Guitar Lessons in East Williamsburg, NY

Instruments: Guitar

For students who have no experience, I start with Alfreds Kids Guitar Course 1. I want my students to learn the essentials such as basic reading skills, beginner chords, and basic theory. For my students that have this foundation built, I teach using the Major Method. This method was created by my teacher, Rolf Sturm, who insists that its the fastest and easiest way to learn the entire neck of the guitar. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I base my students' curriculum on their individual needs and interests. I strongly believe in learning fundamentals and the principals of music through scales, music theory, ear training, and reading music notation. I believe it is equally important for students to develop their own musical interests and goals so that we can apply all of the practiced skills in a fun and meaningful way. An example of this would is if a student wanted to learn a Beatles song I would have the student learn the chords and melody, but also the associated major/minor scale that song uses and develop an exercise that would be helpful towards learning the song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass

For young beginners, I typically start with keyboard exercises and basic lessons in music theory fundamentals and ear training. Upon mastery of a few fundamental skills, students are introduced to a range of compositions that they can choose to learn to study and to play. For all my students at various levels, I assess their abilities and consistently challenge them to sharpen their skills.  Now i'm incorporating concentration, breathing, counting and stretching exercises. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harmonica Banjo Mandolin

     Nothing makes me happier than a satisifed student who can play better than I could at their age! Everyone has different expectations; some want to become proficient, while others want to become virtuosos, and I frame my lessons around the student's goals. The student is never talked down to or berated, and always encouraged; music is hard enough without negative comments. I encourage students to listen, listen, and listen some more to music, and also to read as much as they can about music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students, regardless of age or skill level, I like to gauge their musical interests (i.e., what music they listen to, what inspired them to pick up the guitar, etc.), and then work from there. For someone who has never picked up an instrument before, I generally work out of Hal Leonard's Guitar Method Book 1. Once we're past that, I'll start showing them some basic songs, as well as seeing what kinds of songs they would be interested in learning. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have a very patient and laid back personality which I think benefits most students.  The last thing a student wants to feel is pressure from their teacher to perform up to the teacher's standards.  Everyone has a different idea of success and this also translates in the world of music.  Some want to become world-class virtuosos, while others want to simply enjoy playing music for their personal fulfillment.  Neither path is right or wrong and I will work with all of my students to maximize their particular goals. Read More