Guitar Lessons in Pompton Lakes, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I typically start by teaching them the parts of the guitar how to hold a guitar and all the physical fundamentals including fretting notes properly etc... then I ask them what their goals are as a player if they’re interested in learning a lot of theory or just want to sing and play with their friends etc.… Then I teach them the names of the strings and tell them to memorize them as well as the dot markers on the fretboard and then I have them learn some strumming patterns and a few simple chords to get them started and then begin learning the names of the notes from open position to 12th and then learning The major scale up the neck one string at a time… And I also incorporate the use of a Metronome which I find is hugely important… Then we incorporate a simple song that they can play with four chords from there onto learning how to harmonize the major scale and then incorporate more theory… All the while assessing their needs and fixing any trouble spots they’re having… Then on to scales and more theory and More Metronome work...And every couple of lessons I teach them a new song of their choosing to make sure that they’re having fun fun fun Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is light and fun and geared to the temperament of the child and the specific goals of the parent. My methods are traditional pedagogy. With younger students under the age of 5 and special needs students I make use of tactical manipulatives for example play doh to assist with fine motor skills. I also incorporate if needed coloring full body movement etc if needed. I try to set realistic goals with both the student and parent bringing various rewards and incentives for achievement.. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For younger students and all of my students who want to learn how to read music I start with the Mel Bay Guitar Method Vol. 1. As we progress through that I usually start giving out more reading that is complimentary to the direction that the student is going in. However, I know there are several guitar students who don't necessarily want to learn how to read music which I am fine with teaching. Read More

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 Voice

For all students, I like to start by addressing short-term as well as long-term goals that the student is looking to achieve in learning their instrument. In understanding their goals and their preference for genre/style and ability, I guide my instruction accordingly, keeping the lessons fun and engaging! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my early college years. I had the opportunity to teach several private lessons and group classes. In addition to my experience working with different projects covering genres from Latin and Caribbean music to Jazz and teaching several courses in Music Schools and Universities, I am a holder of M.M. in Jazz Studies from prestigious Steinhardt School of New York University. As noted in my description, I am Ecuadorian and my government awarded me a full scholarship to study in New York, where I had the pleasure to study with such jazz luminaries as John Scofield, Ari Hoenig, Jean-Michel Pilc,Gil Goldstein, Stefon Harris, among others. Read More