Millburn, NJ

973.232.5111

10A East Willow Street
Millburn, NJ 07041

Monday-Thursday: 2pm - 9pm
Friday: 2pm - 6:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 10am-2pm

Providing Music Lessons to Students K-12

Whether your child is interested in guitar lessons, piano lessons, keyboard lessons, drum and percussion lessons, bass lessons, brass lessons, voice lessons, songwriting and music production lessons, or adaptable music therapy with a board-certified therapist, So i Heard Music offers it all with a sensibility that is focused on the needs of the young music student.

So i Heard Music is conveniently located in Millburn, NJ, and is easily accessible to points all over the tri-county area of southern Essex, northern Union, and eastern Morris counties. We serve towns in the Millburn-Short Hills area including Maplewood, South Orange, Westfield, Livingston, Summit, Chatham, Springfield, Union and beyond.

LESSONS FOR EVERY LEVEL AND MUSICAL INTEREST.

Services

Music Lessons
Adapted Music Lessons
Group Private Lessons
Bands
Music Therapy
Early Childhood
Recording
Birthday Parties
Songwriting
Music Production

Instruments

Piano
Guitar
Bass
Drums
Brass
Voice
Band

Millburn, NJ Teachers

Will
Green
Teacher
EducationBachelor's Degree in Music Production, Ramapo College
SpecialtyGuitar, Bass, Music Production
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Will
I'm a producer, audio engineer, and songwriter for multiple genres. I have a bachelor's degree in music production and have plenty of experience working with artists to bring their ideas to life. My passion for music and art can be seen in the various skills I possess, from playing multiple instruments and writing lyrics to beat-making as well as mixing, and mastering.
My typical approach to a lesson
When I teach lessons, my number one priority is to allow students to have fun while learning more about the music they enjoy listening to while also encouraging exploration into other styles of music and art. I believe a solid knowledge of theory, technique, and music history goes a long way in both playing songs you like as well as creating your own original music.
My advice to students
Remember music is a journey. Just like all art forms, music is a tool for self-expression. Whether you’re learning more about what you enjoy, exploring other genres, practicing your instrument, writing lyrics, or recording, it is all part of this ever-changing process of you growing and learning to express yourself and find what makes you unique. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask. Don't give up in the face of challenges. And most importantly enjoy the journey, have fun, and make it yours.
My favorite local spots
Crossroads in Garwood NJ is one of my favorite local venues. A lot of bands I personally like play there as well as various local acts. They even have weekly karaoke nights and sometimes they host film festivals!
My three tips for success

Trust the process and be patient. Like with any new skill, learning music takes time and consistent practice.

Keep an open mind. Music is a vast subject with many different aspects to learn about and enjoy. Always try new things and never stop broadening your horizons.

Collaborate with other musicians. Music is meant to be shared with others and is the most exciting when playing and creating with fellow musicians.
Ava
Demerjian
Teacher
EducationBachelor's in Flute Performance, DePaul University
SpecialtyPiano, Voice, Flute
InfluencesThe Beatles, The Beach Boys, Laufey
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Ava!
I grew up in Nutley, New Jersey and still currently live in Northern New Jersey. I got my bachelor’s degree in Flute Performance at DePaul University and have been playing flute for around 14 years now. At college I studied under the first and second flutists of the Chicago Symphony, Stefan Ragnar Höskuldsson and Emma Gerstein. I also specialize in Piano and Vocals. I have been playing piano for over 10 years now and have been singing since I was very young. I started teaching flute, piano, and voice in high school, and love to share the beauty of music making with others. Music is in my blood and is everything to me. I am just happy to have the opportunity to share it with everyone.
My Approach to a Typical Lesson:
In a typical lesson, my goal is to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment where all my students would feel safe, comfortable, and engaged. The aim is to ensure that learning music is an enjoyable experience, while being encouraged to explore and develop their music abilities in a positive and nurturing atmosphere.
My Advice to Students:
Don’t be too hard on yourself, learning music takes a lot of time and effort. It’s important to not get discouraged if something seems hard at first. Everyone learns differently and learns at their own pace. Always ask for help, always try your best, and have fun!
My Favorite Local Places:
My favorite food spots are Millburn Ramen, Sum Ramen, and Fiamma Wood Fired Pizza.
My Three Tips for Success:
1. Stay Patient: Progress in music does not happen overnight. It takes a lot of work and dedication, always trust the process, and trust yourself. 2. Stay Confident: Believe in yourself and your abilities, even when you encounter a challenge. Confidence in yourself as a musician will push you through tough moments. 3. Remember why you love music: Music has a lot of ups and down, and it is not easy. When time gets tough, it’s always important to remember why you started and how much joy it brings you.
Zack
Frank
Teacher
EducationBachelor of Music Degree in Film and Video Game Scoring from Berklee College of Music
SpecialtyPiano, Guitar, Voice, Music Production, Songwriting
InfluencesLena Raine, Aurora, Fleet Foxes, Philip Glass
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I’m Zack!
I’m a composer and sound designer with a degree in Film/Video Game Scoring from Berklee College of Music. I first started playing the guitar when I was about 10 years old, but my passion for music really ramped up when I discovered my love for singing and music composition in high school. Since then I’ve enjoyed many years of singing in choirs, performing in musical theater productions, and working as an audio engineer and composer for podcasts. I also absolutely love video game music and have been gaining experience in the game audio industry. In college, I even sang in a choir that performed a cappella arrangements of video game music!
My Approach to a Typical Lesson:
I like to allow student’s creativity and curiosity to lead the overall direction of their lessons. Helping them understand why they enjoy the music that they listen to is very important for them to want to keep learning and improving. I also like to emphasize the importance of learning things by ear and learning music theory. Both of these skills open so many doors in what is possible with music.
My Advice for Students:
My advice is for students to explore new things. Whether it’s a new genre of music, a new instrument, or even writing and producing music themselves, being open to exploring something new helps keep the musical spark lit!
My Favorite Local Places:
I just recently moved back to New Jersey so I’m still exploring the area!
Three Tips for Success:

