East Orange, NJ Music Theory Lessons

cclaim from audiences: “I am still reeling from Nicole’s recital,” said a Metropolitan Opera Guild board member, “The way she played … will stay with me forever.” She can be seen performing as a solo artist as well as a part of her two chamber ensembles, Audible Abstraction - a bold new music trio - and 2Squared - a dynamic piano duo. Additionally, Ms. Brancato has won multiple competitions, most recently winning the Hunter Symphony’s Aria and Concerto competition with Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G.

Ms. Brancato holds an M.A. in piano performance from Hunter College in New York City and a B.M. in piano performance from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. She graduated summa cum laude from both institutions and was awarded the Benno Lee Prize at Hunter for an outstanding Master’s Recital. She is a member of the American College of Musicians’ Piano Guild and has studied with the likes of Geoffrey Burleson and William Wolfram. She has over 10 years of teaching experience, specializing in piano, composing and arranging, and music theory.

Hall debut with the Zephyr Duo as a prize winner in the Artists International Competition. Both as a solo artist and chamber musician, she has performed throughout the Metropolitan New York area in venues such as Trinity Church, Mannes and Manhattan Schools of Music, the Connell Library, Drew University, Watchung Art Center, Summit Presbyterian Church, Atlantic Highlands Chamber Music Series and others. Her performances also included appearances at Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel, PA, Solstice Festival at Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Benefit concerts for New Sussex Symphony, Bucks County Symphony and NJ Symphony orchestras, as well as chamber music recitals at Livingston Music Club, Women's Club in Glen Ridge, Temple University.

Ms. S. currently maintains a private piano studio. She is an active member of Music Educators Association of New Jersey and sits annually on a panel of judges for the association.

Teaching Philosophy:

I believe that learning to play an instrument should be an integral part of every child's education. Music enriches emotional and intellectual development, provides a source of joy and fulfillment. My teaching philosophy is based on emphasizing individuality of each student. I teach students ages 5 through adult, and try to find a way to make it interesting, exciting, intellectually stimulating and rewarding for each individual.

- I incorporate elements of Suzuki method into my teaching for young beginners combining it with traditional Russian school methods and various others depending on student's needs.

- I believe in providing strong technical basis for piano playing and teach my students skills and tools to make practicing on their own efficient.

- I include music theory, ear-training, and elements of music history into my piano lessons

- I prepare my students to participate in annual MEA auditions, as well as recitals and competitions. I am an enthusiastic and devoted teacher who loves sharing my knowledge and creates an environment in which a student can learn and grow.

elPriora, chair of the Guitar Department at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a master degree in composition. His mentors include composers Susan Botti, Reiko Fueting, and electronic music pioneer Joel Chadabe. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Florida, where he studied jazz guitar with Tom Lippincott, and composition with Susan Epstein-Garcia.

Juan is also an avid cartoonist, collector of rare books and little cars, food adventurer and runner.

*** Lesson Details ***
Guitar teaching encompasses many disciplines. One has to be a bit of a psychologist in order to gauge a potential student needs and musical sensibilities. The mathematical aspect of musical notation and rhythm makes us part mathematicians. In the end, there is also a self-actualizing aspect to guitar teaching in the sense that we are always witness to those moments that made us decide a career on music.
During my years of guitar teaching I have encountered many types of students, and I have learned from them as much as they have learned from me as they make me question aspects of music that I would have never thought about. I have learned to not take for granted the definition of concepts such as rhythm and harmony, and to look at guitar technique from different perspectives as I find ways to accommodate to a student’s capabilities. Ultimately, it is also a job that requires a lot of planning and structure. My first step, generally, is to assess the student’s ability and interest to find material suitable for them. Then, I proceed to familiarize with the student’s musical tastes and sensibilities to assign practice material accordingly. For example, if the student is interested in rock or pop music, we will work on a particular song that fits his level and also solves a particular technical problem. During that process I will answer any of the student’s questions, and provide insight into musical terminology. We will also work on basic concepts of rhythm, melody, and harmony. My training as a composer and jazz guitarists also enables me to tap into the student’s creative side. In that case, we would start with a basic blues progression and blues scales, and work on the basics of improvisation or songwriting.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Basement studio w/ small keyboard, amp, acoustic guitar, 3 electric guitars, music books w/ seating for parents and lots of magazines!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide music sheets, students should have an instrument, tuner, paper, pencil, and a metronome.

*** Specialties ***
I teach fundamentals of music theory, principles of jazz improvisation, classical guitar technique and repertoire, song writing, pop songs, sight reading, and overall musicianship, as well as Jazz, Rock, Blues, Bossa Nova, and other Latin Styles.

The Drifters, Del Shannon, The Shirelles, The Marvelettes, The Crystals, Chuck Berry, Leslie Gore and believe it or not Tiny Tim. I played guitar, harmonica, mandolin and banjo in productions of: Hair, Tommy, Big River, Fiddler On The Roof and Grease. I composed my own music and performed and co-wrote with others who also wrote their own music. I have always taught private guitar lessons as far back as I can remember. One notable student was Stevie Wonder's son Keita who I taught for 2 years at Stevie's home in northern New Jersey as well as CBS News Anchor Charles Osgood's daughter Annie. Currently I teach 20 private guitar students a week.. From 1994 to 2000, I was the guitarist for The Royal Scam (a Steely Dan Tribute) and during that period I was hired by Hal Leonard Music Corp. to write a guitar transcription book called "The Best of Steely Dan". I was also hired by Brother International Corp. to compose and record a national radio jingle called "P-Touch", with Corey Glover from the rock band Living Colour doing the vocal tracks.
In 1996 I went to William Paterson University to obtain my teacher certification in music education. After the 9/11 attacks, I co-wrote and arranged "America Home Of The Free". The song was used to raise thousands of dollars for the victims of The World Trade Center attacks. Presently I divide my time between teaching, which I enjoy as much as performing and playing guitar with a jazz quartet called ....and All That Jazz, whose 2005 CD "Reflections" was recorded, mixed and mastered in my home based 24 track recording studio in northern NJ. I am also involved in a mandolin / classical guitar project called Music Of The Ages and perform with a 10 piece band called Epic Soul.
As a teacher I am very patient with students and enjoy helping them reach their own musical goals. I emphasize knowing the basics and encourage students to study music theory and basic reading of standard notation. I always ask my students to bring in songs they want to learn as a way to motivate them to practice more.

