Bass Lessons in Ridgewood, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners I have created my own custom lesson plan that includes the topics below. Depending on the student the order of topic may change. 1. Basic Guitar setup: Discussion of name of guitar parts,discuss basic function, strap adjustment, neck adjustment, new strings. 2. Name & number of strings in chord diagram form 3. Tuning with electronic tuner using new string knowledge 4. Learning some basic guitar riffs in Tablature…Smoke On The Water, 007,Peter Gunn, easy C & G chords 5. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Clarinet Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in music lessons there must be a balance. Especially on an instrument like guitar. Lessons should consist of a list of certain things almost like a checklist. First there is warm up and tuning. To make sure you are warmed up and in tune there are exersizes I like to start with my students. Once they are feeling warmed up I like to move on to sight reading and notation reading (practiced and unpracticed material) as well as scales, intervals, and arpeggios. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

For every student, I initally assess why they are taking lessons and what their goals are. Together we create a plan to acheive those goals.  For young beginners, I like the FJH guitar series. It was written by guitar educators. I also teach the student to play fun songs and tunes to supplmement the books.  For teens and adults, the path depends on their goals, which aren't always in a book. 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 Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

You can learn so much about a student in a 30 minute trial lesson! If a new student is not a total beginner, I will ask them to play their favorite song (or one of their favorites if they have trouble choosing just one). After their performance, I ask them what they liked about how they played. Its important for students to always be aware of what they do well. If they arent able to see their strengths on their own then I share with them what I think their strengths are and encourage them to keep that up. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

First of all, theory is extremely important to learn music. By learning and understanding theory you will realize and appreciate music as the amalgam between art and science. Music is heavily influenced by math. Music is science of the soul. Secondly, I make a lot of emphasis on improvisation as well. As soon as you understand the fretboard and your finger get used to playing, then improvisation connects your fingers with your soul, your muse, your inspiration. Read More