Our Team

Hi, I'm Jon!

I come from a musical family, and have been immersed in music from a very young age. I began lessons in first grade, studying classical piano until high school, where I fell in love with indie rock and new wave music. At 15 I began teaching myself guitar and bass, and inevitably moved into the world of songwriting and production from there. I later went on to study Music Technology at NYU with a focus on recording and production, and produced records for a number of local bands before finding an even stronger passion in music education after graduation. Since then, I have also written, recorded, and produced an album of original songs, and have been composing music for short films. In my free time, I'm teaching myself how to play the drums: as a musician, you're never done learning!

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My lessons are goal oriented, with a focus on physical technique and essential music theory, supplemented by ear training. It is important to me to challenge my students to overcome difficulties in a piece of music, and show them that they can accomplish anything if they set their minds to it.

My Advice For Students

What every teacher will tell you: practicing a little bit every day is always better than practicing a whole lot once a week. Our brains learn best with consistency and repetition! Learning music takes time. Take pride in your accomplishments, even if they seem small. The best thing my piano teacher ever taught me was how to listen to myself when playing. Listening, like playing, is a skill that takes lots of practice. There's always something new that you didn't notice before.

My Favorite Local Places

I'm a sucker for good food, and fortunately there's a lot of that nearby. St. James' Gate in Maplewood and Bay Leaf in South Orange are a couple of my favorites. I also enjoy stopping by my local music store, Finlay and Gage, in Maplewood, NJ.

My Music

I recently released an album under the name Tom Shape. All writing, lyrics, instruments, and production are done by myself. I'm currently working on a follow up.

Hi, I'm Carmine!

I graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s degree in music-education and Minor in Jazz Piano. While at the University of Delaware, my main concentration was drums/percussion. I studied drum-set, classical percussion, latin percussion and even steel pan! Most recently I earned a Master’s degree from SUNY Buffalo in music-education. My master's degree focused on Music Learning Theory which is an explanation of how we learn when we learn music. Based on an extensive body of research and practical field testing by Edwin E. Gordon and others, Music Learning Theory focuses on the teaching of audiation, Gordon’s term for hearing music in the mind with understanding. Through the Gordon Institute for Music Learning (GIML) I hold certificates in teaching both Instrumental and Early-Childhood music. As an educator, I have taught everything from Kindergarten to High School in many different realms such as Band, Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble, Orchestra, Choir, and General Music.

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My approach to every lesson I teach is to first and foremost get to know my students on both a musical and personal level. I like to understand from the beginning what my student's goals are and what they want to get out of studying music. When it comes to studying music, there are many different directions one can go in. Thus, I find it essential to be on the same page with my students from the very beginning.

My Advice For Students

I would encourage prospective students to consider what their interests are and what goals they want to achieve by studying music. I would also encourage students to make music with others in one of our band programs as soon as they feel comfortable doing so!

My Favorite Local Places

I'm a huge fan of being outside and specifically being outside at the beach in the summer months. I frequent Long Beach Island in the summer and enjoy relaxing on the beach as well as boating and fishing!

My Music

I have a YouTube page for some of my performances as well as one for my teaching examples. The performances vary, but mostly highlight my abilities in drums/percussion. My teaching examples highlight what I have done while teaching General Music.

Hi, I'm Angelica!

I am a singer/songwriter, pianist, and producer. Music has always been a part of my life, as I remember listening to Billy Joel CDs in the car and dancing to the latest hits of my time as a child. In May 2020, I will hold a B.M. in Music Education from Kean University.​ Having the opportunity to study both piano and voice at Kean’s Conservatory of Music, I am a well-rounded musician that has performed at various concerts with the Kean University Choir in Enlow Hall as well as choir tours throughout the East Coast. In addition, I have performed in concerts with Kean's Percussion Ensemble and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. ​As an independent singer-songwriter, I produce all my music at my home studio. In May 2012, I became a finalist in the New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Songwriting Competition. I performed my song "Just Trust Yourself" at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, sending out a positive message and explaining the dangers of substance abuse. In 2014, I was invited again to perform "Just Trust Yourself" at the Red Ribbon Prevention Links Walk. I am also an artist - I paint with acrylics - when I'm not in the studio or performing.

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My typical approach to a lesson is to first ask the student the genre of music he or she is interested in. Once a genre is set, I have the student learn music from the method book and from my personal favorite website called 8notes.com. On this site, there is countless repertoire for any instrument of choice, and it labels difficulty for each song. I discovered this site several years ago when I needed free sheet music of a pop song for a singing competition. I also like to incorporate technology with the lesson, especially for vocalists. My current voice students enjoy singing karaoke and recording a cover to their favorite songs on GarageBand. For vocalists, pianists, and instrumentalists alike, I always incorporate music theory, such as scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions to the lessons.

