Bass Lessons in Melville, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is patient, thorough, and persistent. For beginning students I start with a simple five note scale, how to hold or sit with the instrument, and an easy tune such as mary had a little lamb or happy birthday; Some students get that in the first lesson and some take a couple weeks everyone has their own process. I like to students to work with method or etude books and have a folder or music notation notebook to keep notes and lessons, organization is up to the student. 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: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I initially have a student work on a series of simple fingering exercises. This gets the student familiar with the feel of the instrument and helps to reinforce how the left and right hands work together when performing. Another benefit is that it helps the student to build speed/dexterity when playing. When these exercises/techniques have been mastered I then introduce the student to concepts such as notes, scales, intervals, basic chord structure, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a firm believer in not re-inventing the wheel. I don't use my own lesson plans. I meet with students to see what they know and what they want to learn, and then use books, YouTube videos or tutorials to teach - learn with- students. A typical curriculum for me first learning the chromatic scale, then the major two octave scale. Then the minor two octave scale, then basic major and minor chords. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

During the 1980s, Stuart played with the infamous Punk legend, Dean Johnson, in Dean and the Weenies. In 1990, he joined the band known as The Rakes Progress which recorded for Almo/Geffen Records. The Rakes Progress was featured on Late Night with Conan OBrian, MTVs 120 Minutes, and Beavis and Butthead and toured through the United States, Canada and Europe. At the present time, Stuart writes music, records, and performs with Barnacle Bill and Streams of Whiskey. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar Double Bass Classical Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my college days ,as I began teaching in professional music school full time 28 years ago and have been consistently teaching students in my home for the last 15 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key point .I like to emphasize for younger students ,as it tends to help student progress and gain passion for the instrument. I've also found that combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the instrument and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard

For beginners, I normally start with simple melodies and exercises. Scales and tunes can be added at a certain point. From early on, I also focus on ear training - the essential part of music learning - so a student gradually learns to hear what he/she plays. Sight reading music is also incorporated in the process from early stages. As for adults, I discuss the particular person's interests and goals as well as assess his/her ability level in order to shape the learning process with maximum efficiency. Read More