Bass Lessons in Baldwinsville, MA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My work and musical groups have been featured in publications such as The New Yorker, Okayplayer, Afropunk, and many more. Throughout this time, I have also worked as an educator at a number of public and private schools, as well as music schools, in a variety of capacities: as a general music teacher, a choral director, a private drum, bass, guitar, and vocal instructor, a songwriting and production teacher, and more. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica

My methods for teaching are directly linked to the desires of the student and what they hope to achieve by learning how to play an instrument. If a student is particularly interested in songwriting and composition, I'd be more inclined to emphasize the principles or harmony, counterpoint, structure and written music, whereas if a student is more interested in becoming an instrumentalist for a band etc., I'd be more inclined to emphasize rudiments, scale exercises and a jamming mentality. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Being a well rounded guitar player is something I truly enjoy. I believe all the different musical styles have positive and enjoyable aspects to them. And of course much of it crosses over (between styles) in modern times. That being said, a student can focus on one style for a time (or exclusively), and build serious proficiency. Whether it be playing cover songs, personal or collective creativity (songwriting), or simply noodling around: I tailor my instruction to what a student is trying to achieve, while also preaching objective learning of the guitar. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

Beginning students are taught to read bass clef and are given introductory exercises to familiarize them with the strings and fingerboard. From there, I begin to teach more advanced music theory to build off of the established foundation. Some of the books I use for theory study are the Real Books and Dover Music's Bach Keyboard Music for jazz and classical theory respectively. Additional materials for intermediate and advanced students include Oscar Stagnaro's Latin Bass Book, Jimmy Haslip's Melodic Bass Library, and the Charlie Parker Omnibook depending on the student's genre of interest. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My approach to teaching emphasizes creative expression, technical proficiency and musical exploration. I pay close attention to the goals of a given student and shape my curriculum based around their needs. If a student aspires to become a professional jazz guitarist, I teach them jazz chords, improvisational techniques and necessary reading skills. If a student aspires to write and perform their own songs, I teach them about writing guitar accompaniments, writing lyrics and crafting melodies. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

for younger students, we usually work through a book together to understand the fundamentals of music before we start to approach more complex lessons. I tend to use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements as well as other series' depending on the student's level and musical interest. For adult lessons, I typically create a unique lesson plan that includes warmups, technique exercises, and the learning of songs or solos all dependent on that student's particular interests. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My name is Dennis, Ive played the guitar since I was 8 and I have a degree in Music Performance (Classical Finger-Style Guitar) from Middlesex Community College, and I am studying Music Ed. @ UMASS Boston. I have studied for years with world renowned classical composers and instructors, performed across New England, and taught a diverse group of students over the years. The guitar is my life! The Blues, Bluegrass, and Metal are my personal favorite genres to play. Read More