My Advice For Students

Always challenge yourself! I tend to assign one or two songs that are a level above the current level of the student so that they can critically think about the structure of the music. I introduce the components of the song, such as the key it is in and the chord progressions that occur, so that students have a baseline and can practice with these first few steps.

My Favorite Local Places

Liberty State Park Red Mill Mindowaskin Park

My Music

I have released two singles to the world, "Thinking About You" and "It Should Be About Us," that are both available on Spotify. I have additional songs on YouTube!

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!

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."

Hi, I'm Aaron!

I am currently finishing up at Kean University studying Music Education. 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.

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!

Hi, I'm Angie!

I am a graduate of the Bard College Conservatory of Music Graduate Vocal Arts Program in New York, designed and led by world-renowned soprano Dawn Upshaw. While at Bard I was featured as soloist with the Albany Symphony. Additional recital work included producing my own one woman show, Bond, and co-producing a recital of folk inspired music with my peers. This season I have been selected to participate in the Aquilon Music Festival’s production of Così fan tutte as Dorabella (understudy). I attended the Berlin Opera Academy in 2018 where I sang La Virtù in L’incoronazione di Poppea directed by David Paul. My awards include the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition as the 2016 Chicago Chapter Division Winner, the 2015 Midwest Region Honorable Mention, and the 2014 Illinois Chapter Division Winner. I am devoted to community outreach through recital work, and continue to bring music to audiences with limited musical exposure, having sung often for nursing home residents, middle school and high school students, and bringing an opera to a correctional facility with my colleagues at Wheaton. Most recently I performed works of Ives, Bolcom, Monteverdi and Rossini in recitals in New York.

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My goal in each lesson is to provide a fun space to explore music and gain new creative and analytical skills in the context of music. Each lesson is split between warm-ups and theory exercises such as scales on the piano, and then repertoire work such as pop arrangements or classical pieces from a work book. Vocal lessons similarly, begin with breathing and vocal warm ups before moving to a specific song in a genre of the student's choice. It's important to me that student's help select the piece or song they work on. In addition to reading music, arranging music and the technical execution of their instrument, I work with each student on communicating the meaning of the selection.

My Advice For Students

Pick one thing to focus on at a time! Music has so many amazing layers and components. It's very rewarding to have many small successes in your journey as musician. My other tip is to always have fun! If you can't enjoy the music you are listening to or working, try switching it up.

My Favorite Local Places

Local sources of inspiration for me are Cocoluxe in Gladstone has ome of the tastiest and most inspiring French buttercream you can find and the trails at Natirar. The Matisse room at MOMA in NYC, and the 18th century interior design rooms at the Met are also favorite inspiration spots of mine.

My Music

One of my favorite songs to sing was a signature song of my mentor, Dawn Upshaw. She introduced me to it and helped me bring it to life for the first time. This song has a special way of capturing the bittersweet feelings of anticipated change. You can see it below or on my website at www.angelahendryx.com.

Hi, I'm Sam!

I am one of the owners and founders of So i Heard Music, but I am a teacher at heart. I started playing guitar when I was 5 years old, picked up piano when I was 8, and by the time I was in Middle School I knew that I wanted to go to college to study music. It has been my passion ever since. I grew up listening to classic rock, which evolved into hard rock and metal music by the time I was in high school. In college I fell in love with hip hop and classical music, and as a teacher I've fallen in love with pop. I really do love EVERY type of music. I started So i Heard Music to give kids in my community the music lesson experience I wish I had growing up. Our studios and hi-tech approach are unparalleled in the industry. I am passionate about teaching beginners, and watching them grow from somewhat curious to head-over-heels obsessed.

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

I am all about making sure the student has fun! I can teach the same techniques using a Justin Bieber song that I can teach using Mozart or Beethoven. My goals in a lesson are always to keep the student interested, and make sure they are having fun!

My Advice For Students

Practice as often as you can. Frequency is so much more important than individual session length.

My Favorite Local Places

The Woodland in Maplewood, NJ Goldbergs Deli Millburn High School The Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, NJ

My Music

Having spent most of my adult life teaching, my original music is mostly old projects from my playing / performing days. I recorded an EP with my rock band in college, "Attack The City." (fun fact: Sean Killary, the other owner of So i Heard played guitar in that band!) I also recorded on and helped arrange another EP for my late friend Paul Adler called "Pius."

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.