Be patient with yourself. Music can be challenging, but it can also show you the value of patience and perseverance. Every great musician makes mistakes!

Find new music to listen to. Finding new music that inspires you can help keep up that drive to practice or create something yourself.

Don’t compare your abilities to others. Everyone learns at a different pace and in a different way. Just do your best to have fun and collaborate with others instead of competing with others.

My Music:
Music for a fictional video game about a dinosaur town: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2E-UliC6PE Singing Bass in the PXL8 Video Game Choir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6JhruMx7lM
Amanda
Gabriel
Teacher
EducationSetnor School of Music at Syracuse University
SpecialtyPiano, Voice, Music Production, Songwriting
InfluencesCarole King, Lawrence, Sara Bareilles, Ella Fitzgerald, Fleetwood Mac, Jacob Collier, Anaïs Mitchell, Lady Gaga
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Amanda!

I grew up in Springfield, NJ, and I am a former student of So i Heard Music!

I earned my Bachelor of Music in Jazz/Commercial Voice Performance & Music Industry with a Minor in Theater from the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University. Right after graduating in 2021, I was hired as an actor on the First National Tour of a new musical called "An Officer and a Gentleman!" I spent the next 9 months touring the country and performing both on stage and occasionally in the band as the Keys 2 Sub. While I love theater and am continuing to pursue opportunities on stage, I am also a dedicated songwriter and musician. I recently released my debut single, "What's the Rush," on Spotify, Apple Music, etc. I have a ton of experience working in recording studios as a session singer and have sung on multiple cast albums for musicals including "Bandstand" and "Jesus Christ Superstar." Between my experiences in theater, recording, songwriting, and live performing, I hope to be able to guide my students through whatever path they choose. My areas of expertise include voice (all levels), piano (beginner to intermediate), music theory, songwriting, recording and production, voice anatomy, musical theater, and career development. My life's greatest passion is music in all its forms. I am so excited to help pass that on to my students and help them find their own unique way of making joyful music.

My approach to a typical lesson

My most important goal in each lesson is to listen to each student's individual needs and aspirations. I am here to help guide them toward their goals by providing structure, benchmarks, and practice techniques while always keeping the joy of music at the center. I want to create healthy musical habits and always say yes to helping them try something new.

My advice for students

Consistency is everything! Don't get frustrated when you don't get something right away, progress never happens overnight. Keep at it, keep believing in yourself, and don't be afraid of the challenge. Most importantly: always remember that music is joyful and that we do it because we love it!

My favorite local places

Rock n' Joe's Cafe is my favorite local coffee shop! Plus, they sometimes do open mic nights and always have great music playing :)

My Music

Here's a Spotify link to my song, What's the Rush: https://open.spotify.com/track/3yq3Sl7f8v0Ehws26OQgOs?si=605d6458ad1640ae
Aaron
Benfer
Teacher
EducationMason Gross School of the Arts (Rutgers University)
SpecialtyPiano, Voice, Bass, Songwriting
InfluencesMichael Giacchino, Michelle Zauner, Koji Kondo, Angel Olsen, Johannes Brahms, Aivi & Surasshu, Jay Som
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Aaron!

