About
Music, of any and all forms, has been a major passion of mine ever since I was at least 5, if not younger. Either way, I grew up listening to all types, genres, etc. of music and to this very day I still listen to everything. The way I see it, if you want to be good at what you do musically, you should be exposed to all forms of music. From Jazz to Hip Hop, or acoustic singer-songwriter to whatever may be popular at this very second. For me, I've taken bits and pieces of everything I listen to and try my best to create something that not only speaks to me but hopefully to those listening to what I have to say while performing. I've played open mics, actual shows, etc. in and around Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Chicago, Maine, and even Minnesota. Outside of that, I am also an Audio Engineer who currently runs sound for various open mics and shows in and around New York City. So not only do I have the knowledge of either of the two instruments I'm hoping to teach you, I have some real-world experience from that and from an audio production point of view to share with my prospective students as well.
So, if you're interested in beginner acoustic guitar or beginner drum lessons, I could be your guy. I have 18 years worth of drumming experience and 15 years worth of experience in playing guitar, and the understanding that everyone learns things at a different pace, or even in a different form from the next because in the end, we're all different people and we don't all learn new things the same way. I'm more than capable in adjusting the curriculum for either instrument per my student's specific needs and either way, I'd love to work with you to get you where you want to go in your drumming or guitar playing endeavors. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, just send me a message and I'll give you more information.
I enjoy being able to give back to my community. I remember being the student and loving every minute of the instruments I now know how to play. Having the opportunity to see that same look or spark in my student's eye is definitely something I'm most proud of because I know, even if they don't say so right off, that they're learning and enjoying the process of learning an instrument.
Reviews
Ian M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For Guitar lessons, I'll usually start with a brief overview of the guitar followed by tuning the instrument. Of course, that all depends on what the student may or may not already know prior to working with me, but for someone who's just starting out or picking up the instrument again after a long period of time not playing, then that's just about where I begin the lessons. Once we've worked through this, I'll go right into the first few chords that are necessary to know and learn followed by the first song or two. After all that, it comes down to whatever specifics the student may want to learn.
For Drum lessons, I'll usually start with a brief look at drum notation followed by two types of stick grips and having the student decide or even find out which one works best for them. Once that's all taken care of, I'll go right into the first few rudiments that are necessary to know and learn followed by one of the first drum beats. After all that, it comes down to whatever specifics the student may want to learn.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For Guitar lessons, I'm charging $70 for the hour per lesson. However, I also offer a block of say 4 lessons at $240, 8 lessons at $480, etc.
For Drum lessons, I'm charging $80 for the hour per lesson. Like the guitar lessons, I also offer a block of 4 lessons at $280, 8 lessons at $560, etc.
As you can see, the block of lessons for either instrument is discounted by $10/lesson.
For either lesson choice, please note that if you're going to go the route of paying out for a block of x-amount of lessons, I prefer the payment up front.
How did you get started teaching?
I've been playing music since I was at least 13, maybe a little older in fact. Music, in general, has always been a passion of mine, and since I've now gotten to the point where I really feel comfortable with some of the various amounts of instruments I currently play, one day I decided to take a look at the two instruments I've been playing the longest, and begin to give back by teaching.
What types of students have you worked with?
Two of my current students have x,y,z form of learning difference. I'd say disability, but being I myself am one who learns differently from others and has found ways to overcome this, I'd rather stick with saying difference. Another one of my current students is older and used to play, but hasn't in a while and is looking to pick it up again as more of a hobby than the "Oh, I want to learn x,y,z instrument so I can eventually start my own band..." etc.