John S
Instruments: Bass Guitar, Double Bass, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Avant-garde
John S
Instruments: Bass Guitar, Double Bass, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
BM, Temple University, Jazz Studies
MS, Temple University, Music Technology
2010 - Pennsylvania Music Educator's Association (PMEA) All-State Orchestra
2011 - PMEA All-State Jazz Band
2011 - Music Educator's National Conference All-National Orchestra
2013 - Performed with the Temple University Jazz Band and Christian McBride at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center
2014 - Recorded a studio album with the Temple University Jazz Band, Jon Faddis, and Jimmy Heath
I am a passionate working musician in Los Angeles who loves to share my music with everyone through both performances and lessons. I have been giving one-on-one music lessons to others for as long as I've been proficient enough to teach. I have also had the opportunity to travel and play with ensembles of all kinds, from tours of the Eastern US with rock bands, to performing at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York with big band. I got my Bachelor of Music degree from Temple University in Jazz Studies, and my Master's Degree in music technology from Temple as well. While I was there I had the opportunity to perform with and learn from some legendary jazz musicians such as Terell Stafford and Christian McBride.
My teaching experience dates back to my high school days. I began giving guitar lessons to some younger kids in my hometown. As my own musical ability grew, I began teaching lessons on upright and electric bass as well. In addition to one-on-one lessons I teach at a summer music camp. I lead theory and improvisation classes, as well as coach the camp's jazz ensemble. It's always the highlight of my summers! The one-on-one lesson environment has always been my favorite though. I love getting to know every student, getting a feel for their learning style, and being able to tailor their lesson to them personally.
I like to take each of my students on a case-by-case basis. I learn a little about them, what their goals in taking lessons are, and what kinds of music the like to play. When I reach for a method book, it is usually Mel Bay or Berklee Music Press for electric bass and guitar, or The Simandl Method for upright bass. I like to gauge what level the student is at and go from there, making sure that they have a strong foundation of fundamentals regardless of what the student's ultimate goal is. This includes instrument technique as well as musical theory knowledge.
It is important to me that every student remembers that despite all the hard work and practice involved in learning an instrument, the ultimate goal is to have fun and to connect with other through music. I want to my students to feel relaxed, and unafraid to ask questions of make mistakes. I emphasize the importance of regular practice, but I also want my students to get to know themselves well, to progress at their own pace, and to really find joy in the journey that is learning to play music!
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