About
I have over 40 years of experience as a teacher, with 26 years as a staff instructor at New York's American Institute of Guitar. Whether it's classical, pop, folk, blues, or song arranging, I focus on drawing a beautiful sound from the instrument. In teaching theory, I emphasize how harmonic relationships have evolved from the natural laws of sound. I performed nightly at Windows on the World (atop the former World Trade Center) for 12 years, and I have two solo CDs out. My song arrangements are published by Mel Bay, and I have written on music for The New York Times, Acoustic Guitar, and other publications; I'm also on the Board of Directors of the NY Classical Guitar society. YouTube video of me playing my arrangement of "Ashokan Farewell": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaHEzO8DXBI.
I love interacting with students and finding the best way to guide each into his or her own relationship with the instrument; it's a great combination of problem solving and communication.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
ron P.
Bill A.
Gordon M.
Clinton C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I begin by observing how a new student relates to the instrument (true for beginners too!), and structure the approach accordingly.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree in theory and performance from Vermont's Marlboro College, home of the Marlboro Music Festival. I've taken master classes with Oscar Ghiglia and Angel Romero, and studied Schenkerian analysis; I'm also a music journalist.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$60/hour at my Upper West Side apartment
How did you get started teaching?
Unofficially, I began teaching at the age of 14, when a school classmate asked me to show him how to play (I began when I was 5). Officially, I began to teach at a Boston-area music school in 1974.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've taught a wide range of students, from ages 8 to 80, in a wide range of styles - primarily acoustic, but a bit of electric, too.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A spontaneous jam with a terrific blues singer and harmonica player in Riverside Park, by the Hudson River, where I like to practice in warm weather.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Take a trial lesson - the quality of interaction is everything, and you won't know it until you try it.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students shouldn't worry too much about this, beyond communicating a sense of the kind of music they're interested in. An experienced teacher can determine the needs and inclinations of a student very quickly.