Bass Lessons in Brookfield, MA

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I was self diagnosed with "music fever" as a very young child. I began playing shows and concerts with my family as young as 13 and, even then, I loved to teach, and share music with my friends and colleagues. Naturally I pursued a degree in Music at the University of Maine where I became principle bassist of the University Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble. This combination, as well as countless other groups and performances, taught me a wide variety of learning, and playing styles that would inform the way I would teach my students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar

I've had students use the FJH Young Beginner Guitar Method and Hal Leonard Guitar Method books for learning how to read music notation. I've also used Hal Leonard Guitar TAB Method for learning chords and riffs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For piano students, I like to use Alfred's piano methods. I find that their methods for both kids and adults not only covers the basic fundamentals of music, but they are also able to make everything comprehensive and enjoyable. For guitar, I like to use Hal Leonard's basic guitar book for students focusing on popular music and basic guitar, and for classical guitar I like to use the Christopher Parkening Method. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching ever since my junior year in high school and have taught extensively in the jazz, folk, rock and pop idioms. I have mentored children learning guitar for the first time, adults learning guitar for the first time and experienced guitarists dedicated to honing their craft. Furthermore, as an experienced composer and songwriter, I have assisted many students with the craft of composition and presented on lyric writing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Fiddle Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always start by asking the question: Where would you like to be with your instrument? What kind of music do you see yourself playing? If the student can't find an answer, I make suggestions and guide them until they find what resonates with them. I then go on to pick a piece of music that the student wants to learn or that I suggest based on their tastes and focus on learning it with them part by part. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar

I have found, especially for beginner and younger students (I.E. friends and family members I have taught), it is best to first see where they are in ability to play the instrument. From there, we work on correcting bad habits that develop from being self taught, things such as poor picking technique, finger placement, hand placement, minimal understanding of rhythm and basic theory concepts. Then we discuss what the student would like to learn, and after a solid foundation of basic concepts has been developed, I can create more personalized lessons from there! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I use the Hal Leonard Basic or Kids Guitar Method because it is such a good introduction to the instrument. For bass and ukulele I also use the beginner Hal Leonard Method books. For more advanced students, I first get a sense for what they want to learn and where they want to go, by asking them some questions about their previous education, what songs they like to listen to, and any problems with practicing or grasping the material, that they may have experienced. Read More