Chris B.

I am a licensed music teacher and board-certified music therapist. I began teaching private piano lessons in 2005 during my undergraduate degree. I attended William Paterson University and received a degree in music education. Upon graduating, I received the William Paterson University 2010 Outstanding Classical Performer award. In 2017 I earned an M.A. in music therapy from Montclair State University, where I was awarded the David Ott Scholarship for Outstanding Music Therapy Intern. Learning music therapy has given me deeper insight into my teaching. My favorite part of music is the learning process. I enjoy performing music, but I personally get more out of learning it. Teaching allows me to be involved in the learning process with other people. I can assess a student's abilities and develop plans and materials that address his or her musical needs. A deep understanding of music and the learning process guides me during my lessons, and I enjoy guiding students through their musical struggles and victories. In addition to classical piano, I also sing, play upright bass, and guitar. Most of my students are piano students, but I also teach guitar and bass.

*** Lesson Details ***
Since each person is different, my lessons are tailored to the individual. I don't have set lesson plans that all my students adhere to. The lessons are designed to fulfill each individual student's unique needs. My specialty is in classical music, so my students learn how to read sheet music. I also provide a solid foundation in music theory, piano technique, and interpretation. I'm laid back and easy to get along with, but I do expect my students to practice. I see my role as a musical guide. That means that I can help students who want to learn, but I can't make anyone learn music. The more you put into music, the more you get out of it. When my students take my advice during the lessons and practice at home, they progress quite quickly.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide music books, staff paper, and pencils. I expect students to have an instrument of decent quality to have a lesson on.

*** Specialties ***
I'm primarily a classical pianist with experience playing in a variety of settings. I’ve played in rock bands, I've done musicals, and I played upright bass in a folk/jazz band. I have an in depth understanding of music theory and moderate understanding of jazz harmony.
I don't adhere to any one specific teaching method. I find that since every individual is unique, individualized teaching approaches are necessary to suit a student's personal needs.