Guitar Lessons in Raritan, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My first priority as a teacher is to find out what the student is interested in. Why do they want to play? What music do they like? What are they hoping to accomplish? That is always my starting point. From there, I help the students reach their individual goals, while also teaching a basic curriculum I have designed myself in order to give the students the skills and knowledge all players require. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I typically like to start lessons with a warm up, and this is a good opportunity to see what level a student's technique is at. I immediately address anything that I see to be problematic in the student's technique, and we start working on ways to improve it as soon as possible. These can be simple exercises and when I see that my students are improving in these exercises and that their technique has gotten better, I always make sure that they also notice the difference and give them a sense of accomplishment. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe the most important part of lessons is the student's engagement. This is achieved by understanding what they want to play and tailoring lessons around that music. When a student is engaged in the songs they are learning, they are more motivated and excited to learn. This makes it so fun to practice that they won't be able to stop! This will amplify all their skills and they will progress much faster. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In my opinion, love and art are the most beautiful human expressions and both of them merge in music. The music theory and technique are really important to achieve our musical goals, however, the most important thing is to have something to say and understand that music is a vehicle to express something beyond words. I teach my students to enjoy music and life through music and their instruments so they can be not just better musicians but good human beings. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Banjo Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With banjo I usually begin with The Janet Davis banjo book-it has proved to be a great stepping stone into the more valuable Scruggs Books. We begin by learning some key fundamental rolls and then use to play some easy songs. Then we move to the more complex Slides, Pull-offs and hammer-ons and how to blend into the rolls. Every student I've ever taught graduates to the Earl Scruggs looks! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

Although most of my playing experience has been with rock bands, big bands and weddings, I have a B.A. in classical performance/music education from William Paterson University. Most of my private study has been with Dave Larson of the New Jersey Symphony and Dave Rogers, a William Paterson jazz adjunct. My classroom career beganat the Passaic County Elks' Cerebral Palsy Center in Clifton, NJ, and in2001 I moved to my present position as Elementary Music Teacher in Middlesex, NJ. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Generally, I can only meet with students once or twice a week. Because of this, it's very important that students be able to learn and progress on their own. I believe in the importance of teaching the skills necessary for self-improvement both as a instrumentalist and musician, whether it's figuring out how best to go over trouble sections or memorization. I create checklists for students so that they can clearly show me what they've practiced each day and for how long. Read More