Music Production & Songwriting Lessons
What is music production?
Music production is the use of technology to compose, arrange, mix, and release musical compositions. There are countless combinations of hardware and software to build songs. Our experts can give you the guidance you need in one-on-one private instruction.
Our Scotch Plains production studio is equipped with a workstation that includes monitors and a midi controller. Step into a real studio and get your creativity flowing!
Get to know our instructors below. If you have any questions, email lessons@elefantemusic.
Music Production Instructors
Mike Coiro
Music Production • Drums
Mike Coiro
Music Production • Drums
Mike Coiro is a drummer and multi-instrumentalist from Brooklyn, NY. After majoring in music at Columbia University, Mike completed his Master’s degree at the University of Oxford. Since beginning to play the drums at 9 years old, he has performed music professionally across a host of genres on drums, percussion, keyboards, guitar, and bass. Past roles include Principal Timpanist of the Grammy Award winning New York Youth Symphony, pit musician in musicals ranging from Les Misérables to Legally Blonde, and sharing the stage with rock icons such as Roger Daltry (The Who), Alice Cooper, Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe), and Steven Tyler (Aerosmith). Currently, Mike plays drums in the cover band In the Name of Love, guitar in his rock band Bloom, and is an active instructor.
With a strong command of GarageBand, Ableton, and Logic, Mike crafts intricate and emotive tracks that resonate with listeners. His original music has earned notable sync placements on social media platforms, further establishing his presence in the industry. Passionate about sharing his knowledge, he is also dedicated to teaching students of all levels the art of music production. Some of his favorite producers are Brian Eno, Aphex Twin, and Steve Roach.
In what time he has left, he enjoys reading, running, and doing the New York Times Crossword.
Kerry Popp
Music Production • Drums
Kerry Popp
Music Production • Drums
Kerry studied drums at Lou Rose Music in Edison, NJ for four years before earning a Certification in Audio Technology from SAE Institute in NYC. She’s an experienced performer, having played in various bands throughout the NY and NJ area. She worked as an audio engineer on many major commercial projects for companies like McDonalds and Audible. Kerry teaches all genres of music, but specializes in metal and rock. Kerry likes to make learning fun and simple and believes that anyone can learn to play the drums.
Uton Onyejekwe
Music Production • Songwriting
VIRTUAL ONLY
Uton Onyejekwe
Music Production • Songwriting
VIRTUAL ONLY
Uton is a singer, musician, and actor who has performed in Off Broadway shows and has worked with artists such as Graham Nash, Rachel Chavkin, Dave Malloy, Andrew Lippa, and Aloe Blacc. He has arranged and composed for stage and film, most recently arranging an a cappella version of Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me” for the Navy Memorial Lone Sailor Award presentation honoring the legend. He has performed at prestigious venues such as the United Nations, the Rainbow Room, the Ziegfeld Theatre, 54 Below, and Joe’s Pub. He is currently working on a solo release while continuing to record and perform on bass, guitar, and keyboard with multiple bands.
Upright bass, also called string bass or double bass, is a member of the orchestra family. Just as often, however, it appears in jazz, bluegrass, folk, and other genres. With a large hollow body and 4 thick strings, the tones produced by the upright bass are low and rich. The instrument is capable of long, expressive tones when played with a bow; and short, percussive tones when plucked with the strings. String bass is a dynamic and impressive instrument to play!
The oboe is a woodwind and a member of the double-reed family. It is played by blowing air through the reed, attached at the top of the instrument. The reed consists of two very thin pieces of cane, pressed together with a small opening to allow air to pass through. The sound can be high in pitch, but it has a variety of colorful tones, from bright and piercing to low and mysterious.
