Wanamaker L
Instruments: Guitar, Banjo, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B
Wanamaker L
Instruments: Guitar, Banjo, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 13-80
Temple University Music theory
Philadelphia Music Award
I play the banjo, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and drums. From 1976 to 1980,I was a member of The John Herald Band, and played venues from the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California to Carnegie Hall in New York. He then formed The Lewis Brothers, Philadelphia's premier bluegrass band, which performed at the Philadelphia Folk Festival as well as hundreds of clubs throughout Philadelphia, the Northeastern US, and Europe. Next, I expanded to new musical areas and formed a tight four-piece blues band. We thrilled audiences in venues such as Sellersville and The State Street Blues Stroll. Lewis's next project was The Philly Rhythm Kings, a Gypsy Swing/Americana band, reaching into the the music of Django Reinhardt as well as American jazz and blues genres. It consisted of guitar, harmonica, bass and drums, with Lewis on guitar and vocals, harp virtuoso Seth Holzman, and a tight rhythm section. Today, I head up a fabulous Roots/Americana band featuring some of the best Philadelphia musicians. Under the big tent of American music, their repertoire includes electric and acoustic blues, bluegrass and old-time music, and folk, folk rock and jazz. Lewis takes the lead on electric and acoustic guitars, banjo, and vocals. Larry Feldman -- who has played with many luminaries including Lester Chambers -- is on mandolin, fiddle, and lap-steel and electric guitars. Larry Cohen, a founding member of Skyline, the ground-breaking bluegrass band that features world-renowned banjoist Tony Trischka, is on electric bass. Rounding out the band is drummer Chuck Lindsey. With a deep, smoky baritone voice, Chuck adds great flavor on both lead and harmony vocals. All together this versatile band creates very exciting, and satisfying Americana/Roots music.
My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 25 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 5 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. I'm always looking to bring on new students of all ages!
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! It's a lot of along the way! Once into the Scruggs book the student will start to be able to go to jams and perhaps form their own band!
: Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. I am very patient and non-critical! Nobody should ever be nervous during their lesson.
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