Intro to Music

Intro to So i Heard Music

Our Intro to Music class is a long-running favorite at So i Heard Music. Designed for young beginners ages 5–7, it gives students a fun, supportive group environment to explore the fundamentals of playing music.

How the Class Works

Piano serves as the foundation for building strong music skills, and each week students are introduced to an additional instrument to keep lessons engaging and well-rounded.

Instruments explored include:

Icons for guitar, drums, and a microphone representing voice lessons for our Intro to Music class.

We’ve learned that young students develop at their own pace, so this class is designed to continue for as long as a student is benefiting from it. When a child feels confident and ready, they can transition smoothly into one-on-one lessons.

What Students Gain

Through steady review and hands-on music-making, students build confidence with fundamental music concepts and begin developing real instrument skills. They learn to collaborate with classmates, express creativity, and discover what excites them musically—setting the stage for a lifelong love of learning and making music.

Meet Our Teachers

Rob
Fragnito
Teacher
EducationThe Collective School of Music
SpecialtyPiano, Guitar, Drums, Voice
InfluencesThe Beatles, Radiohead, Beethoven, Miles Davis, John Bonham
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Rob!
I am a multi-instrumentalist specializing in Drums, Piano, Guitar, Voice, and Music Production. I have been playing drums since I was 12 and piano since I was 8. I have performed in many different bands as a drummer, keyboardist and songwriter/singer. I have a lot of experience performing on stage and working in recording studios. I graduated from Music College in a degree in performance and music theory. I have been teaching for many years and love to share my passion and knowledge with my students. I have studied many different genres. From jazz and rock to classical and funk. I personally like to combine all styles and create music that is interesting and innovative. Also, having a good beat and catchy melody is most important! I think it's important to be influenced by many different styles and sounds. I look to instill this in my students and encourage them to think outside the box and explore different types of music that they normally wouldn't listen to.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
Whether you're a beginner or experienced I like to start slow and get a sense of the instrument. We do this through fun warmups! For me it's all about music so I also try to get a sense of what kind of music the student enjoys. Listening to songs and understanding what the musicians are doing is a great way to becoming better at your chosen instrument.
My Advice For Students
Remember music is all about having fun. Relax, it's okay to make mistakes. Actually making mistakes is the only way to get better.
My Favorite Local Places
Rockwood Music Hall Newark Museum Smalls Jazz Club QXT's Night Club The MET
My Music
I currently play in a band called Moon Rabbit Retreat. If this doesn't showcase my skill set,I don't know what will. In the band I play drums, keyboards and sing. It's easier than it sounds!
Connor
Faleski
Teacher
EducationMontclair State University
SpecialtyPiano, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Music Production, Songwriting
InfluencesThe Rolling Stones, The Lemon Twigs, Brian Wilson, The White Stripes, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, ELO
LocationsMillburn, NJ
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Hi, I’m Connor!
I teach bass, guitar, piano, drums, music production, and songwriting. I have been playing instruments for 25 years, regularly performing in bands for 12 years, and teaching music for nearly a decade. I've performed around the country, including New York, Texas, and California. I have also interned/worked at such studios as Barbershop Studios and Sound on Sound Studios. Music is my passion, and I am who I am because of the amazing teachers I had growing up.

My Approach to a Typical Lesson
My goal for each lesson is to first cover the basics that every musician should know, make sure it is deeply understood, and then find out what the student is genuinely interested in. When a student is taught how to play one of their favorite songs by one of their favorite artists, I believe that the skills become more ingrained. Songs contain a multitude of rudiments and skills, and the more songs a student learns, the better the musician I believe they will be.
My Advice for Students
My advice for students is to play their instrument! It doesn't have to be in the context of "practice" where skills can be learned. Many of the best musicians have gotten better just by goofing around and "playing" with their instrument. The more fun you have with it, the more likely you will continue playing it your whole life.
My Favorite Local Places
The Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park, NJ. Prototype 237, Paterson, NJ. Irving Plaza, New York City, NY.
Three Tips for Success

Practice your instrument.

Listen critically to songs and try to understand what makes them work/not work.

