Riley McMahon
About
I am a New York City producer and musician with over 20 years of experience performing and recording with hundreds of different artists and bands in a variety of musical styles - rock, pop, Americana, R&B, country, cabaret and musical theater.
* I have been a professional touring guitarist since 1990 playing shows all over the US and Europe. I am well versed in both acoustic and electric guitars with unique skills in the use of effects and slide guitar.
* Music I've composed and/or produced has appeared on HBO, PBS, FOX, Netflix, IFC, DirecTV and in national TV and radio commercials. I was awarded "Producer of the Year (Eclectic)" by the Independent Music Awards (IMA) and projects I've produced have been nominated for an Australian Jazz Bell Award, multiple Independent Music Awards and Production Music Awards.
* I am extremely skilled as a music producer and recording engineer with over 15 years using both analog and digital recording equipment. Fluent in the use of Avid Pro Tools DAW for tracking and mixing both organic and electronic music.
Here's a few links to me and my work:
Website: www.rileymcmahon.com
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBuh0gRDmf6rz0GAXLL6bxw
Article in Audio Magazine: http://bit.ly/1OkllLp
Music is my vocation and I am passionate about guitar, recording and composition -- and I love passing on that passion and knowledge to people who are excited to learn.
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I believe it's essential to create a lesson plan that fits each individual rather than a "one size fits all approach".
Getting to know each student's strengths/weakness and what the specific goals are is critical before lessons begin and a lesson plan is formulated.
With this in mind, the first lesson is always an "assessment" where we discuss and determine the above and chart a course for future lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been playing guitar for 35 years and a professional musician, producer and audio engineer for over two decades.
As a teen I took lessons with several accredited teachers, studied harmony, theory and improvisation in college, and have maintained independent study throughout my musical life.
I operated a commercial recording studio in Bushwick, Brooklyn for eleven years and applied all the aforementioned skills on a daily basis with a wide variety of clients.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Currently offering online lessons for $30 per half hour and $50 per hour.
How did you get started teaching?
After being a touring and recording musician for 10 years, I began to get requests from aspiring players who saw me perform and wanted to learn how to do what I was doing.
Since I've always been and will always be a "student of guitar" and constantly looking for ways to be a better player, it was a natural transition into becoming a teacher.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've tutored different levels of students - from absolute beginners who just picked up the instrument to advanced players who wanted to learn some of my tricks - in a variety of styles on both acoustic and electric guitar.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Just last week a student who was stuck in a rut had a break through with improvisation. I used a different approach explaining the concepts and he took right to it. Very exciting to see his playing improve, his reaction, and a reminder why teaching is awesome!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher that will teach in a way to works for YOU.
A "one size fits all" approach doesn't work for most students so find a tutor that listens to your needs and goals and can adapt their approach to work for you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Answer two important questions before you start lessons:
1. Who am I currently as a player?
Be honest with yourself about what you can do and what you know about the instrument.
2. Where do I want to go as a player?
Ask yourself what your specific goals are regarding the instrument. Learn songs? Write songs? Improvisation? Harmony and theory?
The more you know about where you want to go, the easier it will be to design a lesson plan and focus on your goals.