Guitar Lessons in Dobbs Ferry, NY

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

I am a multi-instrumentalist teacher who loves bringing my experience on the bandstand and in the studio to students. I graduated SUNY Purchase specializing in jazz performance, have been on tour throughout the east coast and Midwest with 'The Element', and performed extensively in the Westchester and NYC area playing with 'Mokaad'. I have been fortunate enough to share the bandstand with greats such as Bernard Purdie, Charlie Lagond, and Gabriel Garzon-Montano. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Keyboard

It is very important to set a high standard of playing and technique, so that learning is constantly happening. That said, that standard should be approached with compassion and humor, casting the lifelong pursuit of virtuosity an exciting challenge even when it's frustrating. Especially with youth, cultivating a positive attitude and discipline is a key to success. This can be done through musical study. It is important to me to keep the student engaged, and be clear about their motivations for studying: their parents and their own unique drive. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

For beginner students I always like to start from the Hal Leanords Essential Elements. It is a great way to start a student off and provides them the fundamentals they need to improve. After that I like to mix in a combination of scales and etudes to continue their technical training while introducing solo pieces to give them something more interesting to play. Starting from a strong foundation will allow the student to progress much faster and helps keep them from getting discouraged. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin

I have had the privilege to make my leaving as both a musical performer and teacher for over thirty years. In that time I have taught and played many different styles of music. I have studied jazz with Steve Khan, classical with Jerry Willard, alternate tuned fingerstyle guitar with Peter Lang, bass with Jerry Jemmott...I am still an avid student of the craft and art of music and teaching. 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

Worked with musicians, bands, and artists such as: Hilly Michaels, Dave Hart, James Moody, Jeffrey Johnson, Justin Tierney, G. Bliz, Mike Godette, Patrick Smith, Kurt Coble, Chris Coogan, Jeffrey Jones, Kurt Smith, NP2, Proof of Purchase & others I've taught an online Music Theory course on P2PU.org with over 131 participants and 100 followers. I also taught at a private music school for 2 years before they had to downsize due to financial reasons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

It is very important to understand that music students are individuals and learn in many different learning styles. The first thing I do when I meet a student is to interview the student and find out their music interest and why they want to learn how to play the guitar and what are some of their goals. Then I find out what style of music they would like to learn. Read More