About
My teaching approach: The thing that separates me from most guitar teacher is my approach as a teacher first and a guitarist second. Many guitar teachers are fantastic guitarist who will show you what they know in the way they learned it. My background is in Middle and High School education allows me to construct custom curriculum for each individual student that betters their chances of success. Coupled with over a decade of teaching experience with adults and children in the tri-state area, my methods show results in developing people into not only guitarist but well informed competent musicians.
My influences are: Paul Gilbert, Brian Setzer, Tool, Protest The Hero, Muse, Buddy Guy, Charlie Christian, Ray LaMontagne, Radiohead and many more.
My guitar lessons take place in: The teacher's studio or the student's home
Guitar lessons typically take place on these days and hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Guitar Techniques: Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Vocal Accompaniment, Improvisation, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises, Guidance In Equipment Selection
Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following: An introductory lesson with me is all about learning where the student wants to go with their playing. I ask questions relating to their background and preferences in music (favorite players, favorite songs, etc.) and then I asses the students skills with age appropriate testing.
A guitar lesson with me might entail the following: Every guitar lesson begins with tuning the guitar and warm-up exercises. After that the lesson vary based on skill level and pre-established musical influences. For instance: an intermediate blues player would be covering some blues history, reviewing/learning classic licks and improvising in a jam setting. While a beginner pop guitar player would be introduced to music theory, major chord progressions and the emotive nature of music. The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: My ideal student is one that has the time and determination to commit to the program we establish as well as the parental support (or fortitude of will) to see them through the difficult times when the student feels discouraged.
I enjoy sharing my passion of music with people.
Music is an emotive device which is to say it is a device that creates and empowers emotions and emotional content. In learning music we learn how to better communicate with the world.
Highlights
Reviews
B M.
Mo T.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My lessons begin by understanding what the student wants to know and where the student is as a musician. From there I build a curriculum based on their interest and goals, and we begin the process building skills through games and exercises.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from CUNY York College with a major in middle and high school education and a minor in music. Since then I have worked in the New York City Independent School System as a music instructor and Associate teacher.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The price per lesson varies on the ability and commitment of the students but I do require lessons to be purchased in advance or at the time of the first lesson in blocks of three or four with discounts being applied on purchases of four or more lessons.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching when I was 19 when I was asked by people to take them on as student. I work at summer camps where I got plenty of opportunities to show off my guitar skills. It was usually after camp when parents would approach me about teaching there children in the off-season.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all types of students at various levels of playing ranging from ages 8 to 54.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Any student looking to hire a guitar teacher needs to hire someone with an understanding of how to teach. I have many friends who are also guitar teachers who are amazing guitarist and are very impressive to play with but have a very limited understanding of how to instruct people on concepts that might come easy to the seasoned guitarist but not quite is easy to the beginner musician.
In addition you need to find a teacher who will teach you how to read music. The ability to read music is the ability to communicate with others the melodies and songs that are in your head to others.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What the student should think about when speaking to a guitar teacher about their needs is "how far do I want to take this?"
Are you looking to get on stage and play with people or would you just like to learn how to strum out some chords from some songs you heard on the radio?
There's nothing wrong with either goal but if you want a good roadmap to guide you on the path to becoming the guitarist you were meant to be, then you got to pick a destination.