Guitar Lessons in Ridgefield, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

My name is Daniel Erdahl or as kids often call me, Mr. Dan. I have been playing and studying music for nearly 30 years, and teaching for 20. I play and teach many, many styles. I started playing rock and blues as a kid, later becoming very focused on classical guitar. Over the years I have picked up several other instruments including ukulele, mandolin, banjo, drums, bass, vocals, and piano. I decided in 2006 that I wanted to be a full-time professional music teacher, and developed a studio of 60 students a week. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I would start off with form, posture, and technique. These point are extremely important and sometimes skipped over so developing good performance habits right away is essential. I would also start them with the basics of reading treble clef and learning where the notes on the staff translate to on the neck. They would be walking away from their first lesson with a one octave C major scale and some short, repetitive exercises to get them ready for their first song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard

After teaching for 12 years I don't have a fixed method. I have categories of students, from children who are trying to function in a band setting, to children who are trying to develop a musical or compositional talent. I take particular joy in teaching adults who believe it is too late to achieve levels of technical proficiency that would make them proud. My journey from classical music to jazz through pop, swing, rock, soul and folk has taught me how to blend in with any style, and my classical education has given me the necessary toolbox to communicate about advanced theoretical concepts with students who are interested. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I see teaching as a gateway to help students express their creativity, while incorporating a disciplined approach to help them achieve more from challenged in life in general. i don't simply field song requests, I also explain to my students the inner workings of why certain musical concepts work, why the artist may have chosen that and how you as the student can incorporate these creative ideas into your own compositions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass

My teaching style really depends on the student taking the lessons. It's important to set realistic goals each week for students that way they can progress at his or her own pace. Recognizing accomplishments goes a long way to fuel a student's desire to progress and makes the student coming back to learn more. By finding out what inspires the student to play, I can tailor my methods to their own wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Acoustic Guitar

For beginners (piano) , 5 years and above, Hal Leonard, John Thompson, play, rest, play the piano together, For vocal students, I start by listening first to any song that they would like to sing, or find a song that will fit according to his/ her voice and make singing fun (at the beginning) and less stressing. Overall I make sure that my student is happy after a session. I hold annual recitals because that's where is see the ultimate produce of a one year hard practice. Read More