We have a lot of services outside of our lesson and program offerings.
From birthday parties to college prep, to a full range of engineering, mixing and mastering services, our experienced staff will take care of whatever it is that you need!
Please note that some of our services are only offered at our Gillette location due to space and room needs. Make sure to check with our staff that the service you are booking is at the location you are intending. Our Gillette location is only 20-25 minutes from our Millburn location, and easy to get to via I-78. We encourage our Millburn students & clients to take advantage of any offerings we have even if they are only offered in Gillette!
So i Heard is the go-to place for all things music.
Instructors are all highly-qualified and must pass a background check to become a So i Heard Music instructor.
ENROLLMENT IS EASY
With our flat-rate monthly pricing, you’ll never have to guess about our fees. Make-up lessons are included at no extra charge! We have real, live front desk staff to help answer questions and set up your lessons.
So i Heard Certified Online Instructors
All So i Heard Music instructors are So i Heard Music certified in teaching online lessons through Zoom. We use key software and tools to make online lessons fun and productive!
Sal is a New Jersey native and a graduate of Kean University Conservatory with a B.A. in Music with a concentration in piano and composition. A multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, he has had experience performing in various venues across the Midwest, New England, and other various regions across the U.S. as guitarist, keyboardist, and lead singer in various musical projects. Apart from teaching and composing, Sal also currently works as a music minister, choral director, and church organist at various local parishes.
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.
Gabe
Marr
Teacher
Berklee College of Music
Piano, Guitar, Drums
Clyde Stubblefield
Squarepusher
Steely Dan
D'Angelo
Thelonious Monk
I've been teaching, performing, and composing in the NYC area since graduating Berklee College of Music in 2013. While I studied composition and production, I quickly found teaching to be the most rewarding aspect of my musicianship. Music served me well as a child, helping me develop discipline and focus I didn't find elsewhere- and offering my students the same opportunity is pivotal to my teaching philosophy. I'm currently completing a Master's in Music Education at Hunter College in Manhattan.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
I always aim to spark a student's curiosity, and then give them the tools and the mindset to pursue their curiosity independently. While rote memorization can be a useful tool in our arsenal, I strive to focus on the ways we can understand music conceptually and critically.
My Advice For Students
Follow the music you're interested in! Muscle memory, and technical ability are vital, but if you don't have a musical goal in mind it'll be much harder to push through those practice frustrations.
My Favorite Places of Inspiration
Teachers often overlook how informative the internet can be as a platform for musicians. Videos on theory, video lessons, live performances- I wish I had these resources when I was growing up!
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
Fabian
Omobono
Teacher
The Collective School of Music
Piano, Guitar, Drums, Music Production
Toto
Tommy Igoe
Deep Purple
Simon & Garfunkel
Nirvana
I started playing music when I was 6 and to be honest I hated the lessons, they were too strict. It was only at age 11 when bought my first Album (Nevermind), that I started becoming passionate about music. I started playing in different bands with friends. When I was 14 I joined the Band Westbound and together we toured Italy and the rest of Europe for about 10 years. After high school I got into the Music Conservatory of Trento.
In 2013 I moved to NYC to study at the collective school of Music and pursue my professional career as a composer and session musician.
My Approach To A Typical Lesson
I usually ask the student and parents what they expect from studying music. I adapt the lessons to the students needs and try to make the time we spend together as fun and productive as possible
My Advice For Students
Well every student is different, but there's something true for every level: the more you practice the more you will enjoy playing your instrument.
My Favorite Local Places
Definitely NYC. The amount of musicians you can meet and collaborate with is just overwhelming
My Music
Currently I have my own music Production company where I compose music for Movies, Video Games and Advertisement: www.fabianomobono.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.
Tim
Schwerdt
Music Therapist
Berklee College of Music
Music Therapy, Piano, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Music Production
Led Zeppelin
Muse
Gojira
Rage Against the Machine
Stevie Wonder
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.
Julie
Keefe
Studio Administrator
Rider University
Piano, Drums
Fiona Apple
The Dear Hunter
Between the Buried and Me
Death Cab For Cutie
CHON
Julie graduated from Rider University in 2017 with a degree in communications and advertising. She has been an active member of the New Jersey music community since college. As a percussionist, Julie spent two years as a member of Fusion Core, a non-profit drum and bugle corps, and is currently a member of the Princeton Brass Band, a British-style brass band based out of Central Jersey. As an educator, Julie works with the front ensembles at Morris Knolls High School and West Milford High School during their marching band and indoor percussion seasons.
BOOK WITH JULIE
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.
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."
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.
My kid's birthday party at So i Heard Music absolutely ROCKED. There wasn't a bored kid in the room. My birthday boy had the most amazing time and felt like a superstar signing autographs for all of his friends. The kids listen to the recordings all the time, and now my son's party is the hot topic amongst all of his friends. The best part is - I didn't lift a finger! The amazing staff at So i Heard did it all! I highly recommend them for an easy, hands-off birthday party experience!
[ Birthday Party Client ]
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