About
I am good at helping students learn the guitar and music through simple, easy-to-understand concepts. I can break down questions about music theory and technique, making them accessible to students, and I can help students learn to improvise and make their own music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVORWFQe21o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tABiRRswx1o&list=LLNnNAlUOsN93BKD7fFLVwNA&index=3&t=0s
https://www.facebook.com/jonheagleonguitar/
What I enjoy about music and the guitar is: pretty much everything! I love playing with great musicians and gaining inspiration from them; I love playing it in front of people and seeing their enjoyment; I love studying music, striving to acquire new knowledge and to get better at what I do; and I love teaching guitar students, helping them to find their own musical voices!
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Asalia S.
Crystal F.
Christine C.
Ricardo S.
Matt P.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
With a new student, I assess their level of ability on the instrument (beginner, intermediate, etc.) and talk with them about music they enjoy, to get a sense of what they want to learn to do with the instrument. I teach "the basics," such as instrumental technique, music reading, and music theory, along with helping the student learn songs from their favorite artists, in order to help make music fun for them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have studied jazz improvisation and classical music theory at the college level, and have been a gigging musician since 1989. I have performed in many of New York City's most well-known venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Central Park SummerStage, Birdland, 55 Bar, Joes Pub, the Mercury Lounge, Bowery Ballroom and many others.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $40/hr to teach from home. To travel to the student, I would need to be paid more.
How did you get started teaching?
My first formal teaching job was at Smith-Holden Music in Bloomington, IN in 1990, which came about through the recommendation of a friend, Dave Biller, a great guitarist and teacher.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught students of all ages, from as young as six years old to as old as 65, and at all levels of experience, from complete beginners to intermediate-to-advanced jazz students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I play out regularly around New York City with my jazz groups, which gives me the opportunity to play my original music with a varied cast of wonderfully creative NYC-area jazz players. Hearing my music played so well, for hip crowds around NYC, is always a rewarding and satisfying experience for me.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Seek a guitar teacher whose playing you like, and whom you find personally likeable. A teacher should be able to help you learn the particular music you want to learn, but also impart a more general knowledge of technique, music reading, and music theory.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Who are some of my favorite musical artists/guitarists? That gives the teacher a good place to start as far as what music to actually teach the student. A student who is working towards being able to play a song that they like is more likely to be motivated to practice.