David First

David First

5.0Exceptional(10 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

I'm a composer, performer and teacher, written up in Pitchfork, The Village Voice, Guitar Player, and NYTimes, who makes it fun for beginners and fully develops the advanced. I teach all styles and desires, from songwriters who are interested in developing their creativity/improv skills, to those who'd love to play their favorite songs. I teach electric and bass guitar, midi and computer recording, fingerpicking, songwriting, noise, improvisation, rocking out, psychedelic sonic landscapes, blues, funky stuff, alternative tuning, various jazz-avant theories, guilty pop pleasures and ???


Highlights

Hired 20 times
1 employee
38 years in business
Serves New York , NY
Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Venmo

Specialties

Musical styles

Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Recommendations available

Guitar style

Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Recommendations available

Has instrument

Student who have a guitar, Student who don't have a guitar, but are planning to purchase one

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience

Able to read music

Students who can read music staff, Students who can read guitar tabs, Students who cannot read music

Lesson length

30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes

Student's age

11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Reviews

0.0
0 reviews
5
0%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%

KM

katharine M.

I’ve been going to David for more than a year now. I started as a beginner and I’ve since seen improvements in every area of my playing, from tone to technical skill. David balances providing structure while honoring my personal goals and music taste. He’s an incredible musician in many respects and I’ve really enjoyed learning from him.
... Show more
August 29, 2024

BR

Batya R.

David is an amazing teacher! Ive been working with him since 2019, first on electric bass, then music theory/composition/Logic and electric guitar. Weve done in person and online classes, both of which have been great. Hes incredibly knowledgable and patient. Anyone would be lucky to learn from him.
... Show more
August 26, 2024
Hired on Lessons

JS

josh S.

David is an incredible teacher, mentor and friend. I started lessons without any formal music or guitar knowledge. David patiently explained the basics to me. From Day 1 we were also working on songs that I wanted to learn. I was lucky to find David after being turned away by another teacher who didn’t take beginners. David also brings his students into his community - inviting them to his quarterly Dave’s Waves Sonic Luncheonette. Recommend without any reservation for anyone who is just getting started or wants to take their guitar playing to the next level.
... Show more
August 25, 2024

JR

Jeff R.

February 01, 2020
Hired on Lessons

BR

Batya R.

January 29, 2019
Hired on Lessons

AN

Anjali N.

David is an awesome teacher - hes really quick at figuring out where your strengths and weakness lie and creating specific exercises to improve your playing. Hes also got interesting perspectives on music and is a really nice guy!
... Show more
January 12, 2018

Services offered

Guitar
Harmonica
Bass Guitar
Music Theory