Guitar Lessons in Oakland, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Voice Acoustic Guitar

I'm a positive and encouraging teacher. When I've worked with children and with special needs high school students, I have always tried to be supportive and positive rather than negative as my way of teaching lessons or guiding them. When it comes to teaching voice and guitar, I'm the same way. I want to bring out the best possible singer or guitarist in my student, and so my approach is a totally supportive one, and I bring a lot of enthusiasm to my lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most important thing is that the student should be having fun, because music is fun! There is work involved, but at the end of the day, music should bring a smile to your face and if you are not having fun with music, then I am not doing my job. It is extremely important to me that the student grows, not only in technical ability, but in their love and enjoyment of music as well. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

My instruction method is to assess each student's experience, ability, and goals on guitar, bass, or songwriting/composition, and tailor my instruction to the individual skill level and needs. I take a song-centric approach, and introduce or reinforce techniques using songs that feature that technique or musical concept as a way to keep students engaged beyond rote memorization of scales, patterns, techniques, etc. I also use a song-based approach as a way to bring in theory and a deeper understanding of the whats and whys of music, while still focusing on the fun of playing using songs that the student wants to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching while studying at Oberlin College, and have since taught private lessons everywhere I've gone, from Shanghai to here in New York, including bass, guitar, piano, music theory, and ensemble coaching. I have my own private studio, and have also taught private lessons at Art's House Music School in Coney Island and Pelham Music Arts School in Pelham. In addition, I have taught classroom music classes through Third Street Settlement Music School. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

Nothing makes me happier than having the opportunity to share my love of music and guitar. Upon graduating from Skidmore College in 2000, I was accepted to Florida State University to the classical guitar program under the study of Bruce Holzman. I feel my decision to simultaneously work towards two masters degrees speaks clearly for my motivation and passion towards music. While I focused on music theory/composition for my PhD studies at Louisiana State University, I continued performing newly composed works by graduate composers for the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard

I teach because I love imparting knowledge and making connections in this way, and because I love the fundamental building blocks of musicianship and music theory. I have found that with careful attention to a student's character, the possibilities for learning are boundless. I like to let love guide the process, in the sense that I observe carefully the kinds of sounds that a student is fond of, and attempt to structure their learning in a way that empowers them to make those sounds. Read More