Bass Lessons in Newton, CT

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Often I do use Mel Bay or Hal Leonard books to get a student started reading, but try to shift to popular music as soon as possible to keep the repertoire interesting and relevant for the student, as well has their families and peers. As the student develops, students will learn to expand on these ideas with theory based improvisation to "make the song their own." For More Advanced students, we can work from the Real or Fake Books, or the Ireel App to increase improvisational experience and confidence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Since 1996 I have been solely committed to a career in teaching and performing professionally. My Father was an amateur jazz pianist, my Grandmother, a professional opera singer prior to marriage. My earliest memories came with a soundtrack: my Dads piano playing. I studied privately both on piano (early) and guitar (later), starting somewhere in my fifth year. I always took advantage of musical opportunities afforded me at school whenever appropriate, whether that was a school musical, talent show, battle of the bands, jazz band or music elective. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass

I am a highly motivated andenthusiastic instructor who loves giving people of all ages the gift of playing and performing music. I graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Guitar Performance in 2010. Music has been the biggest positive influence in my life and I have not been able to put the guitar down since I was 12 years old and first started to play. 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 Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

I believe the student is there to find a passion. It is so important to find love for the art, and this is what I try to provide. A lead-by-example approach is the core of what I do. I "draw" the student toward their own voice. It is imperative to help them find their own "style." The greatest musicians are true originals; and so I do not encourage my students to follow in my footsteps, but to blaze their own trails. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I was self diagnosed with "music fever" as a very young child. I began playing shows and concerts with my family as young as 13 and, even then, I loved to teach, and share music with my friends and colleagues. Naturally I pursued a degree in Music at the University of Maine where I became principle bassist of the University Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble. This combination, as well as countless other groups and performances, taught me a wide variety of learning, and playing styles that would inform the way I would teach my students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I typically start by teaching them the parts of the guitar how to hold a guitar and all the physical fundamentals including fretting notes properly etc... then I ask them what their goals are as a player if they’re interested in learning a lot of theory or just want to sing and play with their friends etc.… Then I teach them the names of the strings and tell them to memorize them as well as the dot markers on the fretboard and then I have them learn some strumming patterns and a few simple chords to get them started and then begin learning the names of the notes from open position to 12th and then learning The major scale up the neck one string at a time… And I also incorporate the use of a Metronome which I find is hugely important… Then we incorporate a simple song that they can play with four chords from there onto learning how to harmonize the major scale and then incorporate more theory… All the while assessing their needs and fixing any trouble spots they’re having… Then on to scales and more theory and More Metronome work...And every couple of lessons I teach them a new song of their choosing to make sure that they’re having fun fun fun Read More