Guitar Lessons in South Orange, NJ

Instruments: Guitar

My approach depends completely upon the genre and goals of my students and their skill level. For beginners, I must always take a lesson to explain exactly what each part of the instrument is and how it works. For rock and pop students, the very first thing I will teach them are open chords and the pentatonic scale, and maybe even a simple song depending upon the student. For classical, I like to start out with simple sight reading exercises and move on to material that applies the principles I teach. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I started playing guitar about a month before my twelfth birthday. From the beginning I was highly determined to learn guitar technique and music theory. I enjoy listening to, playing and teaching a wide variety of musical styles. Everything from jazz to rock, to blues, to hip hop, classical, Latin styles and so much more. I'd say at the heart of it all I'm primarily and jazz musician. I love teaching and opening up students to new musical ideas that they may have not yet known. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Often I do use Mel Bay or Hal Leonard books to get a student started reading, but try to shift to popular music as soon as possible to keep the repertoire interesting and relevant for the student, as well has their families and peers. As the student develops, students will learn to expand on these ideas with theory based improvisation to "make the song their own." For More Advanced students, we can work from the Real or Fake Books, or the Ireel App to increase improvisational experience and confidence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Keyboard

It is very important to set a high standard of playing and technique, so that learning is constantly happening. That said, that standard should be approached with compassion and humor, casting the lifelong pursuit of virtuosity an exciting challenge even when it's frustrating. Especially with youth, cultivating a positive attitude and discipline is a key to success. This can be done through musical study. It is important to me to keep the student engaged, and be clear about their motivations for studying: their parents and their own unique drive. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

I enjoy watching students progress and improve. It brings joy to them and myself. Playing guitar or bass for me is a form of art therapy/meditation. It's a place where one can lose themselves and activate/stimulate the brain unlike any other engagement as the brain is simultaneously multi-tasking when playing an instrument. I've helped clients get past obstacles in their abilities and philosophy about the guitar/bass and music in general. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

From there, we can build upon these foundations and explore more advanced concepts and techniques. I believe it is important to not only teach the technical aspect of drumming, but also the musicality and artistry that go into creating drum beats and rhythms. I encourage my students to listen to a wide range of music and try to incorporate different styles and influences into their playing. One of the things I love most about teaching drums is seeing my students progress and discover their own unique voice as drummers. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Clarinet Bass Guitar Lap Steel Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For my teaching goals I like to help my students learn the instrument from the basic fundamentals. I believe music is like building a house and it is important to start with fundamentals in order to construct a strong foundation for musical knowledge. I like to teach proper technique and playing standards so my students will learn correctly and not have to go back and relearn things and relearn their technique. Read More