Guitar Lessons in Central Islip, NY

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My first priority as a teacher is to find out what the student is interested in. Why do they want to play? What music do they like? What are they hoping to accomplish? That is always my starting point. From there, I help the students reach their individual goals, while also teaching a basic curriculum I have designed myself in order to give the students the skills and knowledge all players require. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Synthesizer Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, where I taught students on the campus at CW Post College. I have consistently taught students in my home studio for the last 15 years. I am very encouraging for the students to practice as a key point in becoming a great musician. I also emphasis this for the younger students, because it helps the student's progress and to gain a passion for his or her instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I will almost always start lessons with beginners who are children with the Alfred method books. These are a very straight forward 3 book set that takes kids from knowing almost nothing technical about music to being able to play and read quite complex arrangements. Once we get our feet planted in this area I will expand into using chord charts and other materials to supplement. Once that is begun we usually start to make up a list of songs that the student may be interested in learning so I can build up the vocabulary to achieve at least a simple arrangement of those songs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Phase 5: Advanced Bar Chords Here is where we will significantly diversify the knowledge base of chords. This will include 7ths, Major 7ths, 9ths, diminished, and more. These are some jazzy sounding chords that are off the beaten path! This phase also focuses less on memorization and more on deduction. Using some light music theory, students will be able to know why these chords look the way they do and how to form new ones. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

We also begin work on scales and cadences. Since dexterity and interest in exploring the keyboard usually exceeds note-reading ability. I use a chart to spell out scales and chords instead of a scale book at this point. Students enjoy progressing through the songs and ask for new scales. By the time they've completed "Teaching Little Fingers...." and have learned single-octave C major, A minor, G major and E minor scales, we're ready to move on to John Thompson's First Grade Book. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass

I first started teaching when I was a junior in high school. Over the summer I would help the younger students of my town by giving Double Bass lessons. Since then I've grown my studio and I've only become more enthralled with helping people learn about music. I try to educate students on the history of the instrument as well as the many roles in can play in different genres. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am very laid back as a teacher. I do not expect my students to train and rehearse like professionals. I simply give homework so as to remind what their path is and what is the best method to achieve their goals. The homework is also there to help work on the obstacles they will face in their training. I totally understand that this is a hobby and want people to develop a passion for music in their own time. Read More