Training or degree
Bachelor of Music Education
Montclair State University, 1986
Self-reported
All professionals
Music lessons in Montclair
Frank Ellis
Music lessons: Beginner piano, guitar and harmonica
PianoGuitar
Retired band director who gets beginners playing a real song by week three
- 4.9 from 17 reviews
- Lives in Montclair
- All five checks passed
Ask a question before you book. Contact details stay private.
Credentials
Professional experience
Middle school band director
Essex County public schools, 1987 to 2021
Self-reported
About me
I taught middle school band in Essex County for thirty-four years, so I have heard every possible wrong note and I promise none of them bother me. When I retired I missed the moment a student hears themselves get something right. Teaching adults at home gives me that back.
I start everyone on a song they already know and love, whether that is a Sinatra tune, a hymn or something from the Beatles. We learn it by ear first and pick up the reading slowly, only if you want to. Piano is the most common, but I also teach guitar and harmonica, which is the easiest instrument to carry around and surprisingly fun at a family party. Lessons stay relaxed. If your fingers get tired, we listen to records and talk about why a song works.
I still play trumpet in a community big band that rehearses in Montclair on Tuesday nights. We do a summer concert at Brookdale Park most years, and you are welcome to come.
What a first visit looks like
- 1
Minute 0 to 10
We talk about the music you love and what you have played before, even if it was fifty years ago.
- 2
Minute 10 to 25
Getting comfortable with the instrument: posture, hand position and finding the first few notes.
- 3
Minute 25 to 55
We learn the opening phrase of a song you picked, slowly, by ear, until you can play it through.
- 4
Minute 55 to 65
I write out a short practice plan with the notes labeled so you can keep going between visits.
What to have ready
- Your piano or keyboard, if any
- A chair without arms
- A list of favorite songs
- Reading glasses if you use them
Where Frank goes
- MontclairLives here
- Bloomfield
- Glen Ridge
- North Caldwell
- South Orange
- Verona
Where in the home
Living roomCommunity room
Usual week
Mon
9am
to 1pmTue
Off
Wed
1pm
to 5pmThu
Off
Fri
9am
to 1pmSat
Off
Sun
Off
What families say
“Showed up with everything and left the kitchen cleaner than she found it.”
Diane J.
“Patient with my dad, who can be a lot. Worth every penny.”
Karen H.
“My mother talked about it all through dinner.”
Susan D.
“Warm, punctual, and actually fun.”
Karen S.
“Patient with arthritic fingers and still makes it fun.”
Tanya A.
“Booked it as a gift for my grandmother. She keeps asking for more.”
Robert P.
“My mother says it is the best part of her Tuesday.”
Maria N.
“We were not sure Dad would go for it. He did.”
Tom M.
“My aunt is picky and she wants this every week now.”
Raj C.
“Dad asked me twice when the next one was. That never happens.”
Frank J.
“Very respectful of my father's routines.”
Patrick E.
“Left a note after each visit so I knew what they did.”
Greg N.
“Easy to book and even easier to have in the house.”
Greg S.
“Mom practices between visits without being asked.”
Patrick A.
“Easy to book and an absolute delight.”
Karen M.
“Patient and encouraging. My mother painted her first landscape!”
David L.
“A real bright spot in our week. Highly recommend.”
Susan P.
Checked and vetted
- Online search
- A real conversation with our team
- Signed provider agreement
- Criminal background check
- National sex offender registry check
$60 per hour
Plus a $2.50 booking fee and 10% service fee.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before.