Brazilian, Jazz And Classical Guitar Playing/composing/arranging/theory
About
I offer a unique approach to guitar and lessons in general. I don't believe in a linear process in my method of teaching, however I do believe that learning fundamentals such as sight reading, music theory and understanding/learning about chord structures and harmony are very helpful tools to better express yourself as an artist. I will focus on your goals and helping you reach them. Whether you are looking to write your own music, arrange for different instruments, play songs you love on guitar, learn solos, develop your own sound/voice. I'm dedicated to helping you express yourself and your story better.
I have been playing guitar for over 21 years, and teaching for over 15. I began to play when I was 11 years old mostly self taught for a period of 2 or 3 years. I later began taking jazz guitar lessons from 14-18 years old. I studied and performed with many great legendary teachers and performers. I later received a BFA in Jazz guitar performance from New School University in 2007, where I studied and performed with a wide variety of great players including, Junior Mance, Barry Harris, Bernard Purdie, Rodney Jones and Chico Hamilton to name a few.
I have since recorded 4 albums of all original music with various collaborating artists. Please visit my website: http://www.benjikaplan.com for more info including links to hear my albums, download/buy etc. bio, videos, and much more.
Due to Corona Virus: I currently teach by internet only: Zoom, skype, facetime and whatsapp are the platforms I use.
I enjoy very much the process of helping other students unlock there talents and help spark an interest in learning new things. The deeper we look, the more there is to find. Knowledge is endless and the guitar is one of the great mysteries I am passionate about debunking. Teaching is a very gratifying way for me to give back to others what I have learned over 22 years of experience in the world of music. I have had the privilege to embark upon many projects, recordings, and helped many artists find or continue there path to a successful life with music and guitar. Please feel free to reach out to me for references from present and former students.
My websites:
http://www.benjikaplan.com
http://www.benjiandrita.com
https://www.facebook.com/musicabenjikaplan/
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I tend to like to find out more about the student in the first lesson, get a sense of their interests and how they got involved in music.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have studied music and guitar extensively for many years both taking private lessons with many different teachers of varying styles and approaches as well as studied at New School University, in which I took classes in Pedagogy, studied music theory, other instruments, and composition, arranging, ear training, improvisation and overall musicianship.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I base my pricing on location (travel/distance).
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching early on at the age of 16 years old when people began to seek me out after performances they'd heard me perform in clubs and restaurants in NYC and the greater New York area.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children and adults age 5-65. All levels from beginners to advanced. Styles of music include Rock, jazz, classical, Brazilian, folk and Blues. People I have taught range from professional musicians, to lawyers, psychologists and school teachers. I enjoy relating my examples to those of the people I am working with. I like to use a hollistic approach to music that is flexible and involves me taking in to account the different styles of learning that each person has rather than a 1 size fits all. Everyone has different goals, wishes, talents, time to commit to studying/playing and sets of interests when it comes to music, so that all has to be taken in to account when working together in the lessons.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I think it's important for a prospective student to think about there level of time commitment to the music. What some of there goals are initially. Of course things will develop/unravel over time and not everything has to be defined or understood immediately.