Bass Lessons in Narberth, PA

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Double Bass

In my lessons I integrate music theory with instrumental technique as I feel that comprehension of the music is essential to better performance and developing better musicianship. I will work with students to help them learn repertoire that they are interested in and excited about as well as serving them their healthy music vegetables to help them develop as musicians. There are several methods books that I like to work with; Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

Beginning bass players will start with The Simandl Method regardless if Electric or Double Bass. This book has been the standard for decades and continues to help players find the foundation for their playing. As the student progresses we will start to add appropriate pieces for them to learn and perform. Electric players and Upright players can start choosing songs or pieces they want to learn. We will work with that so they feel they are accomplishing goals they want to accomplish and learning pieces they want to learn. Read More

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

I have published my own series of method books to cover a wide range student needs. In addition, I often create materials depending on the student's interests. For more formal styles, I will use traditional methods created by Hal Leonard, Mel Bay, Frederick Noad etc.. My philosophy of teaching is that lesson materials must match the students interests and ability. Methods and materials must be carefully chosen or created to move them to the next level of playing, without frustration or boredom. Read More

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

Through years of experience, I've found the perfect balance of technique and fun! I like to start with a focus on building the proper foundation and the proper relationship. It's important to me that we set achievable goals and make sure we are on a path to learning songs that keep you inspired and motivated. Each student will have different goals, and while there may be an overall structure of what we should know within a certain amount of time, no two lessons are ever the same. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Since last November I have led what I call an After-School Jam Session for a small group of middle schoolers at the Science Leadership Academy Middle School in West Philly. We meet twice a week for 90 minutes and practice experimental techniques to foster musicality and jamming skills. I make up the curriculum as I go along, according to what the kids want and what I perceive to be their weak points. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

That is a luxury we have with the guitar, which is something that makes it different from almost every other instrument, and in my mind, just being a "chord player" is an acceptable goal for a certain type of student. Just to clarify, I would never say that reading is not important. It is very important to people like me, as a jazz player, and I take it very seriously, as do many of my students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

At the start of the first lesson, I give each new student a questionniare to fill out that tells me their musical background, influences, goals for the instrument and what music they are interested in learning. If the new student is a younger child, I begin them with Hal Leonard's Guitar Method Book One. Once they have grasped the simple chords and melodies of the book, I begin to introduce simple songs that they are interested in learning. Read More