Pamelaearned her BA in Music Theory from SUNY Albany in 2007, where she was assistant conductor of the University Chamber Singers, music theory/functional piano student assistant, and accompanist. She completed her Certificate of Advance study in Music Education K-12 at the College of St. Rose, where she studied with Steinway pianist Dr. Young Kim and was awarded a combined Music Theory and Accompanist assistantship. She also worked with the college’s summer youth college prep program, as director of theory and piano intensive programs. With this program she coordinated the leveling of theory classes, created the theory curriculum, taught piano technique and repertoire classes. While residing in Upstate New York, she performed and taught piano lessons privately for 9 years.
Currently, Pamela is the vocal music teacher at an elementary school in New Providence, teaching general music and directing their choirs. She is also the vocal music director for their high school musical productions. In addition to teaching, she is on the state board for the American Choral Directors Association where she acts as the coordinator for the Elementary and Junior High All-State Choral Festival.
As a piano teacher, Ms. Crockett likes to establish a foundation of good musicianship, piano technique, and practice technique for her students. She believes that creating a fun and enriching environment for the student is the key to success in instilling a fondness for playing. She has dedicated her career to music education and finds nothing more rewarding than to watch her students grow as musicians.
Benjamin has been a life-long lover of music, especially the piano, his favorite instrument. Beginning with private recorder studies at age 5, he has continued performing through the present day. Benjamin holds a B.A. in Music from the University of Rochester and is the bass II section leader of the eclectic Morris County-based Harmonium Choral Society. Since 2008 he has been the music director of Abiding Peace Lutheran Church in Budd Lake, where he plays weekly services.
Benjamin has been giving private piano instruction since 2012. His years of experience teaching karate (since 2003) have helped him develop a patient but firm teaching style. He believes a well-rounded curriculum that includes music theory and history, with a distinct focus on musicianship, fosters greater interest and is ultimately the most engaging for the student. His students agree; most who have begun studying with him continue to do so today.
James launched his music career in Los Angeles and NYC as a recording artist, producer and concert performer in forty states. He has written, performed and/or produced words and music for four CDs, along with network commercials, films, and shows. A Grammy-finalist for his documentary album notes, Mr. Sundquist’s classical guitar recordings were the focus of two award-winning National Public Radio documentaries. Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul & Mary folksingers) helped him produce his first album entitled Freedom Flight for Lamb & Lion Records. He has studied classical guitar with Virginia Luque, who was a direct student of Andres Segovia and a Juilliard graduate. As a youth, Mr. Sundquist received a strong musical foundation with ten years of piano study. For the last seventeen years, he has shared his innovative performing and teaching style through four music schools in Northern New Jersey. He loves to inspire confidence and infuse his personality and performing skills into his students of all levels and abilities (including learning differences) in both private and group classes, which helps motivate them. Guitar study includes classical, folk (steel-string acoustic), electric, ragtime, vocal accompaniment, sight-reading, as well as Tablature (TABS) and music theory. In addition to guitar, James teaches piano and drums.