Hi, I’m PJ!

I am a musician with a deep passion for Blues, Rock, Funk, Jazz and anything that has a deep pocket! My main instrument is guitar. I also produce, play bass, sing, and program drums and keys! I love improvisation and getting in the groove!

My Approach to a Typical Lesson:

My goal for each lesson is to treat music as though it were a language. I have musical “vocabulary” that I mapped out in TABS and standard notation. This includes various riffs, scales, and chords diagrams. I also provide backing tracks to aid in feeling groove and learning rhythm.

My Advice for Students:

Some advice I might give to a student would be: listen deeply to what YOU like and play what YOU like.

My Favorite Local Places:

• Crossroads in Garwood

Three Tips for Success:

1. Listen, listen, and listen.
2. If there is ever musical doubt, always go back and listen to what the music is ACTUALLY saying.
3. When we, musicians, take care of the music, the music takes care of us.

My Music:

“Baby Zeus” is my band. We have our album “509” streaming on all platforms. We play Rock & Roll.

Education

Bachelor of Music Performance from Berklee College of Music

Specialties

Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Production

Influences

Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Derek Trucks, Barry Harris, J Dilla

Hi, I’m Micaela!

I am a classically trained opera singer, but I have experience singing and performing in an endless number of genres. I am passionate about music and arts advocacy, exposing people to more types of music, and finding what they love the most.

My Approach to a Typical Lesson:

I do my best to set realistic goals, timelines, and plans that are personal to each student. I will spend time doing warm-ups, discussing music, going over previously assigned material, and then looking ahead for future assignments. I will always try to get my student started on their assignment ahead of time so it is already in their memory.

My Advice for Students:

Bring in music that you are passionate about, even if you don’t think you’re able to do it right now. I will work with you to find a way for you to learn it and perform it in a way that you’re proud of!

My Favorite Local Places:

• South Mountain Reservoir
• Millburn Deli
• Metropolitan Opera

Three Tips for Success:

1. Carve out a time to practice that is the same time every day.
2. Start every practice session by thinking of what you want to accomplish during this time.
3. Give yourself hard deadlines for learning music, memorization is always preferred!

My Music:

Website: micaelaaldridge.com

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

1. Trust the process and be patient. Like with any new skill, learning music takes time and consistent practice.
2. 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.
3. Collaborate with other musicians. Music is meant to be shared with others and is the most exciting when playing and creating with fellow musicians.

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.

Hi, I'm Aaron!

My Approach to a Typical Lesson:

My Advice for Students:

My Favorite Local Places:

Three Tips for Success:

My Music:

     

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

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.

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!

Hi, I'm Nick!

With over 10 years of teaching experience, Nick is a passionate music educator specializing in piano, percussion, and music theory. Since 2014, he has worked with students of all ages and skill levels, teaching in both group and one-on-one settings. Nick holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory and Composition from Montclair State University, where he was recognized with the Outstanding Undergraduate Composer Award. His expertise spans piano (Western Classical, Pop, Rock), drum set (Pop, Rock, Progressive Rock), and concert percussion, as well as marching percussion. Nick takes a patient, methodical, and student-centered approach to teaching. He believes in building strong fundamentals and encourages critical thinking through the use of open-ended questions, allowing students to reach conclusions on their own terms. Through both his teaching and music arranging, he has elevated numerous high school band and percussion programs across New Jersey, leading many of them to great success, including winning multiple national championships. Whether guiding beginners or advanced musicians, he tailors his lessons to meet each student’s unique needs, ensuring they grow confidently and enjoyably.

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."

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!

Sean Killary graduated Berklee College of Music in 2010 with a dual major in Music Production and Music Business. After graduating Berklee, he started a recording studio in Boston where he produced a variety of musicians and albums. In 2012, Sean reconnected with a fellow Berklee classmate and band member, Sam Morgan, to create the plan that would become So i Heard Music. Outside of So i Heard Music, Sean is an avid outdoorsman and mountain biker and enjoys spending time with his dog, Ollie.