Guitar Lessons in Woodbury, NJ

Instruments: Guitar

For any student that I teach, I always start by finding out the student's primary motivation and interests and then I develop the teaching style appropriate to their needs. Often times, beginning adult learners are simply interested in learning some songs so beginning with chord progressions to build up confidence and have them playing something recognizable within a few short lessons. For beginner students that are interested in theory, I typically start with the Major, Minor and Pentatonic Scales and then go into Chord Progressions in various Keys. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

At the start of the first lesson, I give each new student a questionniare to fill out that tells me their musical background, influences, goals for the instrument and what music they are interested in learning. If the new student is a younger child, I begin them with Hal Leonard's Guitar Method Book One. Once they have grasped the simple chords and melodies of the book, I begin to introduce simple songs that they are interested in learning. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Music Acoustic Guitar

Prior to starting the formal lessons with the student, I like to understand why they want to play that particular instrument and the type of music that they enjoy. I also ask them about their musical experience. For example, can they read music, did they play any prior instruments, etc. Furthermore, to monitor each students' progress, I keep a lesson sheet that records what we worked on, what has been assigned, and any pertinent notes about the lessons. 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: Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Electric Violin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For my string students learning violin, viola or cello I typically use the Suzuki method books. There are times that I might recommend the Essential Elements series for those who are just starting off, but at some point I switch the student over to Suzuki. Another supplemental book I encourage my students to get when they get to a certain level is Essentials for Strings. This is primarily a scale book, but it also contains a number of other helpful exercises and resources. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar

My strategy generally is to focus on fundamentals as well as effective strategies for practicing at home. I have found that most improvement happens at home in your living room on your 3rd or 4th practice session of the week, which is one of the most fulfilling feelings in the world. Lessons then become a pit stop for encouragement, updating goals and strategies, and learning a little of the why behind the what (music theory). Read More