Our Team
Experienced instructors from the best music programs in the country!
Nicole
Pepe
Teacher
Ramapo College (Bachelor of Arts in Music Production); Berklee Online (Master's of Music Production)
Voice, Music Production, Songwriting
Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Mitski, Phoebe Bridgers, SZA, Blink-182, Counting Crows, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Millburn, NJ
See MoreHi, I'm Nicole!
Growing up, I was surrounded by music. Whether my parents played Jackson Browne while cooking dinner, the classical music station blaring throughout my grandparent's house, or being taken to Jazz Festivals by my grandfather, I could not escape it! Embracing this obsession, I decided to pick up an electric guitar and I started writing songs. I fell in love with the art of producing music through creating my first album and decided to dedicate my education to learning all about the production process. I graduated from Ramapo College in 2017 and began working as an in-house engineer and producer ranging from full Rock bands to independent solo artists. Recently, I received my Master's in Music from Berklee Online and have worn many hats within the industry including music journalism and working for an independent record label as an A&R.
My goal for students is to help them develop a passion for all things music, break down genre barriers, and help them discover their creative voices.
My approach to a typical lesson:
Is to assess their goals by fine-tuning their interests and specific needs. I strive to create an environment where students look forward to coming to their lessons each week by cultivating a fun-forward energy while keeping their best interests not only educational but also enjoyable.
My advice to students:
Don't stop creating! There are going to be times when you hit a wall in your practice, but never stop creating - whatever it may be!
Favorite local places:
LIV Breads (get the chocolate chip cookie), Salad House, Evolve Fitness Studio
My Music:
Change of Weather EP on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/album/change-of-weather-ep/1632160381Zack
Frank
Teacher
Bachelor of Music Degree in Film and Video Game Scoring from Berklee College of Music
Piano, Guitar, Voice, Music Production, Songwriting
Lena Raine, Aurora, Fleet Foxes, Philip Glass
Millburn, 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=R6JhruMx7lMAmanda
Gabriel
Teacher
Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University
Piano, Voice, Music Production, Songwriting
Carole King, Lawrence, Sara Bareilles, Ella Fitzgerald, Fleetwood Mac, Jacob Collier, Anaïs Mitchell, Lady Gaga
Millburn, 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
Mason Gross School of the Arts (Rutgers University)
Piano, Voice, Bass, Songwriting
Michael Giacchino, Michelle Zauner, Koji Kondo, Angel Olsen, Johannes Brahms, Aivi & Surasshu, Jay Som
Millburn, 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]
Jason
Fandino
Teacher
Kean University
Piano, Guitar, Voice, Music Production, Music Theory, Songwriting
The Beatles, Pinegrove, Bill Frisell, Grateful Dead, Simon & Garfunkel
Millburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Jason!
Playing music took root from the outside in during my early years. My Father was a big DJ around the state, my Grandfather was a classical pianist, and as I got to an age where my friends began to become influences, I seemed to be drawn to anyone who was involved with music. I started taking music lessons in the 3rd grade. I chose the baritone saxophone, an instrument as big as I was. I absolutely hated it! I couldn't even carry the instrument up the stairs. The next year and thereafter, I stuck with piano. Finally, when I reached high school, I invited a new friend over to my place; he played the guitar, and after playing a few little blues lines for me, I was totally into being a musician. I had never seen someone play the guitar so up close to me. I remember being amazed. I was 14, and since then, I have considered myself a musician, owning that title.Music has always seemed to be a social art. Even by artists who play on stages on their own. It is a communication between abstract sound and emotion. I have found that goals are met by starting with inspiration, followed by motivation, and then carried to fruition by discipline. Ultimately, whether a student engages with music in a recreational or professional setting, this method remains the same. It is the enjoyment that brings us back even when we lose sight or veer off track. And that, for me, is the most important part to the communication we find worthwhile in chasing within ourselves. That is what creates the lifelong relationship to the music we create.
I have been in bands since I was 14 years old. As time went on, I realized the importance of having these outlets within enjoyment and fulfillment in life, and how much better I felt for it. Art is the friend that will always be there for you, and will always patiently wait for your return should you move away from it. I have pursued an A.A in psychology and a B.A in Recreational Therapy (minoring in psychology). I bring what I have studied to my lessons, in realization that ultimately, our drive to meet goals are in want of feeling satisfied within our own endeavor.
How I approach a lesson
First and foremost, all of my lessons are a vessel of validation. To inspire that no matter where the student may be, their efforts are recognized and rewarded. My lesson room is their safe space. Where the issues of real life can fall away. Where they can, for however long a session may be, fully delve into an activity that brings them joy, satisfaction, and pride. I sustain that whatever the student puts into their studies will be what they get out of it. Coming to terms with this realization will guide what they are able to realistically bring to the table. My role is to be fluid yet, also provide guidance and tutelage toward achieving the goals that they do not know how to attain. My conversation with parents is an effort to extend that safe space and relationship with music into their own homes.My Advice to Students
Always try! Do not be afraid to fail. And do not forget to celebrate your success. Learning something new is difficult for anyone. It makes sense to feel awkward, uncomfortable, and maybe even afraid of trying something new. Give yourself the patience to experience it. You may learn something about yourself you wouldn't have otherwise!My favorite local places:
I'm a townie through and through. I've grown up and lived in Union County my whole life. I have always gravitated toward places where community thrives. Whether it be local town events, open mics, shows of any medium, even parks, if I have chosen to leave my house, you can bet it's because I want to engage in positivity with my friends and family.
My Music:
I will always push my cover band; it's the most accessible place you can musically find me. I started it as an excuse to hang out with my best friends. But then I realized it brought together all of our friends and family at every show in celebration of a good time! I truly love providing a space were people can come together. You can find us on Instagram - @duckandcoverband // Catch you at a show!
Jackson
Coe
Program Director, Teacher
SUNY Purchase - Bachelor’s in Music (Studio Composition)
Piano, Music Production, Music Theory, Songwriting
Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Iver, George Winston, M83
Millburn, 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 NYCDiego
Bussenius
Teacher
Berklee Online
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Music Production
James Yancey, James Jamerson, Paul McCartney, Tom Jobim, Herbie Hancock
Millburn, 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.comTim
Schwerdt
Music Therapist, Teacher
Berklee College of Music
Music Therapy, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Music Production
Led Zeppelin, Muse, Gojira, Rage Against the Machine, Stevie Wonder
Millburn, 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
Montclair State University
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Music Production, Songwriting, Trombone, Trumpet
Radiohead, Miles Davis, Billy Joel, Bela Bartok, Circa Survive
Millburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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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
Montclair State University
Piano, Drums, Music Theory, Songwriting
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kendrick Lamar, Mark Guiliana, Florence + the Machine, CHON, Steve Reich
Millburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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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 NYCMy 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
Kean University
Piano, Guitar, Drums, Voice, Music Theory
The Beatles, Patternist, Queen, Ben Platt, The Moody Blues
Millburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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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 studioMy Music
Aaron also performs in a band called "The Wednesdays." Their music can be found on Spotify.Rob
Fragnito
Teacher
The Collective School of Music
Piano, Guitar, Drums, Voice
The Beatles, Radiohead, Beethoven, Miles Davis, John Bonham
Millburn, 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 METMy 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
Owner
Berklee College of Music
Guitar, Music Production
Foo Fighters
Kimbra
Circa Survive
Punch Brothers
Mutemath
Kimbra
Circa Survive
Punch Brothers
Mutemath
Millburn, NJ
See MoreSean 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.