Guitar Lessons in Montvale, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Students have successfully achieved the results they desire. My passion, extensive experience, personal connection, and my detailed approach to teaching provides proper methods for advancement. "Whether performing their original songs or beautifully interpreting songs from any generation or nation, Ray G. Commonwealth posses a rich musical tapestry that seamlessly stretches from Miles to Mavis (Staples), Memphis to the Middle-East, New York to Nashville to New Orleans beyond. Rhythm melody are the key to this groups danceable dynamic! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Accordion Banjo Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Piano: I typically teach out of Fabre's piano adventures series. this establishes technique, aural skills, sight-reading skills, and then I'll add on my own exercises for compositional skills and improvisational skills. I am flexible to work outside of the books as well, and to learn songs and material that might be outside of the book. I also recognize that every student is different and will cater the material and course of study to the individual (based on a mix of my observations, what the students communicated goals are, and what the parents communicated goals are) above all of this, my main goal is to spark and maintain the excitement for making music! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started teaching In the mid 80's when I was attending Berklee College of Music in Boston. I've been Consistently teaching since then. In 1994 I moved to NYC and had to start all over as I had to give up my Boston students. After a few months I built up a large student roster that lasted 10 years. in 2004 I relocated to the NJ suburbs, & while a number of nyc students would commute to my new location I built up my teaching practice that eventually led to a number of student ensambles & shows that would sell out The Bitter End in NYC! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Very individualized instruction. The focus of the lessons depends on the student. The goal is to use the guitar or bass as a vehicle of self expression. Bringing creativity, in the form of writing or improvising, to the lessons enriches the experience of playing any music. I believe in music as an aural language. I believe there is equal benefit in transcribing recorded music as from reading from the printed page. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Notable venues include: Alameda Jazz Festival, Ashevilles Bele Chere Festival, Birdland, 55 Bar, Greatest Bar on Earth, Knitting Factory, Marin County Jazz Festival, Meadowlands, Mercury Lounge, Metronome, Ortliebs Jazz Haus, Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, and many others. Founder and manager of original bands:Craig Graham Band, Creatrix and Rural Free Delivery, and others. Nationwide orchestra, classical ensemble, show band and musical theater experience. Teaching Experience- American Institute of Guitar, New York, 1999 to 2009 Professional Music Center, New Jersey, 1994 to 1999, Guitar Activity Center, California, 1989 to 1991, Kauai Music Studio, Hawaii, 1988 to 1989 Music Unlimited, Massachusetts, 1986 to 1988. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I typically start violinists with the Suzuki method books and I start my piano and guitar students with the Alfred and Essential Elements books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp on fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first performance. However, if a student isn't learning effectively from the book they were originally given, I either change the method book or compose my own exercises that I think the student would benefit from. Read More

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