Dan S  

4

  4.0 (3)

Instruments: Guitar, Ukulele, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk

I have taught guitar and ukulele for Montclair State University's Extension Devision since 2013. began teaching in Highschool and I have not been able to stop in the 12 years since. It is my utmost desire for my students to be able to take what I teach them and be able to play it and have music at their disposal as an instrument for self expression for the rest of their lives. I encourage a regular practice schedule but also aknoledge the realities of other commitments outside of music. For children I mix method structure and 'fun' music (pop songs, kids' songs, TV show themes) so as to keep them interested and engaged without a struggle. In addition to a 'custom' approach, I have a curriculum that I follow to make sure every student gets all the basics and consistency in intermediate and advanced educationI have coached students through auditions into school bands, through music theater productions and though auditions for bands and taught them how to excel when placed in all the aforementioned positions. For adults I really like to explore whatever the student is interestd in and I propose songs/techniques relating to or around the subject matter that the student may not be aware of and ultimatly find interesting, exciting and fun.

For teaching children I use a mix of method books (Hal Leonard and Mel Bay) and playing chords and songs so that while the student grows with fundamental information, they also have fun and play songs they know and can relate to. Once the student progesses past basic method books and can play basic songs, I move to teaching scales up and down the neck in the interest of improvising and/or more advanced songs and playing styles depending on the interest/directoin of the student. I also help prepare students for school auditions, playing in music theater productions and playing in bands and ensembles. For adults, I find out what their interests are and teach them whatever it is they want to learn while keeping lessons engaging, lighthearted and fun. I can also bring a more structued approach to adults who are looking for a more intense musical experience.