Bass Lessons in Baldwinsville, MA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Fiddle Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I first taught private lessons back in 2008 when I was around 16 years old. Since then, I have met some of my dearest friends and acquaintances through both teaching and performing. For 7 years, I was the primary Guitar instructor at Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School until its closing in 2019. I have been flown out to Northern California every summer for the past 3 years to teach at Alasdair Fraser's Sierra Fiddle camp, a week long Celtic music program. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

For absolute beginners(which i have experience with) i typically show them a couple open chords to practice.this teaches the student how to place their fingers and also how to properly hold a guitar.once the student is a little proficient, i introduce single notes onthe fretboard, as well as a few more open chord shapes and task them to make a simple song in any style that pleases them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

A practical level of playing is always achievable, keeping in mind one's (typically busy) schedule. So small increments of self practice are necessary, gradually increasing stamina and confidence. Time on instrument is most important, for whatever one plays. Improvisation (playing on the fly) is a part of music that I have always enjoyed and appreciated, especially in a collective setting. It can be simple or highly involved improvisation, but I believe it is an important skill, and can be seen as a stepping stone. 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: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I strongly believe that everyone is very different.  Learning styles and musical goals are very much a part of this.  Some find reading from a book helps them, so for most students I begin by recommending "A Modern Method For Guitar" from the Berklee Press, however for others a book is not as helpful as listening to some music and watching someone play.  I like to introduce as much theory as is desired from the student because theory is a very important part of the musical process, but if the student prefers to get playing first and understand the “why” later then we can work something out in that regard.  Depending on musical interest, we can work with different genre's and pieces to promote specific techniques and practice routines. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I use the Hal Leonard Basic or Kids Guitar Method because it is such a good introduction to the instrument. For bass and ukulele I also use the beginner Hal Leonard Method books. For more advanced students, I first get a sense for what they want to learn and where they want to go, by asking them some questions about their previous education, what songs they like to listen to, and any problems with practicing or grasping the material, that they may have experienced. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar

I have found, especially for beginner and younger students (I.E. friends and family members I have taught), it is best to first see where they are in ability to play the instrument. From there, we work on correcting bad habits that develop from being self taught, things such as poor picking technique, finger placement, hand placement, minimal understanding of rhythm and basic theory concepts. Then we discuss what the student would like to learn, and after a solid foundation of basic concepts has been developed, I can create more personalized lessons from there! Read More