Providing Online Music Lessons to Students K-12 and Beyond
Whether your child is interested in guitar lessons, piano lessons, keyboard lessons, drum and percussion lessons, bass lessons, brass lessons, voice lessons, songwriting or music production lessons, So i Heard Music offers it all online with a sensibility that is focused on the needs of the young music student.
We serve anywhere that has an internet connection!
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
Strings
Voice
Online Lessons Teachers
Jennifer
Fischer
Music Therapist, Teacher
Berklee College of Music
Music Therapy, Piano, Guitar, Voice
Regina Spektor
Laura Marling
Jenny Lewis
Pink Floyd
Radiohead
I graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor's degree in music therapy, and became a board certified music therapist in 2015. I became a certified Neurologic Music Therapist in 2017, after attending the Neurologic Music Therapy Institute at the University of Toronto. As a music therapist I have experience working with various populations with a range of diagnoses, however I specializes in working with children and adults with special needs.
I have studied voice, piano, ukulele and guitar for over 15 years, focusing on folk and classic rock music. As a music teacher I work with many young students on instrument proficiency while incorporating songwriting into lessons as a therapeutic tool. I joined the So i Heard team in 2016 as a music therapist, as well as a piano, voice, and ukulele teacher.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
I think the best way for a child to learn is for their musical interests to be front and center. A typical lesson is flexible - generally revolving around what the child wants to learn - but will always focus back to music fundamentals. I often use other instruments like drums and xylophone to teach music theory concepts, and motivating games to keep the child engaged.
My Advice For Students
I would say that music is fun, but that it can sometimes be challenging! The key is to keep trying, and through practice you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
My Favorite Local Places
Nature walks and hiking trails
Coffee shops
My Music
I write and perform my own music, which is available on Spotify and bandcamp!
I am also in an all-girl band called Boy Band, also available on Spotify.
Diego
Bussenius
Teacher
Berklee Online
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Music Production
James Yancey
James Jamerson
Paul McCartney
Tom Jobim
Herbie Hancock
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
Gabriel
Ivanov
Teacher
Berklee College of Music
Piano, Guitar, Music Production, Music Theory, Songwriting
Thomas Newman
Sam Smith
Brian Culberston
John Williams
Dropkick Murphys
I was always interested in learning to play an instrument. When I was seven years old I began taking classical piano lessons. I stuck with classical lessons until high school, when I began to branch out into other styles including: pop, jazz, contemporary, and cinematic. I became especially interested in cinematic music and decided to pursue this in college. I graduated with a degree in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music in 2017. Since then, I have worked on multiple student and independent films. I also have worked as a freelance composer in New York City writing music for television commercials.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
Music can and should be an enjoyable hobby to have and develop for the rest of your life. I give my students control over their lessons. I am only interested in teaching the types of music and techniques my students are interested in. This is key to having fun and finding the motivation to keep practicing.
My Advice For Students
Don't be shy about expressing your likes and dislikes to me during the lesson. Remember, this is YOUR lesson. We can steer each one in the direction you are excited and curious to go. I am most interested in helping you achieve your musical goals.
My Favorite Local Places
The Raptor Trust bird rescue in Millington by the Gillette location.
The Paper Mill Playhouse.
The closest Dunkin' to Millburn or Gillette. Best way to start the day!
My Music
Most recently I have been focused on writing music for commercials. I think it is very interesting as it challenges you to write in just about every musical style there is while trying to keep it to only 15 or 30 seconds long.
Sarah
Bain
Teacher
James Madison University, Westminster Choir College
Piano, Voice
Lucia Popp
Florence & The Machine
Renata Scotto
Fleetwood Mac
Jimmy Buffet
I graduated from Westminster Choir College with a Masters in Voice Performance and Pedagogy and received my Bachelor’s in Music from James Madison University. I teach voice and piano and also performs as an opera singer. I have recently been seen onstage with the Children's Philharmonic, Winter Harbor Music Festival, Bethesda Summer Music Festival, Middle-Saxony Opera, and Princeton Opera Company. I have also performed musicals at The Fort Lee Playhouse and Dogwood Dell Summer Theatre. Though I perform mostly classical music, I love singing and playing in a variety of genres including rock, folk, pop, and Disney.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
I think students learn the most when they are interested and engaged with the material they're working on, so my primary goal is for my students to have fun! I try to tailor my approach to the learning style and goals of the student. With my advanced students, we concentrate on the nuances of technique and with my beginners, we play games and incorporate familiar songs to build musical literacy and curiosity.
My Advice For Students
Don't be afraid to make mistakes! Making music is messy sometimes and that's what makes it fun. I'm happy to work with you no matter what point you're starting from!
My Favorite Local Places
There are so many amazing venues for the arts in this area but a few of my favorite companies are The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, Roundabout Theatre Company, and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Jeremy
Freeman
Teacher
Wesleyan University
Piano, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Music Production, Music Theory, Songwriting
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Steve Wilson
Radiohead
The Strokes
The Punch Brothers
I graduated from Wesleyan University in 2018 with a degree in Music. I have always been obsessed with rock music, and after playing classical piano for several years as a kid, I began to dabble in guitar and drums at age 13 after becoming inspired to pursue music from my obsession with Guitar Hero and Rock Band. After playing guitar, bass, and drums in several pit bands and rock bands throughout high school and college, as well as studying and performing a variety of music ranging from avant-garde jazz to West African music at Wesleyan, I pushed my composition and songwriting abilities in my senior year of college. Working with a 13-piece band and performing on guitar, bass, mandolin and vocals, I wrote a progressive rock concept album, arranged it for performance, and recorded and released it as the capstone project for my music degree.
