Guitar Lessons in Munseypark Thomaston, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Tuba Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My pedagogy is based on the American jazz tradition and the teachings of Orff and Kodaly. I like to impart a holistic love of music in my students, without boring them with too much history or theory. However, it is my belief that theory and musical literacy will open doors to a greater level of fulfillment and understanding of music as a whole. The materials I use vary from student to student and from instrument to instrument, depending on each student's goals and progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar Recorder Double Bass Keyboard

I have seen how music education helps my students become great thinkers, community leaders and artists themselves. As a teacher, I strive to engage students by nurturing their passion and curiosity for the arts and learning as a whole. It is my goal to help my students take what they learn through music and apply those skills to other areas in their lives, much as many of my mentors have done with me. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Fiddle Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a teacher I like to be very encouraging, gentle, and supportive. I make sure to encourage with positive reinforcement. When a child gets something right, I praise the accomplishment. If they fall short, I compliment them on something that well, and then add something along the lines of, "That was amazing, let's do that same thing only this time ______". I also encourage any students, young and old, to do some searching for material on their own to practice learning new skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Organ Synthesizer Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For all my students, including vocalists, I always try to keep things enjoyable with mixed repertoire assignments. Even at beginner levels, I've seen some of my students cover the songs thattheywant to learn. I didn't learn to sing and play the piano by being forced to play songs I didn't enjoy as a listener. The key is finding music that is both challengingto create andfun as heck to perform. Specifically as a vocal teacher and overall vocal performance enthusiast, I rely on contemporary ear training as the key method to my teaching style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every student learns at a different pace and many students learn differently. Music is an aural art form and I've found that many younger students haven't always heard a lot of music. I like to incorporate listening and appreciation in those cases. I like to encourage creativity and share ideas that show the student they can create music of their own. I like to see the student enjoy what they are doing and I like to point out their growth, especially when they feel frustrated. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Beginners - intermediate have a healthy helping of both theory ( notes, scales, chords), technique ( physical drills), and creativity! Meaning, songwriting, listening, learning favorite songs.. improvisation! This of course varies from student to student, but whatever they are physically and mentally able to handle at the time, is what we will embark on -- nothing challenging enough to keep anyone away from their chosen instrument -- it's supposed to be fun - 'PLAY"ing music! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have a very patient and laid back personality which I think benefits most students.  The last thing a student wants to feel is pressure from their teacher to perform up to the teacher's standards.  Everyone has a different idea of success and this also translates in the world of music.  Some want to become world-class virtuosos, while others want to simply enjoy playing music for their personal fulfillment.  Neither path is right or wrong and I will work with all of my students to maximize their particular goals. Read More