About
My teaching approach: I've been playing professionally and teaching for over forty years and I am recognized as one of the premier musicians on Long Island. My goal is to instruct you, the student, in the skills necessary to allow you to play the music you wish to play. These skills (and the subsequent flow of most lessons) are addressed as:
* technique
* information
* application.
My studio is a quiet, private, professional environment with state-of-the-art equipment. Electric guitarists and bassists use my amplifiers (a separate amp for student and teacher) and, when appropriate, my wide range of pro effect. My influences are: The great improvisors and composers, from Bach and Chopin to Loius Armstrong and John Coltrane, from Jerry Garcia to Robert Fripp. I also love the great songwriters - Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Pink, Billie Joe Armstrong - and music for theater and movies.
My guitar lessons take place in my studio in St. James NY or at my home in Sound Beach NY.My schedule can be accessed on my web site: www.TheCoyote.org Guitar
I am passoinate about (and excel at) the following techniques: Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Open tuning, Fingerstyle, Slide Guitar, Vocal Accompaniment, Performance, Improvisation, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing, Guidance In Equipment Selection.
Before your first guitar lesson with me, I like to have a conversation with you about your musical aspirations and frustrations, and what you hope to gain through focused, guided instruction. Once lessons begin, I will try to assess your skills: your comfort with the physical instrument, your knowledge of (and execution of) musical information, and your clarity of purpose. Broadly speaking, I focus on three areas of skill: Technique - the skill of the hands and body. Reliable technique transcends style and performance. Information - the skill of the mind. This includes naming notes and writing music, pattern recognition and the ability to think ahead and make creative leaps in playing. And application - the skill of the heart. This clarifies what the student desires: songs, chords, licks, improvising techniques, etc.
It's called PLAYING music for a reason.