Since graduation, I have been playing lead guitar in my band, The Racquets. We have written, recorded and released our debut EP, and have been supporting it with performances in New York City. My music experience also includes interning in marketing and publicity at several major labels, sound designing a short film, performing for students with cerebral palsy and starting a music program at an after school program and camp.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
While music lessons traditionally focus on memorizing pieces and drilling scales, my lessons focus on developing students' music theory skills, instrumental technique and practice approaches, so they can take on musical challenges with confidence. These skills are then guided towards songwriting and composition on instruments and in recording software. My goal in teaching is to help students discover a passion for music, provide them with the tools to explore their creativity, and above all, have fun!
My Advice For Students
Practice regularly (frequent, rather than lengthy practice) - Playing music is like learning to walk or talk. The more days you pick up your instrument, the better you will get! Even if you only play for a few minutes each day, you will get really good! Remember that music is supposed to be fun! Even exercises that seem boring can always be turned into fun creative opportunities!
My Favorite Local Places
The Great Swamp near Morristown.
The Orange Reservoir (next to the Boathouse and Turtle Back Zoo)
The Wellmont Theater in Montclair (where I saw my first concert).
My Music
I play lead guitar in an indie/garage rock band called The Racquets. Our band started at Wesleyan University, playing intimate house shows to college kids. Since graduation, we perform in New York City and have recorded and released our debut EP, The Racquets, which can be found on Spotify and most other major streaming services.
I also wrote and recorded a rock opera with a friend for my senior capstone project at Wesleyan. Lyrically, the album is from the perspective of a person exploring the highs and lows of friendships, as well as the role that speech plays in all of this. The album was designed to be heard as a whole, in order of the track list. The instrumentation is vast, containing vocals, guitar, bass, drums, piano, synthesizers, electronic production, mandolin, violins, violas and cellos. This album can be found on Spotify and most other major streaming services as well.
Mariah
Kaplan
Teacher
Rutgers University
Piano, Voice, Music Theory
Roberta Flack
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson
The Beatles
Richard Strauss
John Adams
I graduated from Indiana University where I majored in voice and psychology. Since then I spent summers with the Summer Voice Festival in NYC where I performed the role of Polly Peachum in the Beggars’ Opera and the Franco American Vocal Academy in Perigeux, France where I performed the role of Rosita in the opera, Un Mari a la Porte. I have focused more on my teaching and received my masters from Rutgers University in 2019, majoring in music education. I currently am a cantor at Christ Church in Ridgewood, NJ and am in the Harmonium choral society.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
A typical voice lesson starts with warm ups. Warm ups are essential to sing at your healthiest and best level. After that we sing through what song we had as homework. After we sing through the song we take the trouble areas and look at them with more detail. It’s all about having fun and learning!
My Advice For Students
Students should look at music lessons as a form of relaxation through art. It does not need to be stressful if we put in the practice time. The more we practice, the more we have fun while playing.
My Favorite Places Of Inspiration
I am inspired by my surroundings. While writing music I have found inspiration while sitting in the back yard of my childhood home and even have found inspiration on my couch of my apartment. My imagination gives me all of the tools to write and play music!
My Music
Jonathan
Donald
Teacher
NYU
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Music Production, Music Theory, Songwriting
Radiohead
Talking Heads
David Bowie
Debussy
Steve Reich
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.
Carmine
Fusaro
Teacher
University of Delaware / SUNY Buffalo
Piano, Drums, Music Theory, Songwriting
Billy Joel
Elton John
Ben Folds
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Beatles
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.
Angelica
Firetto
Teacher
Kean University
Piano, Voice, Flute, Clarinet, Violin
Billy Joel
The Black Keys
The Backstreet Boys
George Frideric Handel
Tchaikovsky
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!
Aaron
Geusic
Front Desk, Teacher
Kean University
Piano, Guitar, Drums, Voice, Music Theory
The Beatles
Patternist
Queen
Ben Platt
The Moody Blues
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.
Rob
Fragnito
Teacher
The Collective School of Music
Piano, Guitar, Drums, Voice
The Beatles
Radiohead
Beethoven
Miles Davis
John Bonham
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!
Angela
Hendryx
Front Desk, Teacher
Wheaton College, Bard College
Piano, Voice
Roberta Flack
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson
The Beatles
Richard Strauss
John Adams
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.
Sam
Morgan
Owner, Teacher
Berklee College of Music
Piano, Guitar, Music Production, Music Theory, Songwriting
Jimi Hendrix
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Underoath
Modern Baseball
Manchester Orchestra
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."
BOOK A FREE ONLINE TRIAL LESSON
Trial lessons allow you to meet the instructor and get a taste for what lessons at So i Heard Music are like before committing to a monthly enrollment. A 30-minute online trial lesson is currently free, while an hour-long trial lesson is half-price at $45.
If you are not ready to commit to a trial, click here or call 973.232.5111 to learn more!