Performers Program at So i Heard Music

The So i Heard Music Pro Performers Program

As students start to get more involved in music at So i Heard, they may want to break off from the open groups and join a more advanced band. The Pro Performers Program is just that!

Participating in the So i Heard Music Pro Performers Program is a surefire way to maintain your child’s interest and enthusiasm in music.

The Pro band plays shows, records, and goes on tour!

The Pro Performers Program follows a semester schedule and includes:

Weekly 1.5-hour band practices.
Learning and playing cover songs, tailored to each student’s needs.
Collaborative group songwriting sessions.
Learning to promote yourself and your band.

Join the So i Heard Pro Performers Program and watch your child not just learn music, but live it! Let’s make every note count together.

Meet Our SiH Performers Program Instructors

Tim
Schwerdt
Music Therapist, Teacher
EducationBerklee College of Music
SpecialtyMusic Therapy, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Music Production
InfluencesLed Zeppelin, Muse, Gojira, Rage Against the Machine, Stevie Wonder
LocationsMillburn, 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.
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!
Aaron
Benfer
Teacher
EducationMason Gross School of the Arts (Rutgers University)
SpecialtyPiano, Voice, Bass, Songwriting
InfluencesMichael Giacchino, Michelle Zauner, Koji Kondo, Angel Olsen, Johannes Brahms, Aivi & Surasshu, Jay Som
LocationsMillburn, 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]

https://on.soundcloud.com/HdhtW
Andrew
Digrius
Teacher
EducationMontclair State University
SpecialtyPiano, Guitar, Bass, Music Production, Songwriting, Trombone, Trumpet
InfluencesRadiohead, Miles Davis, Billy Joel, Bela Bartok, Circa Survive
LocationsMillburn, 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!
Will
Green
Teacher
EducationBachelor's Degree in Music Production, Ramapo College
SpecialtyGuitar, Bass, Music Production
LocationsMillburn, NJ
Online Lessons
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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

Trust the process and be patient. Like with any new skill, learning music takes time and consistent practice.

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.

Collaborate with other musicians. Music is meant to be shared with others and is the most exciting when playing and creating with fellow musicians.
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
Sean
Killary
Owner
EducationBerklee College of Music
SpecialtyGuitar, Music Production
InfluencesFoo Fighters
Kimbra
Circa Survive
Punch Brothers
Mutemath
LocationsMillburn, NJ
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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.

PRO PERFORMERS PROGRAM

THE NEXT LEVEL PERFORMANCE PROGRAM

Ready to take your band to the next level? Join the So i Heard Pro Performers Program today!

Age Range

Skill Range

Accessibility

Locations Offered

The So i Heard Music Pro Performers Program

BAND DEVELOPMENT

WRITE ORIGINAL MUSIC

RECORD AN ALBUM

HEADLINE YOUR OWN SHOW

Meet Our SiH Performers Program Instructors

Hi, I'm Tim!

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My Advice For Students

My Favorite Sources of Inspiration

Hi, I'm Rob!

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My Advice For Students

My Favorite Local Places

My Music

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 Andrew!

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My Advice For Students

My Favorite Local Places

My Music

Hi, I'm Will

My typical approach to a lesson

My advice to students

My favorite local spots

My three tips for success

Hi, I'm Jackson.

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

My Advice For Students

My Favorite Local Places

Let Us Know You're Interested!