Bass Lessons in Irvington, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Since 1996 I have been solely committed to a career in teaching and performing professionally. My Father was an amateur jazz pianist, my Grandmother, a professional opera singer prior to marriage. My earliest memories came with a soundtrack: my Dads piano playing. I studied privately both on piano (early) and guitar (later), starting somewhere in my fifth year. I always took advantage of musical opportunities afforded me at school whenever appropriate, whether that was a school musical, talent show, battle of the bands, jazz band or music elective. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

I use what some have called the target approach. With this method you are working on one concept at a time, and you should always have one concept in mind while you practice. Some examples of beginning concepts are 1) keeping a steady beat, 2) sound quality, or 3) smooth finger technique. In one practice session using the target approach you may spend 10 minutes on target 1) and 15 minutes on target 2). What is important, however, is that you continue to work on a target every day until you find yourself performing that single concept flawlessly and effortlessly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Latin Percussion Keyboard

If the student relates to the material, everything will come much easier. I usually begin with music the student likes, and often use that same piece to pivot into learning drum notation. Once the student grasps the concept behind rhythmic notation and subdivision, presenting them with additional, more complex material is simple and becomes increasingly more rewarding! For younger students presenting them with drum notation as simple number counts and times where 2 or more instruments play simultaneously has worked wonderfully in my experience. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The first thing I ask a student is what kind of music they enjoy. What we love to hear is almost always what we want to play. As someone with ADHD I completely understand and empathize with students who have a difficult time focusing and a different way of understanding a concept. Taking a breath and a stretch can sometimes be the best cure for learner's block. Pointing out real progress is one of the best way to fuel the desire to learn more and is itself a reward! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Often I do use Mel Bay or Hal Leonard books to get a student started reading, but try to shift to popular music as soon as possible to keep the repertoire interesting and relevant for the student, as well has their families and peers. As the student develops, students will learn to expand on these ideas with theory based improvisation to "make the song their own." For More Advanced students, we can work from the Real or Fake Books, or the Ireel App to increase improvisational experience and confidence. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar

I've been playing bass for over 30 years and still love picking it up to learn new songs, styles and various approaches to the instrument and the song. I enjoy teaching students and seeing the satisfaction from them as they get better and progress in their playing. I've been fortunate enough to having played bass through the years with (however brief) Ace Frehley from Kiss, Eddie Ojeda from Twisted Sister and various members of Cheap Trick, Anthrax, Black Sabbath, Frehley's Comet and Badlands. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I graduated from the Conservatory of Music of Ukraine, studying double bass and electric bass. I received my PHD Degree in Music and Arts. I was a full time performer at the symphony orchestra and Opera house, as well as a member of Folk band on double bass, regularly playing electric bass at the night restaurants and all kinds of festivals. 23 years ago, I moved to US and continued my musical education at New York University. Read More