holding the instrument and bow properly and correct finger placement. Also learning to play scales and music to prepare for auditions and a recital. I also teach students music theory and sight reading and assist with orchestral music. The repertoire is based on different musical genres and multicultural pieces and I allow the students to chose some of the music they would like to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

For beginning students, i'll typically start with Suzuki books. It's important for students to learn the left and right hand separately before putting everything together. Once a student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I'll introduce some simpler solo repertoire appropriate for his or her skill level. For advanced, I'll be happy to talk about more advanced musical techniques and theories. I play the piano as well, and I will be happy to accompany my students playing repertoire that needs an accompanist. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin

After my own experience with it as well as teaching it, Suzuki has great techniques and music for getting students experience in sight-reading, ear training, and memorization. With the youngest students I start with the fundamentals such as naming the different parts of the instrument and some basic rules with notes. Acronyms and games are always the best way to memorize the different rules. I write out detailed lessons plans for each individual student, constructed specifically for their learning process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

Having taught many students over the years, my favorite books for young beginners are the Rubank series and Pares Scale book. These give a good foundation and progression and have easy to read fingering charts. Once a student gets going with these I introduce simple duet books so that, by playing with me, they develop a strong sense of tone and intonation. The first solo books I recommend are collections of solo's by famous composers, these give the student the chance to gravitate toward the style and composer they like best. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

For beginning students who are children. I typically start with Suzuki Violin Book or Hal Leonard's Essential elements. Once the students has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce some repertoire they can perform. For adults, I try to find out what music the students are interested in and as teaching basic skills, I will teach music what they would like to perform. Also I will guide my instruction to encourage their interest of playing violin so they can have fun with playing violin, not get stress about practicing violin. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute

I use a few different method books, and while they are very useful for attaining the building blocks of technique and knowledge young and beginning musicians need but I like to go beyond what reading books has to offer. My goal is to show my students everything there is - reading, theory, and technique are all important but so is creation, improvisation, learning through sound and finding what inspires them. Read More