Guitar Lessons in Parkside Manor, PA

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Electric Violin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Besides teaching privately, I am also the adjunct cello teacher for The Pennington School. My responsibilities also include running sectionals, orchestra rehearsals as well as performing for various functions and with the students in their concerts. This has given me the opportunity to work with an ensemble, which is something I did really enjoy while working in the public schools. With over 20 years of teaching experience, I have worked with students from the beginning level through advanced. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning guitar students who are children and just starting on guitar, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Guitar Book 1. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, and as I get to know the student better, I will personalize their lessons, setting goals to learn specific songs or solo pieces that cater to their musical tastes and interests, which keeps them invested in their guitar practice. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Music Acoustic Guitar

Prior to starting the formal lessons with the student, I like to understand why they want to play that particular instrument and the type of music that they enjoy. I also ask them about their musical experience. For example, can they read music, did they play any prior instruments, etc. Furthermore, to monitor each students' progress, I keep a lesson sheet that records what we worked on, what has been assigned, and any pertinent notes about the lessons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

The number one question I asked my students is "what have you been listening to lately?" I find it very important to incorporate a students musical taste into the instruction. If we can gain the same musical progress working on a song they've never heard of, vs.something from one oftheir favorite bands...well, we are going to play the songthey like. Every lesson will end with a new andrealistic goal, and ultimately we will be working on givingthe studentthe tools to befacilitate theirown advancement. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners I like to start with note identification, octaves, and basic open CAGED chords then move to the open minor chords, pentatonic, and major scales next . As students understanding of the fret board develops I try to move these concepts into other position by highlighting relativity and connecting chord shapes as they're highlighted in different scale patterns. In the meanwhile I like to offer students song material relevant to these concepts for practice. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I began teaching as soon as I felt I had a comfortable grasp on my instrument(s) as a teenager in high school. While in college I briefly stopped teaching but resumed before graduating, and have been teaching in home lessons again since completion. For new students, nothing will help you progress as a musician more than consistent practice; there is no shortcut. But with that consistent practice will come a sense of pride and motivation at what has been accomplished and the desire to continue. Read More

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

I don't think there is any one method book or instructional DVD that will give you everything you need. Even if an educational resource is extremely well done, it will still need to be tailored and digested in a certain way for each student. I generally use Mel Bay's Guitar 1 - expanded edition. While working with this book, there are additional materials such as exercises, concepts, and musical ideas often inserted at key moments. Read More