Guitar Lessons in Old Bridge, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I work with one of three methods books: Mel Bay, Hal Leonard, or the Berklee Guitar Method. I gauge this based on the age, skill level, and their time available to practice. Mel Bay is the easiest method to begin, whereas Berklee is more advanced and moves at a faster pace. Sometimes I slow Berklee down and combine it with Mel Bay as a teaching strategy (Mel Berklee, perhaps?). I also am not afraid to use alternative teaching methodologies or notational systems, such as tablature and internet resources, as I think these are vital materials that are relevant to how people interact with, consume, share, and learn music today. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Passion, discipline and perseverance. Three key words to become a competent musician in a competitive industry as music is. Learned and mastered music training in Westchester Community College and put all that training into practice in the greatest city in the world, NYC. Have been performing in NYC for 10 years now and I can honestly say by not giving up, a whole new world opened up, opportunities I have never even dreamed before. Read More

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

I love teaching beginning students, in particular, as I get to watch them grow and learn a completely new skill they've never had before! I love watching students find their voice and gain the skill of playing a new instrument so that they might find a way to express themselves through music! I try to combine musicality and technique in a fun, engaging way that makes students excited to practice. Read More

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

The first thing I ask a student is what kind of music they enjoy. What we love to hear is almost always what we want to play. As someone with ADHD I completely understand and empathize with students who have a difficult time focusing and a different way of understanding a concept. Taking a breath and a stretch can sometimes be the best cure for learner's block. Pointing out real progress is one of the best way to fuel the desire to learn more and is itself a reward! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have always found great joy in student success. I have dedicated my career to the cultivation of my teaching style and methods. I have coached students for auditions into the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College division among other prestigious honors. I find that seeing the joy my students take in performing their hard work has come to define my approach. I center teaching on a goal oriented system that allows students to make progress toward small and large goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

A lesson with me equals half of the allotted time being used to learn good technique (i.e., learning healthy vocal habits, singing vocalises, learning to read music, playing scales, etc.) and the other half of the time singing and playing repertoire. The repertoire includes both pieces chosen by Kathy (always approved by the student) which excite and inspire the students particular musical tastes while providing a new challenge in technique to be conquered, and also pieces brought in by the student; for example, if a student is working on music for a specific performance, etc., or if they just really like a piece and want to learn how to play or sing it, I am always ready and willing to lend a hand and an ear! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods of teaching have been refined over the years and I've found it that methods of teaching have to be tailored to each student. For every lesson I develop a lesson plan that organizes the lesson so there is no time wasted. As I get to know the student more, I develop a lesson plan specific to the student and work on the things that need work but as well as to keep the student motivated by performing and memorizing. Read More