Guitar Lessons in Castle Hill, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Tuba Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My pedagogy is based on the American jazz tradition and the teachings of Orff and Kodaly. I like to impart a holistic love of music in my students, without boring them with too much history or theory. However, it is my belief that theory and musical literacy will open doors to a greater level of fulfillment and understanding of music as a whole. The materials I use vary from student to student and from instrument to instrument, depending on each student's goals and progress. Read More

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

Depending on the students goals, current aptitude, and innate abilities I'll select exercises, etudes, and methodologies from a variety of materials. I work from Hal Leonard's, and Berklee's libraries primarily, but most often use a smattering of tools, exercises, and excerpts that have worked for me and past students; creating a lesson plan over time that is better tailored to the student as an individual. One of the major obstacles when learning the guitar versus, say, the piano, are the immediate physical demands. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard

Im a very go with the flow type of teacher. I will always cater to my students needs, so if that means sticking with one song for a year, thats what we will do. What I dont want to happen is for music to become a chore, so if we find that something isnt working, I have no problem switching it up. Any progress we make in lessons is good progress, and I will make sure to acknowledge that. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Mandolin Conga

It is great to see the joy on students faces when they realize how good their progress is. I always knowledge their success in overcoming of obstacles they find on their way. It is also a joyful challenge for both, student and me, to find the way through greater difficulties when they arise. Then the success is even sweeter. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Organ Synthesizer Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

Positive reinforcement is key. I never learned from the mean or the overly strict teachers. In fact those teachers pushed me in the opposite direction of wanting to pursue music professionally. By going at the pace that is comfortable to the student, and praising them at every hurdle they encounter, the progress made can be exponentially greater than if the student is rushed to prepare a piece of music they don't truly care for in the first place. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I approach teaching with patience. When a student learns concepts and techniques for the first time, it might take a while to really get it down. By having a patient and calm aura, it helps the student to not get frustrated. In addition, each student learns at their own pace. Some might get it quicker that others and that's fine. It is important to be patient with them so that they can learn comfortably. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele

My gift is understanding concepts and explaining them in a way people can understand (and adapting it to their learning style). I try to combine the best aspects of the instruction I received on piano and guitar, with useful and practical concepts (and styles) I had to seek out on my own. Typically I work out of the Ernie Ball How To Play Guitar books (Phases 1 and 2), while also incorporating popular songs (including songs the student wants to learn, as soon as they are compatible with his/her skill level). Read More