Kurt J
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Ukulele
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Rock, Folk
Kurt J
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Ukulele
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Rock, Folk
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Self-taught singer/songwriter/composer and multi-instrumentalist
Hi! I'm Kurt, singer-songwriter/composer, a multi-instrumentalist, and a patient and natural teacher. I've been playing guitar for over 20 years, piano for almost 20. I release music as "The Broadest Blue"; I am in the process of recording my second album--the first (plus two singles) are available on all streaming platforms. I've played every little bar venue in the East Village, directing a complex musical outfit built to play music with brass and string parts (all music, lyrics, and arrangements written by me).
More than a decade ago I began giving music lessons in both private and group formats. It was an unexpected "diversion," but a very natural fit! It brings me great joy to see a student enjoying the guitar, advancing on the instrument, and entering into that "fellowship of guitarists," which means everything from jamming with their friends, to being able to learn any song they want, to understanding a meme about the G string always going out of tune. I encourage 30 minutes of daily practice time as a "baseline," and 15 minutes as a bare minimum (life does happen--most students do miss a day here and there).
My gift is understanding concepts and explaining them in a way people can understand (and adapting it to their learning style). I try to combine the best aspects of the instruction I received on piano and guitar, with useful and practical concepts (and styles) I had to seek out on my own. Typically I work out of the Ernie Ball “How To Play Guitar” books (Phases 1 and 2), while also incorporating popular songs (including songs the student wants to learn, as soon as they are compatible with his/her skill level).
My teaching style is to move comfortably and systematically: I introduce a concept, the student attempts it, I offer corrections if needed and lots of affirmation. I also make adjustments according to the student's learning style. It's important to me to convey how and why things work--*why* are we playing these chords, *what colors* do these particular notes add, etc.--so that the student can eventually go on to play their favorite songs with greater appreciation, and if they are interested in songwriting, eventually write their own songs more effectively.
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