Bass Lessons in Baldwinsville, MA

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

For myself at least, music has provided me with a sense of higher purpose, as well as given me many lifelong friends along my own musical journey! My goal is to have each one of my students be able to have that same experience, in a way that is tailored to them and their needs! I feel learning is best achieved when the student has real interest in the material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

Depending on the level of the student and what they are looking to achieve through the lessons I would use a few different methods. I like to use guitar books if at all possible for beginners because its a great place to start. The fundamentals are where you have to start to build a scaffolding and practice books are great for doing this. I also like to use songs and tunes as a way of teaching different concepts. 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

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been a player, performer, and student of the guitar for over 35 years. Growing up in Western Massachusetts, I began learning a solid classic rock/pop base of guitar music (along with the obligatory heavy metal years as a teen, and playing in garage bands), taking lessons in school and privately. I was later exposed to classical and jazz music, through lessons with Berklee alum Robert Ferrier, and went on to study at Holyoke Community College and Westfield State College, earning degrees in Jazz Studies and Performance. 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