Guitar Lessons in Shortsville, NY

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching electric guitar and bass in high school. My approached involved a degree of a musical philosophy. Sometimes we would go outside and listen to the sounds of the train going by, the wind, the birds, cars etc in an almost meditative approach to learn to appreciate that music is all around us. We catch the musical wind with the sails of our instruments when we improvise. I also taught beginner's upright bass at a music camp. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I am happy to teach absolute beginners, intermediate players, and anyone who feels like they are stuck and can't get better. In most cases I will photocopy material from a variety of books or use my own. I would most likely recommend a book after I got a feel for the students level and music style preference. The one book I do recommend for beginners who are a little older is The Complete Technique Theory and Scales by Joseph Alexander. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin Tuba Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Yes for teaching piano I use Nancy and Randall Faber's books. I have used all of them. For guitar and mandolin I generally do not use a "book". As the lessons progress I might introduce a book if that is what is called for. All orchestral instruments call for the structure of a book and I augment that with my own explanations. This is true for all ages of learners. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola

I have been a teacher almost as long as I can remember. As one of the more advanced students in class I was often utilized to help other students, even in elementary school. By the time I reached high school, I was sitting in the concertmaster seat (even though I was a violist) and I regularly led sectionals and conducted the orchestra when needed. At that point I also had a small private studio. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe that the biggest rewards in life come through the satisfaction that is felt after accomplishing a goal that you have set out to achieve. Everybody is different when it comes to what those goals are but through similar means, we all find our way to some level of success. This is how I approach private instruction. The role of a teacher I believe is that of a guide and mentor. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

As I said, I do love to teach the individual, and after discovering their goals, use the approach that I believe will work best for them.  I have many books that I use, and have worked in the past with Bunny Brunel and Mel Bay.  With the instruments I teach, there are many different avenues that one could be wanting to take, from learning more theory, getting into Jazz Band at school, performing popular music live, or auditioning for college.  This is why I take a versatile approach in my teaching, and in describing my instruction methods. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Mandolin Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Conga Latin Percussion

These were wonderful opportunities to teach peers and those who have been in the music education field much longer than the four of us. Although teaching large groups is exciting, nothing beats one-on-one lessons with a student. I have had and taught plenty of these lessons for several instruments including flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, french horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, piano, guitar, and bass guitar. These lessons vary quite a bit in skill level, but they all offered challenges for both student and teacher. Read More