Accomplished Singer w/ degree in music ed from Westminster Choir College eager to work with you!!!

About Me

Do you want a young, energetic, down-to-earth, easy-going teacher who...

motivates you to practice

nurtures your love of music and builds your confidence

wants you to above all love singing or playing the violin

who isn't set in his ways, but is flexible, innovative, and enjoys creating custome tailored lessons to suit your needs

will make learning fun while helping you to achieve your musical dreams and aspirations?

Whether you are a beginner or advanced ... student, child or adult, serious or casual; if you answered yes to any or all of the above then I am excited to share my love of music and performing with you. I know how to tailor your lessons to give you the kind of learning experience YOU want to have!

My name is Dan and I'm a classically trained singer, accomplished performer and experienced teacher-- specializing in VOICE, VIOLIN, MUSIC THEORY, ACTING, PUBLIC SPEAKING.

I have a comfortable and well equipped studio in one room of my apartment which is easily reached by car or public transportation. (I am right off the highway and about a hundred yards from the train station!)

My background is Opera and classical singing: I'm a tenor. Imagine a stereotypical opera singer: pompous, rotund, diva, etc. Ok, now imagine the COMPLETE OPPOSITE and that would be me.

I think you'll find I'm a really down to earth guy. I'm equally comfortable attending a performance of Madame Butterfly at the Met as I am a Taylor Swift concert at MSG.

I graduated from Westminster Choir College with a degree in Music Education and have spent the better part of 15 years performing at a world class level. I'm eager to share not only my knowledge of the voice or violin, but also what I've learned about performing and the music business along the way!

My musical tastes range from Bach, Mozart, and Brahms to The Beatles, and John Mayer!! However, my favorite band is the Grateful Dead. I love Billy Joel, Elton John, Beyonce, Adele, Amy Winehouse, to name only a few. I also love gospel, musical theater, big band, and jazz.

I grew up just north of Scranton, PA in a small town called Clarks Summit. (It's at the northern terminus of the PA turnpike.) I started playing violin at age nine and piano at age eleven. I love and still play both of those instruments and have experience teaching both. I have been New York City based since 1999 and currently reside in NJ. In addition to my musical career I am also an accomplished actor, director, designer, and painter.

Besides music I'm really interested in history, politics, science, cooking, and art.

Lesson Details

The great Russian actor and director Constantin Stanislavsky is often quoted as saying, "Generality is the enemy of art." That is to say that there can be no art without exacting attention to nuance, subtlety, specificity, and detail. I think any actor, musician, or artist who is passionate about his or her craft would agree wholeheartedly! I'm no exception; there are no free passes on that! This belief is at the core of what I teach. So whether you are interested in voice ... or violin one of my main goals as a teacher is to instill an appreciation what makes music, music and art, art.

In that sense, you might think I'd be quite a task master! And while I hold to the importance of that truth, my personality tends to be very laid-back, fun loving, and PATIENT! Moreover, taking music lessons should be fun and rewarding!

To help kindle the passion and love of music I want students to play or sing the music they like to play or sing. I remember all too well not wanting to practice because I didn't care for the music some teacher wanted me to sing. Often music teachers want to use only the music they know because they already know how to teach certain things with those pieces. I believe there are "appropriately teachable" elements inherent in the challenges of any music! It just takes a creative teacher to identify and utilize them! This is not to disparage the importance of also learning pieces from the standard repertoire. To guide students in their repertoire choices I like to expose them to a wide varienty of different musical styles and eras. Having said that, I understand how imortant it is to vocal health and longevity to choose repertoire which is age and vocally appropriate.

I want you to work with you to develop not only your technique (how to play or sing) but also your music literacy skills, ear training, and appreciation-- as previously indicated.

For beginning vocal students I use elements of the Kodaly method which emphasizes music literacy and ear training through moveable do solfege. As the student progresses (and grows physically if they are very young) I incorporate more and more of the elements of traditional bel canto school of singing. Strong fundamentals and good vocal technique are important whether you want to sing Brahms or Broadway. A well taught singer ultimately learns how to "teach him/herself": to diagnose and correct vocal problems on his/her own by identifying the technical roots of the problem. I know how to get you there to that level!

