Guitar Lessons in Midland Park, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

A lesson with me equals half of the allotted time being used to learn good technique (i.e., learning healthy vocal habits, singing vocalises, learning to read music, playing scales, etc.) and the other half of the time singing and playing repertoire. The repertoire includes both pieces chosen by Kathy (always approved by the student) which excite and inspire the students particular musical tastes while providing a new challenge in technique to be conquered, and also pieces brought in by the student; for example, if a student is working on music for a specific performance, etc., or if they just really like a piece and want to learn how to play or sing it, I am always ready and willing to lend a hand and an ear! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

For beginning piano students, I enjoy the Faber Piano Adventures. As the student progresses, I guage what their interests/goals are, and choose repertoire according to their interests. For beginning oboe and woodwind students, I focus on a myriad of things that have nothing (and everything) to do with actual music: how to form a correct embouchure, correct hand and finger position, double and single reed care, instrument construction and maintenance, and finally, sound production. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass

I am confident I can present high expectations to your students through experiences they would find exciting and empowering. I strongly believe that while only some students continue performing music as adults, for the majority an experience in a music program is an enlightening introduction to the love of learning. I consider it an honor to share the love of learning I have for music, knowing it is a model that will continue to inspire students to seek their own goals and learning with passion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone

I am a strong advocate in fusing together practice and performance. I personally have had teachers that focused too much on technical studies and theory, and not enough time on incorporating those skills into performance; which is the main reason why many people have a desire to learn a musical instrument. In my lessons, I focus on developing skills that are essential to my student's overall musical development. These skills include music theory, ear training, rhythmic analysis, technique, and finally, applying all those skills into a performing setting. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to combine Technique and Theory with hands on application into songs. I start by doing an analysis of the level of theory and the proficiency of playing of the student. Then, I create a path of Theory = Practical learning to do. In theory, we analyze how music works before we touch the instrument. Then, we go on to learn technique on the instrument and learn song adapted to the students taste of music In this part, we also apply our theory knowledge onto what we play. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

We will do some playing together so i can determine what you've already gotten "under your hands". Or if you're a complete beginner we'll start from the beginning. I'll find out what your musical interests and inspirations are and we will incorporate that into the overall context of learning to play music well. We'll of course work on scales and arpeggios all over the bass, in various fingerings etc, and importantly, we'll talk about WHY we're doing it! (spoiler alert: it's because all musical sound is made up of notes, and once we can confidently access them, we'll be able to play anything we can hear) No area of the bass fingerboard will be a mystery. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

For every student, I initally assess why they are taking lessons and what their goals are. Together we create a plan to acheive those goals.  For young beginners, I like the FJH guitar series. It was written by guitar educators. I also teach the student to play fun songs and tunes to supplmement the books.  For teens and adults, the path depends on their goals, which aren't always in a book. Read More