Instructors
James Larsen
(Owner & Instructor)
James is the owner and founder of In-Home Harmony.
James is a graduate of Rowan University holding a Bachelor of Music Education with a Jazz Concentration and is certified music teacher in the state of New Jersey. During his years at Rowan, James was a double major studying classical and jazz piano in conjunction with his woodwind and brass pedagogy classes .
Since college, James teaches in a public school as a Band Director and after school he teaches private music students weekdays into weekends. His experience teaching students range from as young as 4 years old to students in their adult years. After teaching students throughout the week, you can find James playing at local New Jersey venues such as the Molly Pitcher Inn located in Red Bank.
James’ philosophy as a music educator is to always encourage and guide his students to be successful and passionate about music.
Jiabei T.
(Instructor)
Jiabei graduated from City University of New York, Brooklyn College, in 2024 with a Masters degree in Media Scoring, specializing in piano performance, composition, and music and sound design for films, video projects, and games.
With over a decade of training in classical piano performance and technique, Jiabei Tang began teaching private lessons in 2019, catering to students ranging from age 4 to adults. Her teaching extends beyond performance to encompass music theory, ear training, and composition.
Under the mentorship of Grammy Producer Adam Kagan in 2019, Jiabei Tang deepened her knowledge in music theory, technique, arranging, composition, pre-mixing, and pre-mastering. This experience not only enriched her skills but also fueled her passion for teaching and performing, aiming to share her expertise with a broader audience.
During her tenure at City University of New York, Jiabei Tang participated in numerous recitals in New Jersey, showcasing her talent as a piano soloist. She has collaborated successfully with the Edison Chinese Chorus in multiple concerts, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to sharing exceptional music with audiences.
As an educator, Jiabei Tang is known for her inspiring, customized teaching services and patient approach. She identifies students; strengths and interests, tailoring her teaching plans to accommodate their personalities, passions, and learning progress.
Scott E.
(Instructor)
Scott is a multi-instrumentalist who began playing the Highland Bagpipes at the age of 12. Studying under a world-renowned instructor, Scott learned how to read and perform music and became an accomplished soloist. Scott was sought out by numerous bands and competed with several in the US and Scotland, as well as teaching new members to play.
His passion for music led him to string instruments, where he fell in love with guitar and bass. He has taught guitar, bass, and ukulele for several years following his education. Scott has studied many styles including Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop, and Fingerstyle guitar. He regularly performs around Asbury Park with Jazz and Jam bands as well as his music as a solo artist and songwriter. Scott's influences include his many teachers, Jerry Garcia, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, Neil Young, David Bowie, John Mayer, and many more. He is currently studying guitar with Zach LoPresti, and attends Roots Rock Revival camp where he has direct experience with working musicians such as Oteil Burbridge and Luther Dickinson.
As an instructor Scott is very encouraging and patient. He will help you define your musical goals and provide the steps to reach them.
Mike P.
(Instructor)
Mike is a graduate of New York University where he majored in Biomedical Engineering and is currently pursuing his Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Mike’s passion for music started from a young age. In 1997, at age 5, Mike started to play the accordion. Under the tutelage of the former American Accordionists Association President Frank Busso Sr., Mike was classically trained by Frank and has been playing ever since.
Mike has great experience in competitions and performing, having competed in multiple competitions a year since then, carrying him up and down the eastern Seaboard of the US. He even competed in the International Competition (The Coupe Mondiale), when it took place just outside of Washington DC, finishing 5th in the world in the Pop Music Category for his age group. Though the competition performances have dwindled in recent years, Mike still performs at the Annual AAA festivals as a soloist for an event or two, but also as part of the bigger festival orchestra.
Aside from Competitions, Mike has played in Pit Orchestras for High School plays, performed as a member of a marching bands and currently enjoys playing for dinner parties. He even enjoys sitting at a piano and belting out a few tunes with his sister during the holidays.
Mike’s teaching philosophy is to have fun and gain love for music first. Whether your music goals are to learn, perform, or compete, having love for music makes it all feel easy and helps music become a part of your life.
Valentina S.
(Instructor)
Valentina is a 2020 graduate of Rowan University where she received her Master’s in Music Performance. She is a classically trained pianist with over 10 years of experience in the field. Since 2019, she has been sharing her passion for music by teaching students of all ages and levels. Valentina’s expertise extends beyond performance, as she is also skilled in music theory and ear training.
In preparation for college, Valentina had the privilege of studying under Brian Gilmore, a music Professor at Ocean County College, for 4 years. Under his guidance, she delved into music theory, technique, and the dedication required to excel as a pianist. This experience further fueled her desire to teach and perform.
Continuing her musical journey, Valentina pursued studies under the esteemed Veda Zuponcic at Rowan University. Throughout her years at Rowan, she had the opportunity to showcase her talent as a solo pianist in various recitals. In addition to her solo performances, Valentina also collaborated with a violinist in several recitals during her time in the Master’s program at Rowan University. These performances showcased her versatility and ability to collaborate with other musicians, further enhancing her musical repertoire. Valentina’s experience in these collaborative recitals highlights her adaptability and commitment to creating beautiful music in various settings. Valentina firmly believes in the importance of recognizing and embracing the unique talentsand abilities of each of her students. As a music teacher, she understands that every student is different and has their own individual learning style, strengths, and areas for growth.
