Guitar Lessons in Central Islip, NY

Instruments: Guitar Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe that a passion for music is something to be celebrated and nurtured. It's my job to help it grow. I still remember the first time I was able to play my favorite song on guitar. That feeling never leaves you. Instruments are hard, but with consistent practice and enough inspiration, I believe every student can achieve a level of proficiency. I follow the students in the directions they are inspired to go. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching while studying at Oberlin College, and have since taught private lessons everywhere I've gone, from Shanghai to here in New York, including bass, guitar, piano, music theory, and ensemble coaching. I have my own private studio, and have also taught private lessons at Art's House Music School in Coney Island and Pelham Music Arts School in Pelham. In addition, I have taught classroom music classes through Third Street Settlement Music School. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I tailor my lessons to the needs and levels of every student. I like to keep an organized electronic folder with PDFs for every student. Handouts on every specific topic are included in these hand-outs, some scanned hand-written exercises that I design for each student and some others extracted from books on different topics. Some books are suggested but I don't follow any single method although I find it very useful the Modern Method For Guitar by William Leavitt, the different books by Barry Galbraith for more advanced students, and The Jazz Conception series Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My journey with teaching Voice was ironically during school! I had been in Choir since the second grade. Since then I worked hard to strengthening my instrument. I became section leader for Soprano section. That job required me to perfect each individuals tone so that we blended well as a choir. I began tutoring voice major on repertoire and harmonics. The combination of performing my own work kept my skills sharp so that I could assist my peers. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a firm believer in not re-inventing the wheel. I don't use my own lesson plans. I meet with students to see what they know and what they want to learn, and then use books, YouTube videos or tutorials to teach - learn with- students. A typical curriculum for me first learning the chromatic scale, then the major two octave scale. Then the minor two octave scale, then basic major and minor chords. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Adult students can opt to go to the next book in the series (Book II and III of the 'modern' piano course). For String students I am comfortable in the 'Essential Elements' series, 'String Builder' series and 'All for Strings' methods as an excellent base with which to start. For Guitar Students I am a fan of 'Alfred's Basic Guitar Method' Books 1-3. For Bass guitar students I prefer 'Mel Bay's Bass Guitar Method. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele

My teaching style is to move comfortably and systematically: I introduce a concept, the student attempts it, I offer corrections if needed and lots of affirmation. I also make adjustments according to the student's learning style. It's important to me to convey how and why things work--*why* are we playing these chords, *what colors* do these particular notes add, etc.--so that the student can eventually go on to play their favorite songs with greater appreciation, and if they are interested in songwriting, eventually write their own songs more effectively. Read More