Guitar Lessons in Mount Vernon, NY

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin

Depending on a student's level of experience I use either the Mel Bay Modern Method or the Berklee Modern Method for the development of reading skills. More importantly, I can draw upon a large library of transcriptions and instructional materials that I, myself, have developed over the last three decades, supplemented by recordings and videos. I make sure that a lot of the lesson is spent actually playing, and like to give the student many opportunities to play along with someone else-namely, me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

My teaching is based on the thought that everone can be comfortable with making music. Since comfort comes best when things are fun, I like to focus on music that the student likes. This usually involves improvising as soon as a student knows a few notes, which creates a chance for self-expression and leads to confidence in playing with others. I also place emphasis on phrasing, My experience is that many students get wrapped up in the mechanical process of playing at the expense of musicality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

I started teaching guitar as a teenager  - my fomer piano teacher referred me to a neighbor who was inquring about where to find a guitar teacher. I felt honored that my piano teacher recommended me! Before I knew it, I was teaching quite a few kids in my old neighborhood of Bath Beach, Brooklyn. I have taught music ever since! My background in counseling helps me to meet students where they are at. Read More

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

I always begin a lesson with having the student play a song/piece of their choice, so that they can feel confident and comfortable in their own skin and in the lesson space. For wind instruments, long tones and scales will occur at the beginning of the lesson, and will be followed by study of an etude and/or piece of repertoire. I will ask the student to sing through the piece, so that the student can make a connection with their own voice and with the music, followed by the student reading through the piece with their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 8 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 Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

This varies depending on the student. I will typically design my lessons around the student's own individualized needs. I believe that there are many avenues that students can go down on the musical adventure. In the very beginning, there are basic, fundamental things that need to be learned, and repeated, but after that has been accomplished, it can go in many directions. I feel that if a student can make a personal connection with music that they love, and learn how to express that through their instrument of chouce, then their learning is both accelerated and enhanced. Read More