Valentina’s philosophy centers around creating a supportive and nurturing environment, where students feel valued and encouraged to explore their musical potential.
Ava V.
(Instructor)
Ava is a graduate of Drew University where she received a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Music in 2021. She focused her education on piano performance and composition while supplementing her studies with participation in choirs, acapella groups, and musical theater productions.
Ava’s training in classical piano performance and technique spans over 10 years. She has received 6 exceptional evaluations from the National Piano Guild Auditions and has performed in numerous showcases and local competitions. In addition to this, Ava has over 12 years of experience in musical theater. She has vocally directed for high school and community theater productions as well as choral groups. The culmination of these experiences affords Ava with the ability to instruct piano and vocal students of varying ages and skill levels in private and/or group environments.
Her philosophy as a music teacher is to always encourage her students to demonstrate patience, persistence, and above all, passion, in their music journey.
Alexandria N.
(Instructor)
Alexandria is a dedicated vocalist with a bachelor's degree in performing arts from the American Music Dramatic Academy. As a current educator specializing in children with disabilities, she finds fulfillment in assisting them with their strengths and weaknesses while uncovering the creativity within each individual. With a rich background in various performing art projects, Alexandria continues to actively engage in performances. Her passion for teaching extends to sharing insights on voice, fostering creativity, and promoting overall well-being. Alexandria is characterized by her enthusiasm, collaborative spirit, and inspirational approach. She welcomes the opportunity to guide others in discovering the intricacies of voice while creating a space that encourages creativity and personal growth. Join her on a journey of learning, singing, and embracing an open-minded perspective towards the world of voice..
Alexandria’s philosophy as a music educator is to teach in a way that allows musical skill to enhance our natural creative tendencies. She is always excited to work with new students and is deeply inspired by the creative spark that encourages beginners to start learning music.
Joe M.
(Instructor)
Joe received a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from Rowan University in 2021. Prior to graduating Rowan University, Joe received the 2016 Springfield Township High School Louis Armstrong Memorial Award, the Ellen Farish Memorial Scholarship for 2017, and the New Jersey Jazz Society scholarship in recognition of outstanding achievement in the study of jazz at Rowan University in 2018.
Joe has performed and worked closely with noted musicians such as Oliver Nelson Jr., Denis Diblasio, Jeff Coffin, Dean Schneider, Behn Gillece, Timothy Schwarz, and Dean Witten. He was a featured guest artist in the Rowan Wind Ensemble twice in 2017 and played drum set in the Rowan Big Band from 2016-2018. Joe can be heard playing with the Shameless Classic Rock Band from Chalfont and the Straight Ahead Big Band in Bucks County, as well as through the recordings of artists Beya, Soularium, and Maggie Loar. He has performed at venues such as SOUTH, Paris Bistro & Jazz Cafe, Philadelphia Clef Club, Heritage, Shanghai Jazz, and the Brooklyn Bazaar.
Joe's philosophy is that anyone can become good at anything if they spend a good amount of time doing it.
Tracey G.
(Instructor)
Tracey is a graduate from Millersville University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education then continued her education receiving a Master’s of Education from Marygrove College.
Tracey has experience teaching middle school instrumental music, concert band, and jazz band for 35 years. Working with students from their first lessons into their later years on all concert band instruments and percussion.
In her free time, Tracey has performed with Hank Joel Orchestras on flute, tenor sax and baritone sax for 5 years. She also has experience performing with the Woodbridge Community Concert Band, Hazlet Community Concert Band and the Greater Shore Concert Band.
Over Tracey’s years of teaching, she stands by her philosophy that everyone has the ability to make music. They just need the right teacher to give them the tools they need to succeed.
Tiffani S.
(Instructor)
Tiffani is a graduate of Montclair State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She also holds a Master’s of Education from Marygrove College.
Tiffani has been a music educator in New Jersey public schools for the past 25 years. For the last 22 years, Tiffani has been teaching instrumental music, general music, and chorus for the Keyport School District.
In her free time, Tiffani has played with various groups including the Ocean Grove Community Band, Atlantic Wind Ensemble, Stage Left Productions and currently plays with the Greater Shore Community Band. She also plays with and is the Association Director of Hazlet Pops.
Tiffani’s philosophy as a music educator is that everyone should have the opportunity to make music and is exctied to be your guide through that journey!
Lyndsey L.
(Instructor)
Lyndsey is a graduate of Mason Gross School of the Arts within Rutgers University. She obtained a Bachelor of Music Education with a Vocal Concentration and is certified music teacher in the state of New Jersey.
Lyndsey has experience teaching elementary school music, children’s choir, and private lessons to students of all ages. She has worked with students in vocal groups, solo vocal singers, and beginner piano students.
In her free time, Lyndsey has performed with choral groups at the Grand Ole Opry, Carnegie Hall, and in an international choral festival in Germany. She loves singing with her acoustic guitar and creating her own music.
Lyndsey’s philosophy as a music educator is to be positive, kind and encouraging while instilling a love for music in her students.