Guitar Lessons in Elmwood Strip, NY

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

For younger students I employ the Suzuki Method which comprises a series of books and particular approach to teaching that I've found to be quite effective. The books provide a very well thought out sequence of pieces that help the student learn all of the necessary skills to play the guitar in the context of actual music rather than abstract exercises, and the method encourages a lot of parental involvement which helps to make at home practice (the most important part of learning any instrument) much more effective. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students, I begin with asking them to show me what they already know, and to explain to me where they want to take their playing and what their goals for the future are. I then design a curriculum unique to each student's interests and needs to keep them engaged and having fun. For beginner students I like to emphasize fundamentals through playing simple and recognizable chords and riffs instead of only focusing on exercises, which can makes students bored and discourage them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

I have a very fun and unique way of teaching children. This makes it very easy for them to catch on quick and not lose interest. For adults, I jump right into the essentials of learning. I go over scales, and timing. I introduce solo techniques and I always review to keep the student on top of their game. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

To reiterate, nothing is more rewarding than to see one of my students naturally develop with the tools they already have. I encourage musical exploration and to see my students retain the fundamentals and advanced technique I teach in my lessons. Every student is different, with different comforts, and different predilections. I believe in strengthening what is lacking, or better yet, holding a student back from being the musician they dream to be. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

From ~1998 to 2009 I studied under Jason Beaudreau starting at Jackson Music on Grand Island, NY and ending at the Guitar Woodshed in Niagara Falls, NY.  In 2006 I began my academic life at Niagara County Community College in Sanborn, NY. During that time I had "worked my way up", so to speak, to teaching at the Guitar Woodshed under Jason until I moved to New Paltz, NY in the fall of 2009. Read More