Bass Lessons in Troy, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer

For beginning students, I start with the traditional Mel Bay (or comparable) beginner books that focus on the fundamentals while building strength and coordination and just build from there.  For students with a little more experience, I like to focus on more challenging exercises and concepts while nurturing their knowledge of music theory and performance.  Each student is different and knowing what motivates them motivates me.  My goal is to have them want to pick up their instrument and play. 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: Bass Guitar Double Bass French Horn

I hope to emulate some of my great teachers including Robert Hurst, Cecil McBee, John Lockwood and others. Of course regular practice is necessary, but listening is also key to advancement. Besides regular warmups and technical workouts, I encourage every student to transcribe, sing and play along with music they like. My students will not only learn the ins and outs of their instruments, but also will learn to make their own music through improvising and composing.--Some of my experience includes almost a decade of national and international touring plus several years teaching ensembles and in classrooms at the university leve. Read More

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

For beginners, I teach from the Hal Leonard's Guitar Method Books. This is to get a basis of music such as rhythm, notation & the fundamentals of guitar. These elements would also apply to learning other fretted-instruments. I spend half the lesson time working on book material, form, and technique, & the remaining half on material the student is interested in. For intermediate and advanced students, I tailor each lesson to meet your goals - whether that's technique, sight-reading, theory, performance, or more. 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