Piano Lessons in Woodbury Heights, NJ

Instruments: Piano Drums Latin Percussion

My teaching experience spreads throughout multiple genres of music and is not limited to the drums. In college while I was living amongst 7 other peers, I was constantly asked about how my creative process worked and how I created music from scratch. Using software such as logic and a typical 88 key piano, i would give mock lessons on how to create mood in music from simple chords which led me to realize how much I actually liked teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

As a student, I would dread the idea of a boring practice, therefore as a teacher, I do all I can to make lessons engaging and useful. I believe that music should be approached holistically and with an open mind rather than trying to force one method to work for everyone, so I strive to tailor my methods according to the needs of each of my students. With that in mind, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for young students, and our lessons will consist of playing from the book, as well as working on crucial skills like ear training and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I keep a "Piano Homework Assignment" Word document for each student on my laptop which I can then email to you after your lesson is over for reference during the week.  A usual assignment would consist of a "Warm Up" section where we focus on hand position or scales or technique, a "Lesson Book" or "Repertoire" section where we work on new pieces or songs, a "Theory" section for written assignments, a "Fun" list for pieces we are done with but want to keep playing just for fun and then a number of special sections depending on student interest.  Special sections might be things like - improvisation, composition, playing by ear, recital or competition prep, exam prep, sight reading, ear training, etc.  I'm comfortable in few method series but I prefer Faber Piano Adventures for typical beginning children and The Music Tree for very young beginners.  I try to make sure each student has a piece they love every week. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I like to be flexible to the students needs and learning style. Ive used many method books often going off what the student is already working on for band or in school. If the student is more advanced I will assign method books such as the Arbans, Clarke, and Charlier books. I also like to incorporate music the student is interested in and wants to learn. I often work on the fundamentals of breath support to create the best sound possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My style is encouraging, easy-going, patient and understanding.  I explain things as many times as necessary in a calm friendly manner since I know students (and all the rest of us) don't remember stuff the first time it is heard—or played—or read. I encourage questions and discussions about practicing, repertoire, performing, and careers. To be sure time is well spent, I'll sometimes say, "Practice this piece just as you would if I were not here."  This way I can offer suggestions for learning pieces and methods more quickly.   Practice time should be a joyful time, full of a sense of accomplishment, and I am especially keen to help make this so for all students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Learning a musical instrument is very challenging and for most of us it doesn't come naturally. It's unfortunate when students become frustrated too quickly in the process and decide to quit out of frustration. In my style of teaching, it's very important that students feel some level of success no matter where they are in their own musical journey. Often I will perform lesson materials in unison along with students to help them if they are feeling anxious or uncomfortable. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I will have the have a notebook so that every class we can write down what the student needs to practice and and work on till next time. The student might feel bored in the beginning but I hope to show the student the fun in learning music and how rewarding it feels to learn a piece. Watching the student grow and start to have interest on their own is what is most important. Read More