Guitar Lessons in Ansonia, CT

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Depending upon what area/instrument of music I'm teaching, I use a number of different materials, including (but not limited to) Tonal Harmony (Kostka, et al.), Essential Dictionary of Music Notation, Accent on Achievement, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, or Rock House Method (McCarthy). The skill level of the student also dictates what resources I'll use. In addition, I believe that the student should have control over his/her development as a musician, so I encourage my students to create a list of songs they wish to learn how to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginner students, I like to use the Faber books or the Thompson method for piano. I also encourage students of all ages to share what they enjoy listening to and incorporate songs they enjoy as early as possible. As students progress I get into more in depth concepts in music theory and improvisation, to provide a foundation in the language of contemporary music. For more advanced students, I try to play another instrument along with them sometimes to provide a taste of what it is like to make music in a group setting. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've actually written and produced my own music theory book that was in all Borders stores before they closed down. I've learned a few methods and I try to incorporate them all unless the student or parents wants something specific. My method is a method where I can teach 1 thing countless ways. I love my students to learn theory because it is a very important backbone to music. Some people can play instruments without ever really kwoing what they are playing or understand the theory behind it, and I think it holds them back from truely being creative and understanding of music.    With my methods students will be able to play from any genre, any book, and hopefully will be able to create their own music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For beginning students I start with an Alfred's beginning drum method to help with reading. We also start on the basic understanding of musical concepts such as tempo, dynamics and so on.  While reading is important I do also include learning by wrote or by ear.  A good ear is just as important as good reading skills for the complete musician.  I always include music that the student is interested in to keep the lessons fun and engaging! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I initially have a student work on a series of simple fingering exercises. This gets the student familiar with the feel of the instrument and helps to reinforce how the left and right hands work together when performing. Another benefit is that it helps the student to build speed/dexterity when playing. When these exercises/techniques have been mastered I then introduce the student to concepts such as notes, scales, intervals, basic chord structure, etc. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have a different method for every level student. I start beginners with Hal Leonard's or Mel Bay's Guitar Method books. These books are clear to any age and can be picked up by any student. After these books have been completed, I introduce popular single melody, guitar technique and full tab/sheet solo repertoire books. The solo repertoire books usually contain tablature/sheet music along with chords and sometimes riffs/scales. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Mandolin Conga

I teach more than 35 years now. It is a great experience combined of mostly private lessons and classroom experience. I am trying to motivate my students according to their interests and also buy using a worldly music knowledge that we inherited form generations of musicians who ever lived on Earth. Works of contemporary musicians are also used as a great tool for inspiration of my students. I encourage my students to performing public, even in a very small scale. Read More