Finally, I believe it is important to focus on the art of performance. The conductor Donald Neuen taught that performing is one-third singing and two-thirds acting! I use tools from Stanislavsy, Uta Hagen, and David Mamet to draw that out of each student.

For violin instruction I use elements of Kodaly with elements of suzuki to accomplish similar goals.

Daniel J. has been a East Orange private music instructor for TakeLessons since 2009. Daniel J. is a certified local music teacher.

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Subjects Taught

Singing, Violin, Mandolin, Music Theory, Opera Voice, Speaking Voice, Theatrical Broadway Singing, Acting, Piano

My Specialties

Specialty: Classical and Opera. Studied voice with Laura Brooks Rice, professor of voice at Westminster. Technique strongly influenced by the teaching of Margaret Harshaw. Well versed in the principles of traditional bel canto singing.

My Education

Abington Heights High School - General Coursework (Honors and AP level) - Sept 89- June 93 (High School diploma received)
Westminster Choir College of Rider University - Bachelor of Music in Music Education - Sept 93 - May 99 (Bachelor's degree received)

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Student Feedback for Daniel C.

Average Rating (2 Reviews)

Super Teacher and Mentor

I don't have enough room to say things about Dan.He is just an awesome person in my son's life. My son also is named Daniel and from the first day they hit it off. I am so glad that we brought him there, because he is worth every penny. I would say he has a heart of gold. He not only musically helps my son, he also brings so much happiness into his life. He really looks up to him. And can't wait for his next lesson. Keep up the good work Dan.

– Margaret N. March 16, 2010

Daniel is the best

Daniel is an amazing teacher..His knowledge of music and voice coupled with his easy going personality makes the lessons enjoyable. He has a unique ability to use imagery when explaining techinques. He also has a great ability to pick out your strengts and areas to improve on...He is motivating and encouraging. He really is a gifted musician with an incredible voice...

– David L. February 06, 2010

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How It Works

Lessons are paid for in advance and purchased through our monthly or quarterly plans. All plans come with our 100% Money Back Guarantee. We accept payment via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), debit card or electronic check.

Monthly Plan

Schedule and pay for lessons on a month to month basis. Lessons are paid for and scheduled on the 25th of every month.
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Lessons during the month	4
Price per lesson	$30.00
Total	$120.00

Quarterly Plan

Purchase 12 lessons upfront and receive your 13th lesson for free. Over the course of a year, you receive a month of free lessons!
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13 lessons at $30.00 each	$390.00
One free lesson	-$30.00
Your total for 13 lessons	$360.00

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Review the TakeLessons teachers in your area. Find the teacher you like the best and either book online or call/email a TakeLessons Student Counselor to book your lessons. You will then choose a day and time that works best for you, select your lesson package and pay via credit or debit card to book your lessons.

After you have booked your lessons, your instructor will contact you within 1-2 days. This gives the instructor a chance to introduce him or herself, and make sure everything is set for your first lesson.

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Lesson rates vary depending on the length of the lesson (we offer 30, 45, 60, and 90 minute lessons), and the actual location of the lesson (we offer lessons in your home or our teacher's studio). Lessons are paid for in advance by Visa, Mastercard or Discover. Sorry, no cash.

Please call 877-231-8505 for details.

S. Harrison Street,

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S. Harrison Street,

Accomplished Singer w/ degree in music ed from Westminster Choir College eager to work with you!!!

About Me

Lesson Details

Subjects Taught

My Specialties

My Education

Student Feedback for Daniel C.

Daniel J.'s Photos

Daniel J.'s Audio Clips

How It Works

Monthly Plan

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S. Harrison Street,

Accomplished Singer w/ degree in music ed from Westminster Choir College eager to work with you!!!

About Me

Lesson Details

Subjects Taught

My Specialties

My Education

Student Feedback for Daniel C.

Daniel J.'s Photos

Daniel J.'s Audio Clips

How It Works

Monthly Plan

Monthly Plan

Example:

Quarterly Plan

Quarterly Plan

Example:

You save $30.00!

How To Sign Up

Pricing

Availability

S. Harrison Street,

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Locations

Still Have Questions?

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