Try to remember that music is fun and have a good time when you are playing!
Ava
Demerjian
Teacher
EducationBachelor's in Flute Performance, DePaul University
SpecialtyPiano, Voice, Flute
InfluencesThe Beatles, The Beach Boys, Laufey
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Ava!
I grew up in Nutley, New Jersey and still currently live in Northern New Jersey. I got my bachelor’s degree in Flute Performance at DePaul University and have been playing flute for around 14 years now. At college I studied under the first and second flutists of the Chicago Symphony, Stefan Ragnar Höskuldsson and Emma Gerstein. I also specialize in Piano and Vocals. I have been playing piano for over 10 years now and have been singing since I was very young. I started teaching flute, piano, and voice in high school, and love to share the beauty of music making with others. Music is in my blood and is everything to me. I am just happy to have the opportunity to share it with everyone.
My Approach to a Typical Lesson:
In a typical lesson, my goal is to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment where all my students would feel safe, comfortable, and engaged. The aim is to ensure that learning music is an enjoyable experience, while being encouraged to explore and develop their music abilities in a positive and nurturing atmosphere.
My Advice to Students:
Don’t be too hard on yourself, learning music takes a lot of time and effort. It’s important to not get discouraged if something seems hard at first. Everyone learns differently and learns at their own pace. Always ask for help, always try your best, and have fun!
My Favorite Local Places:
My favorite food spots are Millburn Ramen, Sum Ramen, and Fiamma Wood Fired Pizza.
My Three Tips for Success:
1. Stay Patient: Progress in music does not happen overnight. It takes a lot of work and dedication, always trust the process, and trust yourself. 2. Stay Confident: Believe in yourself and your abilities, even when you encounter a challenge. Confidence in yourself as a musician will push you through tough moments. 3. Remember why you love music: Music has a lot of ups and down, and it is not easy. When time gets tough, it’s always important to remember why you started and how much joy it brings you.
Jackson
Coe
Program Director, Teacher
EducationSUNY Purchase - Bachelor’s in Music (Studio Composition)
SpecialtyPiano, Music Production, Music Theory, Songwriting
InfluencesColdplay, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Iver, George Winston, M83
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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Hi, I'm Jackson.
I am a graduate of SUNY Purchase College with a Bachelor’s in Music with a concentration in Studio Composition. The piano is my primary instrument, but after attending the Studio Composition program at Purchase, I developed a strong passion and knowledge for Music Production and Songwriting. Throughout my music journey, I have toured the country playing keyboards in a pop band, composed musical theater, and most recently been writing, producing and performing with an Alternative Pop/Rock band that I’ve formed with two friends from my music program at Purchase College. Most of my experiences with music have not been expected, but that is what I love most about pursuing a career in music. There is always something new to learn!
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
I have a very strong background in Music Theory and would use those skills to form how the student learns and understands their instrument and music in general. I believe that learning music theory opens up so many possibilities for the student to take their music journey wherever they want it to go. In every facet of my teaching, my goal is to improve the student’s technical ability while playing or creating music that the student enjoys.
My Advice For Students
Listen to as much music as you can; there is always something to learn from listening to a song in any genre. Consistency is the most important thing for practicing, but on days you don’t have time or energy to practice, practice active listening habits while listening to your favorite songs!
My Favorite Local Places
Arlene’s Grocery in NYC

LET'S LEARN WHAT MUSIC IS ALL ABOUT

Age Range

Skill Range

Accessibility

Locations Offered

Intro to So i Heard Music

How the Class Works

What Students Gain

Establish an understanding of music fundamentals

Prepare for more advanced instruction

Meet new friends!

Meet Our Teachers

Hi, I'm Rob!

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My Advice For Students

My Favorite Local Places

My Music

Hi, I’m Connor!

My Approach to a Typical Lesson

My Advice for Students

My Favorite Local Places

Three Tips for Success

Hi, I'm Ava!

My Approach to a Typical Lesson:

My Advice to Students:

My Favorite Local Places:

My Three Tips for Success:

Hi, I'm Jackson.

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My Advice For Students

My Favorite Local Places