Guitar Lessons in Modena, PA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

They then see the fruits of their work, and this gives them encouragement to continue onward. I find using a combination of both tradition music teaching and a more modern, song-oriented approach to teaching helps to keep students motivated, especially the younger students. I have taught students from age 5 to 75, and well over 150 students since I began teaching. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Music Acoustic Guitar

Prior to starting the formal lessons with the student, I like to understand why they want to play that particular instrument and the type of music that they enjoy. I also ask them about their musical experience. For example, can they read music, did they play any prior instruments, etc. Furthermore, to monitor each students' progress, I keep a lesson sheet that records what we worked on, what has been assigned, and any pertinent notes about the lessons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Electric Violin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

You can not use a "one size fits all" kind of approach when teaching an instrument. It is important to me that the student is involved in creating their musical journey, which means each lesson I teach and the way that I teach it will be different. I understand that not everyone learns the same way, and what may work for one student may not work for another. One of the things that has made me a better teacher is that I learn from my students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With each student it varies. I usually start by getting to know the student in finding out the key points that they are trying to achieve and work on. After that I go in depth by showing them hands on techniques and styles that will help improve their plane as well as music theory concepts that will improve their writing abilities and song structure style. Each student is different in their own way of learning so I vary my teaching based off of that. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Organ Double Bass Keyboard

I am also the creator of a unique method called "The Seven Secrets of Jazz and Soul" which emphasizes the importance of using simple/easy-to-understand language, even when teaching the most difficult of concepts. I also believe in the importance of "coaching" as opposed to lecturing and try to minimize reading, writing and one-sided lecturing during the lesson. Instead, I sit next to my students, and calmly guide them through the creative process. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

The number one question I asked my students is "what have you been listening to lately?" I find it very important to incorporate a students musical taste into the instruction. If we can gain the same musical progress working on a song they've never heard of, vs.something from one oftheir favorite bands...well, we are going to play the songthey like. Every lesson will end with a new andrealistic goal, and ultimately we will be working on givingthe studentthe tools to befacilitate theirown advancement. Read More

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

What I have found works best with semi-slow but significant results is the idea of 'planting seeds'. I describe this concept quite regularly with my students, and what I mean by it is that we will often talk about important musical ideas and simply make the student aware of what's happening. They may not totally understand it right away, but the seed is planted. We start off planting many seeds and sometimes the same seed multiple times. Read More