Guitar Lessons in Hillsdale, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I'm new to teaching on this level, but I do have some prior experience, most notably a paid tenure teaching a family friend for a summer. My student was very young and a novice, so I primarily utilized both formal methods for the understanding of fundamentals of music theory and technique, though I also helped her learn to play a few popular songs at her request. Letting students pursue their own personal interests in music in addition to teaching them the fundamentals is important to me, but with more experienced students I generally tend to focus more on improvisation and harmony as opposed to sightreading. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I will almost always start lessons with beginners who are children with the Alfred method books. These are a very straight forward 3 book set that takes kids from knowing almost nothing technical about music to being able to play and read quite complex arrangements. Once we get our feet planted in this area I will expand into using chord charts and other materials to supplement. Once that is begun we usually start to make up a list of songs that the student may be interested in learning so I can build up the vocabulary to achieve at least a simple arrangement of those songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard

I generate an individualized course of study for each student. Beginning students typically begin with the Faber method, to make sure they develop a strong foundation for future study. As they progress, I begin to introduce age-appropriate repertoire. My more advanced students focus on musicianship technique as well as repertory. Depending on the goals for each student, I will work on jazz, classical, or contemporary styles. I also love working with students on concepts for improvisation and composition! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Because everyone learns differently, I teach from a technique I've developed which I refer to as the blank slate method. Though I do utilize workbooks for their very informative and easy to understand nature, I prefer to teach each student based on what they know or what comes naturally to them. This involves you the student, your instrument, and a pen and paper. For beginner students who are children, we work together to learn a simple song so that they can feel a sense of accomplishment and be further motivated to continue their studies. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am all about making sure that my students are receiving enthusiasm and inspiration. I think the best way is to customize every lesson to each student and their learning style. I like to create lesson plans/practice schedules so that my student and I can keep track of growth and accomplishing goals. I will help the student in whatever way I can to achieve their musical goals. I make myself available for any student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

Mostly I'd refer to the methods section. Though here I will discuss the dragon that is practice. It's difficult. Even I don't practice as much as I'd like and I'd wager few truly do, but it is consistency that makes the difference. I often say that music has more in common with a physical activity than an intellectual one. What I mean is, you can learn a fact and know it. Read More

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

If you are looking for a Classic teacher with classic teaching methods, you are looking in the wrong spot. I teach with an instant gratification method. You will still be just as skilled (if not more) as the rest of any other musicians out there but what you will have and develop is your own artistry and your own path as a musician. So many teaching styles try to make music more of a science rather than a passion. Read More