Ira Strum Guitar Lessons
About
My teaching approach: I teach guitar lessons with a method that is more geared towards fun and being able to socialize with music than with theory (at least in the beginning). I find that most of my students appreciate this more than having to go through entire guitar lessons devoted to theory.Once the music bug has bitten everything else falls into place when explained.
My guitar lessons take place in: in the teacher's studio or student's home.
Guitar Lessons with me take place in the following areas: Burlington County New Jersey - Ramblewood, Greentree, Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Medford, Evesham, Voorhees Township, Mount Holly, Burlington, Washington Township, Glassboro, Monroe Township, Lumberton, Fostertown, Willingboro, Pensauken, Collingswood and others.
Guitar Techniques: Guidance In Equipment Selection, Song Writing, Scales and Exercises, Music Theory, Reading Music, Jamming Skills, Improvisation, Performance, Slide Guitar, Fingerstyle, Open tuning, Rhythm guitar, Lead guitar
I love it when the lightbulb goes on in a student. They move from a place where they need to be shown and explained everything to one where everything they hear becomes an idea or inspiration for trying something new musically. When the lessons move to being a jam session with guidence and discussion it becomes more than a lesson and an excellent adventure. I look forward to having these experiences with all of my students. See my Facebook page... NJ Guitar Lessons and like it for enjoyable materials.
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first thing I do is to asses where they are with the knowledge of music they come to the first lesson with. I then work with that and give tips and tricks to improve. I usually start with the parts of the guitar and the names of the strings. Then one string at a time is introduced with a few notes on each. Easy songs are introduced and before the first lesson is over the student will be able to place some simple tunes. Reading standard music notation and music theory are introduced slowly afterwards.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BA in Liberal Arts from Syracuse University. I am confident that my communication skills will enable me to instruct and get across ideas in a organized and creative manner that will be fun and entertaining. I have attend many industry workshops in Blues and Bluegrass including The National Guitar Workshop, Orin Starr, Peter Lang, Andy Cohen, Ernie Hawkins, and others. I also traveled to the IBMA World of Bluegrass and award show in 2009.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My prices vary for a number of reasons including but not limited to the distance to the lesson and the length of the lesson. I am competitive with others in the South Jersey region. Contact me with your address and I'll give a quote as soon as possible.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching guitar in Bergen County in 2004 as a side job to my regular job. It was good to have money to pay for gas and groceries. In 2007, I committed to a full time career in guitar instruction. I have recently moved to Mount Laurel, NJ in Burlington County.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught students as young as 6 years old and as old as students in their mid-seventies. Girls, boys, women and men of all ages and musical interests.