Guitar Lessons in Emerson, NJ

Instruments: Guitar

My approach to teaching really varies depending on the students specific needs. For absolute beginners, I can tend to follow a more concrete progression, but depending on who the student is, and what they're level of passion may be for learning something specific, the lesson may be highly specific. If the student is interested, I personally like to give them an understanding of some of the theory as they go along, even if they are a beginner because I believe it helps them to see the bigger picture. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I try to custom my teaching style to the student that I am with so that the student can learn in the best way possible. I will always reinforce my lessons with method books such as William Leavitt's modern methods for guitar and reading studies, while also transcribing songs for students and creating lesson plans and diagrams for them. My main focus is that the student learns the music that they want to learn enabling them to have a real interest and passion in what they are learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I treat each student as an individual and spend time getting to understand their goals, musical tastes, learning style, and ability level. As we get to know each other I guide the student through exercises, repertoire, techniques, and concepts that are specifically catered to build a foundation to achieve their unique goals. As we proceed down this road, I provide feedback and suggest new exercises or material based on a mutual understanding of strengths, weaknesses, and what has worked well so far. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I typically start them off with a very simple method of repetition and mirror working first with one hand on the instrument then progressing to fret work. The fundamentals may seem tedious but they are necessary to reach a basic playing level in a short amount of time. I like to use both classical and modern music to interest all of my students and introduce them to new musical genres. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

I have been drumming and performing music for nearly 30 years. I started out playing by ear at 5 years of age and shortly after received professional lessons. I became interested in a diverse variety of musical genres that grew as I did. I was very lucky to have two supportive parents, Bryan and Deborah who noticed my talents and nurtured them at a very young, impressionable age, introducing me to different instruments and live music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I do believe in the fundamentals of music and ultimately, no matter what you hear, learning music is not re-inventing the wheel. There is technique, reading music and understanding the basics of how the particular instrument works. I like the Essential Elements for Guitar or bass for guitarists and bassists and Alfred's Piano method books. Ted Reed's Guide to Syncopation is a good drum book. Ultimately I like to get the know the student as much as I can as soon as I can so I can help them get to what they want as soon as possible with a few laughs along the way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

Like I said, every lesson is specific to the student. I don't use a "method" on all my students. I can teach classical music and technicality, to jazz songs and improvisation, to songwriting and pop/folk oriented style of playing. I try to give accurate and appropriate material to students depending on their needs and interests. Read More