I grew up in South Jersey in the town of Millville, until I moved to New Brunswick in 2019 to pursue my degree at Mason Gross School of the Arts (Rutgers University). As of May 2023, I graduated from the university with a B.M. in Music and my major as music composition (vocal primary). I've been playing piano for around 14 years, singing for as long as I can remember, and composing has been my main focus for over a decade now. Throughout my life I've been a part of some of the most prestigious choral groups in NJ, such as the Kirkpatrick Choir, who I recently joined in helping the Eagles on their "Hotel California Tour". I am an aspiring television/film composer that has written primarily for vocal, chamber, and electronic works. My main areas of expertise include: piano/keyboard, voice, bass guitar, and songwriting/composing. Music is my passion and as a recent college undergraduate I'm looking to help continue my passion and spread my newfound knowledge through teaching!

My Approach to a Typical Lesson:

My goal for each lesson I teach is to create an environment where a student feels safe, respected, and open to their love of music! I strive to make each lesson feel productive and useful, while also remembering to be able to revel in the wonder and fun of creating music.

My Advice for Students:

Don't forget to enjoy yourself! It's very easy to get caught up in technical challenges or humps we can't quite get over during practice, but remember that music is something that should help bring you closer to those around you and most importantly--yourself!

My Favorite Local Places:

While I'm not from around here, I've come to enjoy the Kung Fu Tea and the Millburn Standard in the surrounding area!

Three Tips for Success:

-Remain positive: There will be many ups and downs in your musical journey. It's very easy to focus on the downs, but just remember that failure is a requirement for success. Keep going!

-Remain consistent: While it may sound cliché, practice makes perfect! Consistency in terms of practice is what makes or breaks success within music.

-Remain determined: Throughout my time as a music student, there have been many times where I've thought that it would be easier to give up and start a new piece or try something new instead of continuing with what I was working on at the time. While that would be easier, that attitude is not what gets you better as a musician. If you remain focused and determined, you can always get whatever you set your mind to done and perfected.

My Music:

[embed]https://youtu.be/91GEZYySMTI[/embed]

