Bass Lessons in Clifton Heights, PA

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe in tailoring music lessons to the individual students needs. This usually involves speaking with the student in the first lesson/lessons to find out what specifically they want to learn or improve. Once I've figured this out, I begin to find repertoire or create exercises that challenge this student in the respective area of focus. With younger students, I prefer to make an executive decision to begin with method books and then ease into more relevant material when the student is comfortable with their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have found the last few years very rewarding as students become musicians. Since my first student I taught in 2004, through the days I taught at a music school, up right on to the present moment, I love passing the music onward as it was passed to me. Being a multi generational musician, it's important to me to teach this great artform and pass it down through generations. I also like to let my students know that "music lasts a lifetime." Because, if my students practice the material five days a week, for a minimum of 30 minutes, their skills as well as confidence will grow. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Music Acoustic Guitar

I teach students to transfer my extensive knowledge of music to anybody that is willing to learn. I started playing guitar when I was 12 years old. Later on in life, I started playing bass, banjo, ukulele and mandolin. I play in several different orchestras and bands. My orchestra playing involves a local theater company, as well as various high schools. I also perform regularly for Musicians on Call, a not-for-profit organization that brings the power of music to patients' bedsides in the Philadelphia area. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

One of my main goals as a teacher is to get to know my student, how they best learn, and what it is they love about music. My own love for music and particular bands/genres is what gave me the drive to keep practicing, and I bring this same approach to each of my lessons. Nothing makes me more happy than to see one of my students getting excited about something they are playing--and because of this, I structure my lessons to maximize the aspects of music each student enjoys, while making sure to incorporate fundamental aspects of technique and music theory regardless of the particular music we are studying. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Sessions include breathing/relaxation/meditation, John Cage jamming (where we listen to each other very attentively and make sounds on random objects for long periods of time), groove practice, spoken-word poetry, songwriting, and more conventional rock band stuff. I encourage students (and myself) to live their everyday lives musically, listening aesthetically to the world around them and paying attention to their own inner soundtracks (imagination). After-School Jam Session serves as a laboratory for me to develop teaching practices that emphasize creativity, empathy, cooperation, and awareness of beauty. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My philosophy of teaching has always been to customize the student's lessons to match their interests, while ensuring that they receive a extensive foundation that will let them move in any direction they may choose. The methods and materials that I select for my students are always focused on enjoyment as well as efficacy. The goal is to get the student playing musically as soon as possible. While I stress the importance of practicing effectively, I understand that students move at their own pace and tailor the lessons to reflect this. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When teaching classical piano, I use technique books like Hanon, Pischna for advanced beginners and intermediate. Material can range from Bach, Beethoven, Schumann etc. Contemporary methods usually from an approved song book or possibly a show tune. All students will learn from the previously method technique books. Beginners we will use some method book like Alfred or something similar. Guitar: Mel bay or something for sight reading. Wolfhardt for intermediate students. Read More