Jonathan C
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Drums, Bass Guitar, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Latin Percussion, Music, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Funk, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk
Jonathan C
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Drums, Bass Guitar, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Latin Percussion, Music, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Funk, Reggae, Latin Jazz, Swing, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-80
I have played guitar professionally for 15 years, first in the Maryland/DC metro area and for the past 8 years in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. This includes several bands of my own creation that have toured the region as well as dozens of substitute stints filling in for rock, jazz, blues, and pop groups. In addition to bands, I also performed as a solo classical and jazz guitarist and have performed for politicians and celebrities in exclusive private events. As a drummer, I keep a smooth shuffle currently for 3 different rhythm & blues bands who perform around New Orleans' Frenchmen Street and other top venues. I've also clocked studio sessions on bass, keys, violin, and viola. Viola and Violin came into my life as an adult and committed myself for 5+ to conquering the difficult fundamentals of these rewarding instruments. Currently in my spare time I enjoy learning baroque and classical music on piano. I've composed hundreds of songs and arrangements over the years. I even sing a little, too!
I have been teaching as a side-gig and hobby for almost as long as I've been playing! It started with friends in the neighborhood approaching me for advice on how to get started playing guitar. In my years in the Baltimore/DC area, I took private students for extra income outside of my dayjob. Now in New Orleans after years of grinding as a performing musician, I've increased my roster of students as a rewarding and less stressful way to have a music centered career, primarily with guitar and drums. In the past couple years, I've had my first beginner students on violin and piano and am proud to say they've all stuck with it and have made tremendous progress!
I believe in teaching people to be true musicians and tap into their own creative spirits, not just to be technicians at the mercy of what's written for them. With that said, I take a balanced approached between learning traditional fundamentals and some of my own more philosophical approach, drawing on metaphors and analagous experiences to help frame this learning experience in ways the student can relate and understand. I call this The Art of Practice, which you'll be able to apply elsewhere in your life as well. I draw from my library of books, sheet music and standard methods for source material. The knowledge and understand of music which I've accumulated from my diverse artistic career helps me adapt to the individual needs of each student.
I am not strict in one specific style. I try to be malleable in my approach as I get to know the habits and abilities of each individual. I've had students for whom I thought it best to be more rigid and repetitive drill based, while others seem to benefit from a more passive guru. It's a spectrum. Always, though, I try to control the pace of the session, to speak thoughtfully, honestly, and constructively whilst always maintaining the utmost respect for the struggles that a student is facing. I strive to be a teacher with great patience and understanding, and I try to frame my instructions as best as I can for each unique situation.
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