Bass Lessons in Mahwah, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Phase 4: Intermediate Riffs and Techniques This is an extension of Phase 2 but expands on the difficulty and span of the riffs. At this point, the student will have very quick and strong hands and will be able to play difficult songs. We also will dive into the "why" here. I'll start to explain scales and scale degrees in relation to the same songs the student loves to play. Here we will also hone in techniques like bending, hammer-ons, and pull-offs. Read More

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

I have a variety of books I use for beginning students, depending on age and level, including the Alfred guitar book for kids. Regardless of level, I always help students learn some music they are already interested in, as that is a key path to enjoying both the pure joy of music itself and the delight of learning something you didn't know you could do. Another important pathway that I explore with students, earlier or later depending on the student, is to begin to learn to improvise and compose their own music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar

We can talk about: Instrumental Technique: Leaning to making a better, stronger, more in-tune and richer sound on your instrument. Improving how fast, and evenly your fingers can operate your instrument. Theoretical/Musical Technique: Ear Training - teaching you how to quickly recognize different chords, tonalities, and intervals just by hearing it once. Developing your ability to sing in tune! (A must for a good musician) Rhythm - working on metronome exercises, to develop a rock-steady internal clock to unlock your deepest possibly expression of the music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing beats seeing one of my pupils acquire an interest in music! As a result, each student must proceed at their rate. At each lesson, I promote this by setting realistic goals for my pupils, either learning the most challenging parts of a song or just learning a simple phrase that was hard previously. Recognizing accomplishments fuels students' desire to advance and prepares them to learn more. By attempting to discover what motivates the student, I can appropriately personalize my training to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

While some teachers may be very strict or hard on their students, I try to take a more inviting approach. I like to cultivate an atmosphere of openness and encouragement, but I do also believe it is important to maintain focus and make sure students are practicing sufficiently. I believe that at least a basic understand of music theory is important for learning any instrument, so from time to time we will discuss theory in relation to the bass. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Oboe English Horn Music

I always create my own custom lesson plans for my students that are tailored to each student's individual development, needs, and musical taste. A really important starting point for all of students is knowing what kind of music they love. I like to help my students develop a list of "goals", pieces, songs, styles, etc that they want to play and work up to, and I use this to create our lesson plans. Read More