https://on.soundcloud.com/HdhtW
Jackson
Coe
Program Director, Teacher
EducationSUNY Purchase - Bachelor’s in Music (Studio Composition)
SpecialtyPiano, Music Production, Music Theory, Songwriting
InfluencesColdplay, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Iver, George Winston, M83
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Jackson.
I am a graduate of SUNY Purchase College with a Bachelor’s in Music with a concentration in Studio Composition. The piano is my primary instrument, but after attending the Studio Composition program at Purchase, I developed a strong passion and knowledge for Music Production and Songwriting. Throughout my music journey, I have toured the country playing keyboards in a pop band, composed musical theater, and most recently been writing, producing and performing with an Alternative Pop/Rock band that I’ve formed with two friends from my music program at Purchase College. Most of my experiences with music have not been expected, but that is what I love most about pursuing a career in music. There is always something new to learn!
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
I have a very strong background in Music Theory and would use those skills to form how the student learns and understands their instrument and music in general. I believe that learning music theory opens up so many possibilities for the student to take their music journey wherever they want it to go. In every facet of my teaching, my goal is to improve the student’s technical ability while playing or creating music that the student enjoys.
My Advice For Students
Listen to as much music as you can; there is always something to learn from listening to a song in any genre. Consistency is the most important thing for practicing, but on days you don’t have time or energy to practice, practice active listening habits while listening to your favorite songs!
My Favorite Local Places
Arlene’s Grocery in NYC
Diego
Bussenius
Teacher
EducationBerklee Online
SpecialtyPiano, Guitar, Bass, Music Production
InfluencesJames Yancey, James Jamerson, Paul McCartney, Tom Jobim, Herbie Hancock
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Diego!
My love for music began at a young age when my father would share his love for funk music with my brother and I. He loved the music of groups like Parliament and Jamiroquai and it rubbed off on me at a young age. In my teens I would teach myself how to play different instruments through instructional books/DVDs from the public library and playing in bands with friends; but I had been studying for a career in architectural design. After high-school, I felt that my heart was completely in music, so I abandoned architecture and got a job to pay my way through Berklee Music for Music Production. Since graduation, I have been recording local acts from Rock, Pop, to Hip Hop and investing all the revenue back into the studio. This has taught me many valuable lessons about the entire music production process; from having the first idea of a song to officially releasing it to the world and every step in-between.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
While teaching music lessons, my main goal is to cultivate a love for music that carries through the years. Like English conveys ideas, music is a language of emotions, and I hope to instill the desire to speak that language to all my students. By flexing our creative muscles through constant creation, the theory and the technicalities become a goal for the student to facilitate the expression of music they feel inside.
My Advice For Students
To learn any language we must immerse ourselves in the world of that language. My advice is to immerse into the world of music by listening, studying, practicing, and playing as often as we can. We become what we do, so if we play music everyday, we are music.
My Favorite Local Places
So i Heard Music, and not just because I work there! It's honestly a very inspirational place to see all my colleagues and their pupils achieves so much. Besides that I'd say my house.
My Music
I am currently establishing a record label where all my future projects will live. Stay Tuned! www.protunerecords.com
Tim
Schwerdt
Music Therapist, Teacher
EducationBerklee College of Music
SpecialtyMusic Therapy, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Music Production
InfluencesLed Zeppelin, Muse, Gojira, Rage Against the Machine, Stevie Wonder
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Tim!
I grew up playing and exploring as many instruments as possible to get a feel for the language and nature of music. As an informed multi-instrumentalist, I pursued an education in the Recording Arts in order to understand how to be a producer and engineer. My explorations taught me that a huge passion of mine is relating to others on a more personal level. As such, I furthered my education to become a Music Therapist. My life mission is to help others achieve their goals through music.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
I like to ask students to share with me the type of music that most interests them. Preferences guide the learning journey every day and can especially inspire us to continue persevere through difficult challenges.
My Advice For Students
Listen to music every day. Find out exactly what appeals to you and what doesn't so you can talk to a teacher or mentor about how to best help you along your musical journey.
My Favorite Sources of Inspiration
I find inspiration from being in nature and with people. I love meeting new people and helping them along their musical journey anyway I can. I go to concerts about three times a month to discover new artists, and support musicians I already listen to. Movie and Video games are also hugely important sources of music. I find myself exploring YouTube for content from all around the world to share with others.
Andrew
Digrius
Teacher
EducationMontclair State University
SpecialtyPiano, Guitar, Bass, Music Production, Songwriting, Trombone, Trumpet
InfluencesRadiohead, Miles Davis, Billy Joel, Bela Bartok, Circa Survive
LocationsMillburn, NJ
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Hi, I'm Andrew!
I studied Jazz Performance at Montclair State University with a concentration in trumpet. While I was in my undergraduate studies I was able to meet six other musicians who shared a similar philosophy of creativity. We formed a band called Thank You Scientist and through that I was able to tour the country for 8 years. I was fortunate to have shared the stage with amazing bands such as Yes, The Dear Hunter, Coheed and Cambria, Periphery and many more! Although I was fully invested in the rock scene at the time, this did not stop me from composing and performing jazz around the New Jersey and New York scene. I was a part of the New York Youth Big Band in which I was able to play along side Terell Stafford, Phil Woods, Nir Felder and more. Over the years, I've strived to not pigeon hole myself into one style, genre or instrument in the pursuit of my expression. The theory knowledge learned from the jazz and rock scene helped me to excel in the learning of many other instruments which now gives me the ability to teach at a deeper and more concise level.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
Since jazz is my background, I emphasize the use of the ears in lessons. We do a lot of listening and ear training to better understand what we hear. This being said, I also love to play with my students so they get a good sense of what to sound like. I also love to work on songs and music that my students are listening to and make it as hard or easy for each individuals level. This being said, I do spend some time developing technique through scales, exercise books, and theory knowledge.
My Advice For Students
Make sure you keep your ears open at all times! Listen to yourself and the greats!
My Favorite Local Places
I love getting into the city and heading to the Village Vanguard and the 55 bar for jazz. But I also head to the Bowery Electric and the Knitting Factory to check out some up and coming rock music.
My Music
I recorded three records with my old rock band Thank You Scientist (7 piece prog rock band)

