Guitar Lessons in Bedminster, PA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In addition to teaching material directly, I prefer to cultivate the skill of teaching oneself. Instead of scripting the direction of the students growth I help them to follow their own path by accentuating the qualities that make them special and removing technical roadblocks. My own education straddles many schools (rock, jazz, folk/bluegrass, classical, hip-hop, dance, experimental, funk, etc.), formal and informal. But standardized music education leads to standardized music! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

They then see the fruits of their work, and this gives them encouragement to continue onward. I find using a combination of both tradition music teaching and a more modern, song-oriented approach to teaching helps to keep students motivated, especially the younger students. I have taught students from age 5 to 75, and well over 150 students since I began teaching. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums

I first began teaching in 2012 with a brief year-long stint teaching (drums and guitar) at Sam Ash. I took a few years off and began teaching private lessons again in 2018. During COVID i was teaching lessons via skype which enabled me to continue online lessons. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For young children, consistency and fun are the name of the game. I like to use some simple materials and try to develop a love for the instrument and love for making music above all else. After a period of discovery and technical growth I will introduce material suitable for a recital performance. For young and older adults I like to take a more focused approach. Many students have an idea of what they would like to work on, and I am happy to help guide them to reach their goal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

My teaching is based on the thought that everone can be comfortable with making music. Since comfort comes best when things are fun, I like to focus on music that the student likes. This usually involves improvising as soon as a student knows a few notes, which creates a chance for self-expression and leads to confidence in playing with others. I also place emphasis on phrasing, My experience is that many students get wrapped up in the mechanical process of playing at the expense of musicality. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I work with one of three methods books: Mel Bay, Hal Leonard, or the Berklee Guitar Method. I gauge this based on the age, skill level, and their time available to practice. Mel Bay is the easiest method to begin, whereas Berklee is more advanced and moves at a faster pace. Sometimes I slow Berklee down and combine it with Mel Bay as a teaching strategy (Mel Berklee, perhaps?). I also am not afraid to use alternative teaching methodologies or notational systems, such as tablature and internet resources, as I think these are vital materials that are relevant to how people interact with, consume, share, and learn music today. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Electric Violin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Besides teaching privately, I am also the adjunct cello teacher for The Pennington School. My responsibilities also include running sectionals, orchestra rehearsals as well as performing for various functions and with the students in their concerts. This has given me the opportunity to work with an ensemble, which is something I did really enjoy while working in the public schools. With over 20 years of teaching experience, I have worked with students from the beginning level through advanced. Read More