Bass Lessons in West Newton, MA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

My experience as a music educator started in high school when my band director sent a few middle school bass and guitar students my way, at which point I discovered a great love for teaching. Since then I have taught several electric and upright bass students throughout my time as a Berklee student, as well as rhythm section master classes. I'm experienced in teaching students of all ability levels in subjects such as technique, rhythm/ear training, sight reading, music theory, and composition. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners just learning how to play their instrument, I start with exercises from an assortment of beginner books as well as teaching the fundamentals of scales, and basic chords which would give them the grasp on the music they want to learn. For students of all levels I basically care about finding what the student is interested in and building upon their tastes. I find that the most important thing is keeping the student engaged by being interested in not only the music itself but also the practice and routine. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, we will first spend time getting acquainted with the instrument. It takes time for a beginner's fingers to get used to playing a fretted instrument, so getting comfortable is key. I will also start with the basics of reading music. As students progress into the intermediate range, we will start to train our ears with listening exercises, and we will also dive in to more difficult material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar French Horn

My lessons are very structured, but within the structure is a lot of freedom. An hour long lesson might look something like this: First 10 min.: Warm-ups, discussion about posture, hand position and muscular/skeletal health while playing. Next 10 min.: Performance of previous weeks assignments, with discussion about whether preparation was adequate, what was missed (usually dynamics and other articulations) and what could be done to improve. Next 10 min.: Based half on performance and half on my own ideas, work on a number of techniques to strengthen the weaknesses the student is facing. Read More

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

I truly enjoy seeing each of my students develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation for music. I believe each student must be taught in a way that allows them to grow and develop at their own pace, and without feeling overwhelmed. Through positive praise and personal accomplishments a student's desire to progress fuels their motivation. By working closely with each student, I find their inspirations and tailor my instruction to their needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

A total beginner will usually start by learning chord progressions that are specifically in a major scale progression (ex. C-Dm-Em-F-G-Am-Bdim). Using chord progressions allows my students to grow accustomed to the feel of the guitar and the fundamental hand strength needed to play, as well as the finger dexterity needed to play certain chords. This fundamental also introduces them to major scales, and the sound of chord progressions in the major scale. Read More