I currently play in a band called First Mountain I also love pop music - check out this track I'm featured on!
Nick
Peters
Teacher
EducationMontclair State University
SpecialtyPiano, Drums, Music Theory, Songwriting
InfluencesRed Hot Chili Peppers, Kendrick Lamar, Mark Guiliana, Florence + the Machine, CHON, Steve Reich
LocationsMillburn, NJ
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Hi, I'm Nick!
I began learning Coldplay songs on the piano around the eighth grade. In high school, my friends finally convinced me to join the marching band after two years of me telling them I wasn't interested. I ended up really enjoying it, and went on to perform with a Drum and Bugle Corps for five years! I learned to play the vibraphone, then the xylophone, and finally the marimba. I discovered a deep love of music, and decided that that was what I wanted to go to college for! I graduated from Montclair State University in 2019 with a degree in Music Theory/Composition and an instrumental focus in Percussion. Since then, I've been working to develop my writing an playing abilities further. I love composing new music as well as arranging music in different styles and instrumentation.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
I believe in giving my students the resources and building blocks to learn and understand concepts on their own. This can help them to grow organically and not feel as if they are simply being spoon-fed information. I also love posing questions to my students to encourage critical thinking. I am a huge proponent of the fundamentals: a good foundation in technique and music theory can support the student as they grow into the type of musician that they would eventually like to be!
My Advice For Students
Discover what you like about music, and strive to learn more about it. Exploring new concepts and developing your taste can become a huge part of the fun! We have an incredible amount of music both past and present available at our fingertips. Even if you spent your entire life playing, you would never run out of things to learn. It may seem intimidating, but everyone needs to begin somewhere!
My Favorite Local Places
NJPAC in Newark, NJ Rockwood Music Hall in NYC The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC
My Music
I'm a composer who loves percussion, electronic music, and minimalism. This is a recording from my Senior Composition Recital of a jazz piece titled "Frazil". It was written about ice crystals that form under moving bodies of water called "frazil ice."
Aaron
Geusic
Teacher
EducationKean University
SpecialtyPiano, Guitar, Drums, Voice, Music Theory
InfluencesThe Beatles, Patternist, Queen, Ben Platt, The Moody Blues
LocationsMillburn, NJ
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Hi, I'm Aaron!
I have received my B.M. in Music Performance and Pedagogy from Kean University in Union NJ. My primary instrument is voice but I am a multi-instrumentalist who is proficient in guitar and piano as well. I have had various experiences performing both solo and in groups including but not limited to multiple performances with the Woodbridge Community Players (shows include West Side Story as a Shark, Little Shop of Horrors as Seymour and Cabaret as Herr Schulz), The Kean University Choir, and with my band “The Wednesdays.” I teach voice, drums, music theory, beginner piano, and more!
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
My typical approach to teaching lesson's is as follows: I would greet the student, ask about their week and lead them in a short physical stretch. After stretching would be a short five minute warm up. At this point I would either introduce a new piece or review old music, having the student sing through the piece and making mistakes along the way. When finished, I would pinpoint any particular sections giving the student any trouble.
My Advice For Students
The one way to improve on your instrument is to practice everyday! It may seem impossible but all it takes is 10 minutes a day! You must be willing to put in the work to achieve greatness!
My Favorite Local Places
New York City in any theater M Uncle's front porch My Basement studio
My Music

Aaron also performs in a band called "The Wednesdays." Their music can be found on Spotify.
Rob
Fragnito
Teacher
EducationThe Collective School of Music
SpecialtyPiano, Guitar, Drums, Voice
InfluencesThe Beatles, Radiohead, Beethoven, Miles Davis, John Bonham
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Rob!
I am a multi-instrumentalist specializing in Drums, Piano, Guitar, Voice, and Music Production. I have been playing drums since I was 12 and piano since I was 8. I have performed in many different bands as a drummer, keyboardist and songwriter/singer. I have a lot of experience performing on stage and working in recording studios. I graduated from Music College in a degree in performance and music theory. I have been teaching for many years and love to share my passion and knowledge with my students. I have studied many different genres. From jazz and rock to classical and funk. I personally like to combine all styles and create music that is interesting and innovative. Also, having a good beat and catchy melody is most important! I think it's important to be influenced by many different styles and sounds. I look to instill this in my students and encourage them to think outside the box and explore different types of music that they normally wouldn't listen to.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
Whether you're a beginner or experienced I like to start slow and get a sense of the instrument. We do this through fun warmups! For me it's all about music so I also try to get a sense of what kind of music the student enjoys. Listening to songs and understanding what the musicians are doing is a great way to becoming better at your chosen instrument.
My Advice For Students
Remember music is all about having fun. Relax, it's okay to make mistakes. Actually making mistakes is the only way to get better.
My Favorite Local Places
Rockwood Music Hall Newark Museum Smalls Jazz Club QXT's Night Club The MET
My Music
I currently play in a band called Moon Rabbit Retreat. If this doesn't showcase my skill set,I don't know what will. In the band I play drums, keyboards and sing. It's easier than it sounds!