*** Lesson Details ***
GUITAR: I expect my students to practice at least 5 days a week for at least a 1/2 hour per day. I use the Suzuki method for young students ages 8 to10. We continue learning basic folk songs by ear and then start reading standard notation and basic theory within 6 to 8 months along with classical guitar duets. For older students I use the Hal Leonard guitar method. After 3 months of lessons students can expect to know the basic open position chords and strum patterns to some basic songs as well as some famous guitar riffs and also be able to read some basic melodies in standard notation. After 6 months students will be able to play a 12 bar blues and improvise with the pentatonic and blues scales as well as learn moveable scales and chords and apply these to songs.

PIANO: I also start young piano students with the Suzuki method so they can play some five finger familiar melodies in a short time period. Then we progress to reading notation and eventually adding chord accompaniment to melodies. I use the Faber piano method for reading standard notation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
24 track recording studio, room for parents to sit 14' x 21'...completely furnished studio with guitars, amps, piano, drum machine, synthesizer, microphones...the works.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students need a good quality and proper size guitar (for very young students) a music stand (for their home use) a foot stool, a metronome and books I assign along with an 8 1/2" X 11" blank manuscript book and a folder with side pockets to hold handout sheets. Piano students need their own instrument and the above materials minus the foot stool.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki classical guitar, classic rock, blues, jazz , popular, funk, country, folk, finger picking and pick style and piano.

rnor's Award in Arts Education for the category of Instrumental Music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very laid back and friendly, and I want you or your child to be as comfortable as possible during our lessons. You or your child will develop confidence and musical intelligence. I will make your lessons fun, enjoyable, and effective. Boredom is not an option! Music is fun... let's keep it that way.

The teaching methods I use will be custom-tailored to your individual needs, personality and specific musical goals. If it's guitar or piano you want to learn, I want to get you playing exactly what you want to be playing as soon as possible. That's what you're here for, and that's what I'm here for. I will make it happen. If it's songwriting that you want to learn, I will help you access that place inside of you that is dying to express itself creatively, and will teach you techniques to harness that energy and translate it successfully into musical expression.

You can expect to learn all the basics of music theory, proper playing techniques, improvisation and spontaneous musical expression, and I will help you develop your "ear" so you can figure out songs you like just by listening to them. This is all about you and your goals, and I want you to achieve them in a fun and engaging way.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room: Upright piano, guitars, amps, keyboard, percussion

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in pop, rock, classical, jazz, blues, folk, fingerstyle (guitar), etc. I also teach improvisation and songwriting, and try to develop the student's ear for figuring out songs they like on their own.

e" Heath, Billy Hart, Greg Osby, Jason Moran, Dave Liebman, Steve Wilson, Ambrose Akinmusire and Aaron Parks and have studied with teachers including Jay Anderson, David Grossman, Larry Grenadier and Ben Street.

I look forward to helping you grow as a musician and learning from you as well!

All the best,
Martin

*** Lesson Details ***
My primary mission is to help you accomplish the goals you have set for yourself. Within the first lesson I want to learn what you hope to achieve. I always ask my students what music they love and want to learn more about.

I want to use the music that you connect with to help you grow on your instrument. I will also teach you the techniques needed to play the instrument and expose you to the different styles possible on the instrument.

I tailor my teaching to each student's needs, concerns, strengths and weaknesses. I use a variety of teaching tools, including books and recordings, based on what I think will help you.

I am very patient, fun, and engaging. I guarantee that within 1 lesson you will feel inspired and ready to embark on an exciting musical journey.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The studio lessons take place in the living room with a piano, upright bass, and guitar. Seating is available.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I use public transportation. I expect the student to provide an instrument and if possible, the book we are working through. Otherwise I will provide the book.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in jazz, but can teach classical, rock, pop, funk, r and b,

.
I usually have 3 main paths that the student can choose.
1st - Learn the instrument enough so you can play your favorite songs and have fun with friends.
2nd(most requested) - Learn the instrument from scratch. Study technique, repertoire, a little of reading and music theory and learn how to improvise. This will allow the person to have their own tools to study on their own after attending classes with me.
3rd - Usually people who have been playing before like this one. We will go deep in music theory, ear training, reading, improvising and technique. Always leaning challenging tunes that will develop the student skills. This one allows the student to follow a professional path on the future, or maybe go into a music college.

*Location
Classes can take place at my studio or at your own location with an extra fee for transportation.

*Under 18 students
For children under 18 parents are more than welcome to stay for the classes, tell me if there is any specific goal you are looking for or talk about any subject that you might want.

*AUDITION PREP
I also help people to prepare for auditions. For this subject, I will tell you how to get ready for an audition. If you are trying to get in a college I have many contacts around the country and know how most auditions work and can help you with any question there might be. For auditions for orchestras or band we can work on repertoire and behavior to get you ready and all set to get accepted.

one-size-fits-all approach to music, and I encourage and guide my students to find what it is about their voice that makes them unique.