Bass Lessons in Oakland, MI

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I stress the importance of reading music from the get go. I do understand however that some (adults) only want to learn to play some songs for their own personal gain, and not have to mess around with note reading. (Guitar is an instrument that can be played by ear, and to some degrees at a high level.) To that I do not require any books. I'll always reiterate the importance of reading..."Just think how good Eddie Van Halen would have been had he been able to read music!" For Children: Mel Bay Children Guitar Method 1 (Blue Turquoise cover) For beginners steel string and jazz: Hal Leonard Guitar method book 1 (Black and Orange cover) For Classical: Foundations in Classical guitar by Brian and Mary Lou Roberts I ALWAYS strive for the student to become familiar with performing and playing with others. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass French Horn

I have performed all over the globe for communities from San Francisco to New York to Ykaterinburg, Russia. My main instruments are bass, electric bass and French horn and have a background in all forms of improvised music as well as classical and orchestral repoertoire. My experience in the Air Force Band from 2006-2014 reinforced the skills necessary for professional musicianship that I cultivated at several fine music schools. Some famous venues I've played include Avery Fischer Hall, NY, and Shoreline Amphitheater, CA. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer

I have been teaching music, mainly guitar and piano, off and on for almost 15 years. My style varies on the age of the student, what they hope to achieve and where their strengths lie.  I feel it's important for the student to learn the fundamentals while simultaneously having fun with their instrument and exploring the music they feel passionate about.  For me, the trick is inspiring the student to pick up their instrument everyday and want to play it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Double Bass Euphonium Tuba Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For each instrument, I have the same basic approach: discover what they like, assess what they can do, and begin with the fundamentals.  If a student is more advanced, I still like to spend time on fundamentals at the beginning anyway to see if we can fill in any foundational weakness that the student may have.   For each instrument, I also have a wide array of repitoire that I give students that zero-in on technical challenges a student will be presented with. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginner Piano / Keyboard Students, I use the Bastien Books. They are simple to understand and get the Student through the first few stages of Right Hand Left Hand coordination and positions. I have several different books for Saxophone Students that feature technique, solo repertoire and duets. Depending on whether the student is a child, a teenager or an adult, I choose either a Daisy Guitar Book, Hal Leonard books, or the Berkeley School of Music for Guitarists. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

Just as every player has their own musical personality and voice, so too does every lesson that Nicholas gives. In a supportive, patient environment, every lesson is custom tailored to the student. Being musical is inherent to being human, so when a students’ musical abilities fail to progress, it is the teaching method that has failed, not the student. While my educational background allows me to offer my students a high level of instruction in instrumental technique, my first priority with every student is to foster their love and understanding of music through playing their instrument.  Read More