Guitar Lessons in Ferndale, PA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Clarinet Bass Guitar Lap Steel Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in music lessons there must be a balance. Especially on an instrument like guitar. Lessons should consist of a list of certain things almost like a checklist. First there is warm up and tuning. To make sure you are warmed up and in tune there are exersizes I like to start with my students. Once they are feeling warmed up I like to move on to sight reading and notation reading (practiced and unpracticed material) as well as scales, intervals, and arpeggios. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

Since the majority of my students will earn a living outside of music, I've learned that the number one task is to make music easy to use as a life-long pasttime.My experience with young people has taught me that rather than seeing myself as a music teacher, I'm a teacher who uses music to teach about life. I love connecting musical development to other things we do and talking with students about how musical thinking and discipline affect other areas of our lives. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I was taught primarily in the William Leavitt method, and use these resources to introduce students to the basics of sight-reading, theory, and technique. My personal preference is not to adhere too strictly to any one method however, instead focusing on the application of theory within a more active musical context. Improvisation is extremely important to developing a working understanding of music in my opinion, and much of my lessons are based in actively performing progressions with students, focusing on both comping and soloing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I find teaching only to be effective if the student is intrinsically motivated to learn more: I like to find a groove or pace that the student feels confident and motivated to practice, and I tailor the lessons to address any problem areas without losing their attention. I find short excerpts of lesson material to be the best way to teach. Short and sweet! For example, for a 30-minute class, three 10-minute exercises made up of: a lesson or two from Mel Bay; 1 new chord; and a pop song that combines the two. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Clarinet Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use String Builder, Essential Elements, etudes, technical studies for each instrument and Suzuki Methods for strings and essential elements for clarinet. I emphasize good posture, holding the instrument and bow properly and correct finger placement. Also learning to play scales and music to prepare for auditions and a recital. I also teach students music theory and sight reading and assist with orchestral music. The repertoire is based on different musical genres and multicultural pieces and I allow the students to chose some of the music they would like to play. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I first began teaching before enrolling to university 5 years ago and have taught ever since. Throughout my experience as a teacher I have come across many different students of all ages and abilities, all who learn in various differenent ways. I pride myself on my ability to adapt to the student and find the best way for them to progress addressing their strengths and limitations and being able to progress to increase the strengths and overcome the obstacles. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Harmonica Ukulele Euphonium Tuba Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace and is learning things that interest them on a fundamental level. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.. Read More