Bass Lessons in Closter, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I do believe in the fundamentals of music and ultimately, no matter what you hear, learning music is not re-inventing the wheel. There is technique, reading music and understanding the basics of how the particular instrument works. I like the Essential Elements for Guitar or bass for guitarists and bassists and Alfred's Piano method books. Ted Reed's Guide to Syncopation is a good drum book. Ultimately I like to get the know the student as much as I can as soon as I can so I can help them get to what they want as soon as possible with a few laughs along the way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am an accomplished self-taught musician. I am classically trained in Piano, which made teaching myself guitar, bass, organ, and keyboards (multiples at once) that much easier, and then I took lesson in each to sharpen the skills. I am also experienced in arranging, recording, and mastering thus I bring a unique expertise in blend and improvisation. I am seeking a teaching position where my focus is assisting others in learning and/or honing a craft as opposed to my focus being on locating clientele or promoting myself. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I like to divide my lessons in two parts: first we address the most formal aspects of the lesson, most of the times using a method book or given hand-outs or whatever relevant material was suggested to the student; the remainder of the lesson is dedicated to work on the students choice of a song or anything less formal suggested by myself. This scheme for lessons might be different regarding the level and commitment of the student, but it is in general the outline I use. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Notable venues include: Alameda Jazz Festival, Ashevilles Bele Chere Festival, Birdland, 55 Bar, Greatest Bar on Earth, Knitting Factory, Marin County Jazz Festival, Meadowlands, Mercury Lounge, Metronome, Ortliebs Jazz Haus, Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, and many others. Founder and manager of original bands:Craig Graham Band, Creatrix and Rural Free Delivery, and others. Nationwide orchestra, classical ensemble, show band and musical theater experience. Teaching Experience- American Institute of Guitar, New York, 1999 to 2009 Professional Music Center, New Jersey, 1994 to 1999, Guitar Activity Center, California, 1989 to 1991, Kauai Music Studio, Hawaii, 1988 to 1989 Music Unlimited, Massachusetts, 1986 to 1988. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is based on whatever the goals of my student are. If my student shows an interest in being able to play a particular piece, then we are working step by step to reach that goal by building up to it. If they want to write their own music in a particular style, then I am helping them analyze music that they are influenced by to better understand how to add it to their vocabulary. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I was taught primarily in the William Leavitt method, and use these resources to introduce students to the basics of sight-reading, theory, and technique. My personal preference is not to adhere too strictly to any one method however, instead focusing on the application of theory within a more active musical context. Improvisation is extremely important to developing a working understanding of music in my opinion, and much of my lessons are based in actively performing progressions with students, focusing on both comping and soloing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

For every student, I initally assess why they are taking lessons and what their goals are. Together we create a plan to acheive those goals.  For young beginners, I like the FJH guitar series. It was written by guitar educators. I also teach the student to play fun songs and tunes to supplmement the books.  For teens and adults, the path depends on their goals, which aren't always in a book. Read More