Bass Lessons in Brookfield, MA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I first began teaching in high school, helping to get fellow classmates comfortable on the guitar. While at Berklee I taught music in a K-12 public school context as part of my student-teaching initiative. After graduating from Berklee I found that teaching private lessons gave me a challenge that I loved and found fulfilling. I really enjoy creating a custom plan for each student to help get them to where they want to go in playing an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I have taught guitar since high school. I have had a ranging experience from teaching middle schoolers, to high schoolers, to adults. With each student, I assess where they are with their knowledge of the instrument, as well as how far their passion for music goes. In high school, I simply taught the fundamentals of the guitar as I knew it, making sure that my students played guitar correctly. As I grew musically and in my teaching methods, I understood that mixing in songs that my students knew into their lessons actually boosted the desire to play, and also made my job more efficient in conveying the reasons for good fundamentals while allowing a student to enjoy playing guitar. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

One of my favorite things as a teacher and a musician is finding creative ways to relate certain musical aspects. Want to learn to play funky slap bass lines? let's start with a few octave excercises. Having trouble with a passage in Beethovens 5th? Maybe we can finger it a different way for less string crossings. Not sure how to count in 7/8? Try grouping beats together differently. These are just a few examples! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In my opinion a big part of playing music is being creative, and a big part of being creative is having fun. When teaching I always make sure there is a positive environment that encourages learning and growth. I have found the best way for a student to learn and improve is by having so much fun playing that they can't put the instrument down. This excitement about music and learning is what I prioritize the most. 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 Acoustic Guitar

My approach to teaching emphasizes creative expression, technical proficiency and musical exploration. I pay close attention to the goals of a given student and shape my curriculum based around their needs. If a student aspires to become a professional jazz guitarist, I teach them jazz chords, improvisational techniques and necessary reading skills. If a student aspires to write and perform their own songs, I teach them about writing guitar accompaniments, writing lyrics and crafting melodies. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Melody (lead) playing is not essential, but encouraged, as I believe it is a viable and gratifying skill. Supplemental books are helpful and encouraged, but not required, as is music theory and sight reading (standard notation). Many books will include technical studies such as theory, which can certainly be helpful. Playing by ear is very helpful and useful, and I do utilize that. The abundance of online instructional videos can also be a supplement, as are other websites that use tablature (tab) notation, which I also use. Read More