Guitar Lessons in Alton, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning children, I typically like to use the Alfred series of beginner books depending on the instrument. I also like the students to rely on their ears just as equally, so the other half of the lesson is usually dedicated to learning music without relying on reading music. Of course, this is all dependent on the student's needs or prior experience. More importantly, I want to teach the student what they are truly interested in with music, and I have plenty of material to discuss if they are unsure of this interest. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

As I said, I do love to teach the individual, and after discovering their goals, use the approach that I believe will work best for them.  I have many books that I use, and have worked in the past with Bunny Brunel and Mel Bay.  With the instruments I teach, there are many different avenues that one could be wanting to take, from learning more theory, getting into Jazz Band at school, performing popular music live, or auditioning for college.  This is why I take a versatile approach in my teaching, and in describing my instruction methods. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Organ Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching musicin public schools and privately for over 30 years. I have taught successfully almost every instrument , both inlarge groups and individualized instruction. Piano/ keyboard is my specialty. I can also teach guitar, drums and trumpet.Although I have a classical background, my element is popular genres. I can teach beginners to achieve success almost immediately and teach advanced students to reach their full potential. I can also teach little tricks that your old music teacher forgot to show you! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I will be taking students of all ages; young or mature. Unless the student is a very beginner, I essentially go about teaching in the same method with each individual. I WILL TEACH THE STUDENT WHATEVER THEY WANT TO LEARN. Thats right. I've found that learning music is more fun for the student when you get to play what you already know, are comfortable with, or want to learn. It works like this: if the student wants to learn a guitar solo, I will show them the fundamentals of what it takes to understand it, break it down, and execute it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music

While teaching, I create a very friendly and welcome environment. Comfort between the student and teacher is critical in order to progress with technique and repertoire. I open the floor to questions, concerns and truly want to hear what the students perspectives are. With beginner students, the primary focus is on breath management, developing flexibility between ranges, and applying technique to repertoire. For more advanced singers, I am able to help prepare for auditions or performances and focus more on the quality and control of the voice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Playing with one hand first, then the other, then using both hands. Working on rhythm and coordination follows that. For students that are in the intermediate-advanced stage, how the lessons go really depends on what the student's goals are and what they want to focus on. I have a lot of music theory knowledge and compositional skills, I can teach active listening, playing by ear, composition itself, improvising, arpeggios with fingerings, altered scales, hybrid structures of chords, tritone substitutions, voice leading, inner harmony, soloing, phrasing, and comping. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

To me, it's important that my students not only gain an understanding of technique and theory, but also an appreciation for the spirit and philosophy of music-making. Whether this includes conversation about each student's unique aesthetic or vision, or the general principles involving listening, leaving space, and communing with other musicians on an almost spiritual level, I do try to integrate at least a little of this type of discussion in my lessons. Read More