Music Lessons in Gwynedd Valley, PA

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 Bass Guitar Ukulele Lute Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

What I have found works best with semi-slow but significant results is the idea of 'planting seeds'. I describe this concept quite regularly with my students, and what I mean by it is that we will often talk about important musical ideas and simply make the student aware of what's happening. They may not totally understand it right away, but the seed is planted. We start off planting many seeds and sometimes the same seed multiple times. 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

Instruments: Guitar Drums

My methods are in service of the cultivation of interest. Mainly I want the student to focus on learning how to play the music they want to play. The key to cultivating interest is to nurture the social, communicative and fun elements of playing music; associating the laughter and exhilaration with learning. I'm a self taught musician - I know that music is intuitive enough to learn without getting overly text-book about it, and I think focusing too much on the book at an early age can turn away potential musicians. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I am a kind, patient man who believes that learning to play music is it's own reward. I struggled frequently while I was learning the guitar, and I don't believe that there is a right or wrong pace to learning. Each student is different, but all students should feel excited about learning, and rewarded by the work that they put in. My style is simply to encourage students as they progress and address difficulties in a positive and and constructive method. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

As a student, I would dread the idea of a boring practice, therefore as a teacher, I do all I can to make lessons engaging and useful. I believe that music should be approached holistically and with an open mind rather than trying to force one method to work for everyone, so I strive to tailor my methods according to the needs of each of my students. With that in mind, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements for young students, and our lessons will consist of playing from the book, as well as working on crucial skills like ear training and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a music instructor, and professional guitarist/perfomer/songwriter based out of New Jersey. I have been teaching professionally since 2006. My goal is to teach to the students needs, and allow them to get whatever they hope to get out of music, be it competence on an instrument, performing, improvisation, reading music, understanding theory...whatever their journey entails. I also put together performance opportunities for my students twice a year. Read More