Guitar Lessons in Great Notch, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to lay a foundation for what musical notes are and how they relate to the instrument. If we're on guitar I will draw a piano keyboard and give the student the guitar string names and make them figure out the rest of the notes. Then I teach them what chords are and, now that they know their way around a fretboard, they can build the chords themselves. While most students aren't total beginners and won't need all of this groundwork to be laid by me, I've found that almost everyone has gaps in knowledge, more often than not when it comes to actual note names and the music theory behind the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. 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! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

My curriculum varies significantly depending upon the experience/age/aptitude goals of the student. For example, a self-taught adult that aspires to play blues or classic rock cover tunes in a "garage band" type of situation doesn't really need to spend much time if any learning to read music. This calls for a more "show tell" approach. Conversely, a 5-year old beginner should learn to read as a matter of course. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

For trumpet students I initially provide my own material, based on the exercises which I have found to be beneficial in my own playing. Early on, I'll ask most students to play a recording of one of their favorite songs, which we'll use to improvise to as well as for ear-training purposes. As soon as the student has learned enough notes, we'll begin playing songs. I firmly believe that developing a good sense of a singing style is the foundation for good playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

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Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching practically as soon as I could play, starting when I was 13 years old. Since then, I have taught students on bass guitar, electric guitar, jazz, classical, and a variety of other forms of music. Classical is my area of expertise, which I performed throughout my undergraduate career. However, I have participated in performing bands in genres from rock to folk to reggae, and I am comfortable with almost any style of music. Read More