Guitar Lessons in Wolcott, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola

My method is very flexible and student specific. Everyone learns slightly differently and has their own unique strengths. In general, I have a "sound before sight" method. Students learn music thoroughly, aurally and theoretically before trying to read it off the page. Imagine trying to learn a language by being handed a book. We then use your innate understanding of the music to inform your technique and the way you approach the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every student is unique, and every student deserves a unique curriculum. That said, I usually start my absolute beginners off with open position chords and, when they're ready, open position scales - pentatonic and diatonic. We explore repertoire, often partially of the student's choosing. When this is established, we will dive into scales in all positions on the fretboard, and the corresponding modes for major, melodic minor, and harmonic minor. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Through the foundation I've gained by the influences of Mel Bay, Hal Leonard, and Suzuki musical instruction methods, I compile my own teaching materials. Using personally constructed guitar lessons, I demonstrate, instruct, and guide the student based on my assessment of their individual needs, skill level, and progress. Lessons are formulated in Modules, and advancement through them is based on the student's personal aptitude, skill level, and practice commitment. Learning is accomplished by ear as well as through essential methods of musical notation (tablature, 5-line staff, rhythmic comprehension). 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 Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Mandolin Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Conga Latin Percussion

It is not necessary, however, to learn chords or grooves specifically from a book for these instruments. Depending on the desired style, there may not be much use of notated music, guitar tabliture, etc. But as already stated, this does not excuse a good foundation in reading music and understanding music theory. For more advanced players (who would most likely be percussionists if working with me, though I am willing to work with any instrument at a more advanced level), we would work out of books I and the student(s) find fitting for their skill level. 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: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Hello! I am a motivated and passionate teacher. I love being able to share my skills to help students achieve their musical goals. I have been playing guitar for 17 years, being self-taught as well as having some formal training. I graduated MCC with an AS in Guitar Performance achieving a 3.8 GPA as well as formal lessons at Hochstein School of Music. I currently work as a music teacher at a day program for adults with disabilities. Read More