About
My teaching approach:
I start with what the student is interested in as an entry point to the instrument. Using that we learn basic techniques of the guitar (how to hold it, how to finger the notes, how to hold the pick and/or position the fingers, etc.). I teach reading music but only if the student desires it. The student will receive a comprehensive knowledge of the instrument and of music in general.
My influences are:
Chuck Berry, BB King, George Harrison, Frank Zappa, George Benson, Emily Remler, Robert Fripp, Sonny Sharrock, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Jimmy Page, Larry Coryell, etc.
My guitar lessons take place in:
The teacher's studio or the student's home
Guitar lessons typically take place on these days and hours:
We would mutually agree on that
Guitar Techniques:
Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Fingerstyle, Slide Guitar, Vocal Accompaniment, Performance, Improvisation, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises
Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following:
I ask them to [play for me.
A guitar lesson with me might entail the following:
No lesson is typical. If you are a beginner i start by giving you excercises that allow you to build a relationship with your instrument.
The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following:
Someone with a passion for music.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Reviews
David C.
Michele
Stan
Diala
Cristina L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My process is to find out why the person wants to play the instrument and what kind of music/artists/songs that they like. This knowledge is crucial for creating lesson plans and goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started playing at 14. His first lessons were in high school with Mr. Norman Speiser who transformed the music appreciation class into a guitar workshop. Mr. Branford continued studying with Mr. Speiser in the Mixed and Madrigal chorus class while taking private courses with Mr. Sam Sunshine at the Flatbush School of Music. He attended Brooklyn College where he studied sight singing, theory, and analysis with Robert Starer, Carol Oja, Noah Creshevsky, and Bunita Marcus among others. After leaving Brooklyn College, he continued his studies in workshops led by composer/bassist William Parker, trombonist/composer George Lewis, alto saxophonist/composer Steve Coleman, and pianist Barry Harris. He also continued studying the guitar privately with Mr. Robert Dellafuricio (Bob Dee) at The Harlem School of Music.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard fee is $45. For children under 10 years old it is $35. If I have to travel outside of the borough of Brooklyn, NY the fee is $50. Any deals must be negotaited between myself and the student.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught young and old, beginners to experienced.