Guitar Lessons in Manayunk, PA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hailing from Philadelphia area, I grew up in a family of professional musicians. My diverse musical life has brought me to a number of stages: solo recitals, jazz big band, and electro-rock to name a few. While I love playing, I bring just as much passion to teaching, and love helping people of all ages achieve their goals and to help them find their way. Learning music is as much about the journey as the end goal, and I try to make that journey as fun and worthwhile as possible. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There is one golden rule for all learning: do it and you'll get better at it. So the bottom line is you will improve according to how much you practice, and I cannot practice for you! I can however, convince you to LOVE playing your instrument (as I love playing mine!) This is one facet of my broader goal to instill a passion for music in general. I teach so that my enthusiasm, bolstered by critical listening skills, becomes contagious. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar

My strategy generally is to focus on fundamentals as well as effective strategies for practicing at home. I have found that most improvement happens at home in your living room on your 3rd or 4th practice session of the week, which is one of the most fulfilling feelings in the world. Lessons then become a pit stop for encouragement, updating goals and strategies, and learning a little of the why behind the what (music theory). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele

I have had many experiences teaching piano, voice, guitar, and ukulele both in private lessons and in a therapeutic context. I have also conducted youth choirs and done performances in churches, been in several operas and musicals, and played open mic. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I work with one of three methods books: Mel Bay, Hal Leonard, or the Berklee Guitar Method. I gauge this based on the age, skill level, and their time available to practice. Mel Bay is the easiest method to begin, whereas Berklee is more advanced and moves at a faster pace. Sometimes I slow Berklee down and combine it with Mel Bay as a teaching strategy (Mel Berklee, perhaps?). I also am not afraid to use alternative teaching methodologies or notational systems, such as tablature and internet resources, as I think these are vital materials that are relevant to how people interact with, consume, share, and learn music today. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 25 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 5 years. 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. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

It's also important, with all students, to make sure we can work in some music that they want to learn, whether it be Beatles, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, Chili Peppers, Charlie Parker, etc. I think that's the best way to motivate a student, give them something they REALLY want to get under their fingers. I want to add that one of my strongest assets as a teacher is my very comprehensive knowledge of jazz language/theory and the role of the guitar player in jazz music. Read More