Bergen County Guitar Lessons
About
A Graduate of the music program at Purchase College (SUNY), for the past 25 years, Ryan has been teaching guitar and has maintained a full-time freelance music career.
Ryan's other musical endeavors include composing, audio production and of course, live performance.
Ryan is currently the lead guitar player in the well known Pink Floyd Tribute The Machine. Ryan has been a member of the band and has been performing with them on domestic and international tours since 1997. Ryan is also a member RNM Music, a cover ensemble playing taverns, parties and corporate events with an ecclectic repertoire spanning 65 years.
Ryan has played bass for the late Vince Welnick of The Tubes and The Grateful Dead and has shared the stage with guitarist Marc Ford formerly of The Black Crowes. He has performed numerous times with drummer Matt Abts of Gov't Mule and keyboardist Johhny Neel, known for his work with The Allman Brothers Band. Ryan has also played along side of Matt Johnson, drummer on Jeff Buckley's masterpiece "Grace", as well as T. Lavitz of the Dixie Dregs. He has played with former Phil Lesh & Friends guitarist Jeff Pevar and sax great Norbert Stachel formerly of Tower of Power and the Roger Waters "In The Flesh" touring band. Ryan is also a rotating member of Eyeball Records recording artists Sleep Station and has led his own bands including the prog-rockers Mirror. On numerous occasions, Ryan has been a guest performer with the Bergen Youth Orchestra and has had the honor of performing with them at New York's Carnegie Hall as a soloist on both guitar and mandolin.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I assess the student's skill level and take into account what that student's goals are sothat I can design a curriculum that is tailored specifically for the individual.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BFA in music from Purchase College (SUNY) along with 25 years of teaching and performing experience.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Based on a $60 per hour rate. Students can opt for 45 or 30 minute lessons as well.
How did you get started teaching?
Working with friends and showing them what I knew led to me to teach others.
What types of students have you worked with?
All kinds of skill levels and age groups as well as people with disabilities.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you work with a teacher who will give you a well-rounded musical education as acompliment to teaching you how to play the guitar. Understanding the fundamental elements of music will be the best path to ensure that you become a great guitar player.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is my motivation to play/take lessons?
What are my playing/learning goals?
How much practice time am I willing to put in?