Ukulele Lessons in Scotch Plains, NJ

tial scholarship to the Art Institute of Philadelphia, and relocated to NYC shortly after graduating.

Her unique music, performances, art and internet videos have won many awards and critical acclaim.

She has performed her music and written segments and songs for television (including ABC’s “Good Morning America”, MTV’s “I Bet You Will”, Fox News “Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld”, IFC's "Comedy Music Hall of Fame", HGTV's Flea Market Flip, TBS’s “Saving Grace” website and “The Tyra Banks Show”), radio (including "The Dr. Demento Show", "The Jackie Martling Show", WFMU's "Spreading Yourself Thin with Jessica D" and “The Opie and Anthony Radio Show” on SiriusXM, BBC’s “Loose Ends Radio Programme” and BBC’s “The Simone Show” in the UK), feature films (including “What Would Jesus Buy?” directed by Morgan Spurlock), commercially for major clients and also on stages across the US and the UK (including London’s prestigious Soho Theatre, NYC’s Irving Plaza, Joe’s Pub and The Bowery Ballroom as John Waters’ opening act, and LA’s Troubadour).

*** Lesson Details ***
Jessica brings a lot of fun to her lessons. She is like a cool aunt or a big sister who likes to have a good time but who also wants to teach you to play guitar or ukulele and sing, hopefully at the same time. Jessica's laid back style and attention to your needs as a student will help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. Together, you will go as fast or as slow as is comfortable for you. Jessica works with classic rock, pop, folk and all your favorite songs as your step ladder for learning. Jessica also can help you develop your own musical style and teach you to write YOUR OWN SONGS from beginning to end, if that is of interest to you.

*** Studio Equipment ***
amp, microphone, keyboard, guitar, ukulele, music stands

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar and Ukulele. Students can rent instruments initially but must get their own, as soon as possible

*** Specialties ***
Classic stringed instruments such as acoustic / electric guitar and ukulele, and several unusual instruments such as singing saw and electronic and standard autoharp, singing, songwriting and guidance on how to monetize your band, including acquiring sponsorships and arranging local and international tours.

***What Are Lessons Like?***
Student(s) and teacher sit together and start with the basics, then move on to learn others' songs (The Beatles or other classics are a good place to start) and then may even try to compose original songs, if that is of interest.

***Affiliations***
Women In Music
ASCAP
The Recording Academy, Associate Member
Comedy Musician's Coalition

alous Husband Returns in Form of Parrot (with Nathan Brisby, dir. Tom Wojtunik, SoundBites Festival: TheatreNowNY), The Coincidentals (with Emma Jeszke, The Pitch: Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival), How's This Sound?! (The Duplex; multiple sold-out runs), The Adventures of Manny McDougal, and Zombie Friend. My original material has also been featured at the Detention Series (Primary Stages), Tune in Time (The Triad Theatre), The Metropolitan Room, 54 Below, The 2012 and 2017 Annual Gala (The Duplex), Pianos, The Bowery Electric, Rockwood Music Hall, The 45th Street Theatre and Arlene's Grocery. I have also competed in over ten national video game jams as a composer and sound designer.

o Equipment ***
I have several guitars, a drum kit, djembe, mandolin, clarinet and full-size keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
Guitar: Classical, jazz, American or Irish folk, rock and pop; lead or rhythm.
Drums & Percussion: All genres
Piano: Classical (includes sight reading)

studio.

*** Travel Equipment ***
For piano students: If traveling to student's home, a piano must be available. Can be a keyboard or any other type of traditional piano.
If you need advice on where to buy one, I will gladly assist. If no piano is available, a full size keyboard is available at my studio.

After our initial lesson, I will determine which books are appropriate and will get the books at Sam Ash at a small discounted price. I will provide receipts for reimbursement.

For woodwind players: If you have a an instrument, I will will bring mine and provide information as to where you can purchase materials such as reeds, mouthpieces, cleaning clothes, etc.

For ukulele players: I can recommend reputable places to purchase your ukulele.

*** Specialties ***
Early to middle school childhood education. Breathing/ relaxation techniques, alexander technique. Classically trained. Also teach basic reed-making for oboe.

aim as I have continued to tour the world. I have opened for legends such as David Bowie, Ron Sexsmith, Robyn Hitchcock, Morphine, Bob Mould, Freedy Johnston, among many others. I have produced over a dozen albums by other artists and songwriters, and composed for major motion pictures including last years film, WON’T BACK DOWN starring Maggie Gyllenhaal.

“In a career spanning more than 20 years, he has established himself as one of America's great under-the-radar songwriters. Had he emerged five decades back, he might have been a Tin Pan Alley stalwart, turning out intelligent, accessible songwriting with the clockwork genius of and Gary Goffin. His work is rife with the clever, incisive tunefulness that marked that era.”-- National Public Radio

*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect to discover or re-discover their love for music and and their own natural musical inclinations. Many students report an increased sense of joy and possibility in their own lives. Curriculum depends on level of student, but is focused on being able to play favorite songs, develop comfort and ease in playing style, and accessing creativity and originality in approach. After 3 to 6 months working with me, most students can feel comfortable calling themselves a musician!

*** Specialties ***
I teach mainly guitar, keyboards, ukelele, and voice from beginning up to intermediate. I try to incorporate songwriting into the process as i find that it speeds up the process and helps to encourage enthusiasm and a more focused effort and better results. I am fluent in most styles but come from a folk, rock, country, pop background. I also have a home studio and use recording techniques to develop style and vocal ability.

a, or Bach, the concepts underlying music are basically the same. I will make sure you can play the music you love and hopefully help you explore new music as well.

*** Studio Equipment ***
In my studio I have a Guild Classical, Alvarez Acoustic, and Epiphone Electric.

All the accessories needed as well. Music Stands, Foot Stools, Picks, Straps, Slides, Tuners, Books, etc.

I also use an iMac in lessons. I like incorporating technology when appropriate, to look up tunes, or do a recording session, it's a necessary tool to learn nowadays.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will bring everything we need to conduct a proper lesson remotely. I do recommend you have your own guitar though.

*** Specialties ***
For all the advanced knowledge I have and years of teaching students of all kinds, my favorite is teaching beginners. I love seeing someone come in with no knowledge of music, and taking them from milestone to milestone. I love watching new musicians blossom.

I play, teach, and perform most frequently in classical, rock, blues, and pop genres.

m sheet music addictions to be able to have fun and confidence out at jams. I also can give a good foundation in music theory as it applies to one's actual playing and have it be fun and make sense.