Guitar Lessons in Hawthorne, NY

Instruments: Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

For beginner students I always like to start from the Hal Leanords Essential Elements. It is a great way to start a student off and provides them the fundamentals they need to improve. After that I like to mix in a combination of scales and etudes to continue their technical training while introducing solo pieces to give them something more interesting to play. Starting from a strong foundation will allow the student to progress much faster and helps keep them from getting discouraged. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have enjoyed teaching music since I was in High School. I I enjoy using my experience as a multi-instrumentalist to teach students about the joy of playing with others. Social dynamics in music are important and once a student can learn the basics, I really enjoy encouraging them to find others to play with and learn to experience the music they enjoy on their own. Of course theory and regular practice are both very important. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Once the student has progressed to an intermediate level, I like to start introducing more advanced music theory and musical references to enable the student to start finding their own unique style. For advanced students, our focus is on perfecting playing technique and style, as well as continuing to expand our knowledge of music as an art form and an industry, and I speak with my students about the ways that they can use their talent beyond home, school, and the local gig venue. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Conga Latin Percussion

I began teaching at the Long Island Drum Center in 1990 and was the youngest instructor ever added to their ranks alongside their world renown faculty. Since then, I have taught hundreds of students in many locations in New Jersey and in New York. I have participated in drum clinics, been interviewed by major drum publications, and am a member of the Vic Firth Education Program. As a member of the National Association for Music Educator, Im committed to staying up to date with all the latest findings in the field of music education. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

Although most of my playing experience has been with rock bands, big bands and weddings, I have a B.A. in classical performance/music education from William Paterson University. Most of my private study has been with Dave Larson of the New Jersey Symphony and Dave Rogers, a William Paterson jazz adjunct. My classroom career beganat the Passaic County Elks' Cerebral Palsy Center in Clifton, NJ, and in2001 I moved to my present position as Elementary Music Teacher in Middlesex, NJ. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

A student will always learn technique and theory on a much deeper level when it is taught in conjunction to music that they like, rather than as a separate academic study. This method maintains a students interest as well.With regards to advanced players, I find that the problem is rarely how to play, but rather what to play, or what NOT to play. This is usually best solved by helping a player to re-examine his or her approach to applying what they already know. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There’s a million different approaches, and we’ll find the one(s) that work best for you. Everyone (even more traditional classical players) tend to take their own path to guitar mastery. This is in part why new techniques and styles of playing are popping up all the time! When starting out, I like to lay a good foundation; teaching students proper hand positioning and posture first. I like to combine this with some single string exercises and some basic chords and strumming patterns that can be used musically, and applied to learning parts or simplified versions of songs the student is familiar with and enjoys listening to. Read More