Bass Lessons in Needham Heights, MA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I strongly believe that everyone is very different.  Learning styles and musical goals are very much a part of this.  Some find reading from a book helps them, so for most students I begin by recommending "A Modern Method For Guitar" from the Berklee Press, however for others a book is not as helpful as listening to some music and watching someone play.  I like to introduce as much theory as is desired from the student because theory is a very important part of the musical process, but if the student prefers to get playing first and understand the “why” later then we can work something out in that regard.  Depending on musical interest, we can work with different genre's and pieces to promote specific techniques and practice routines. Read More

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

I always start with what the student is interested in. I find that learning music comes much more naturally when the student is inspired and entertained by what they are trying to learn. I come from a long tradition of learning music by ear. I believe this is the best way to develop true musicality. While I very much see the value in sheet music, I believe that reading music without being about to play it by ear is like being about to write and write but not speak and understand English. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Kids will play games with music, while more experienced players will learn how to take their playing to the next level. I analyze what you need, and teach YOU to develop exercises to solve problems and constantly improve. I have my own complete design method that I combine with the students needs and musical preferences. I have designed lessons that are fun, will make you love playing and improve on your instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

For beginning students at Chelsea High School, I developed my own guitar method books, level 1 and level 2, which use tablature for its very graphic and easy-to-understand method of learning notes on the guitar fretboard which have remained the texts for guitar classes at the High School since my departure. To supplement this I have the Hal Leonard Essential Elements for guitar, and a number of other texts, which offer other approaches, songs, and material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With beginning students, I will start with the basics and encourage them to buy A Modern Method for Guitar by William Leavitt. Starting out, students will work on chords and scales. We will also work on building a repetoire of songs for the student to work on perform. Intermediate students will work on the fundamentals of theory, triads, beginner 7th chords, and improvasation. Advanced students will work on expanding their knowledge of theory, inversions, technique building, chord tensions and substitution. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Keyboard

For beginning and intermediate students, I like to assign short pieces from method books such as Student Instrumental Course and Rubank. For more advanced students, I will help them explore their particular interests, introduce them to traditional repertoire, and for jazz/rock/pop students, aid them in the process of transcribing the music they love, which benefits their vocabulary as well as their ears. In developing a complete musician, I want to offer support for my students' other musical activities, as well as provide them with resources that they might not have elsewhere. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass

Some students want to learn a few songs by their favorite bands so they can play music with their friends and family. Others are looking to make music a career. My job to help each student reach their own personal goals while having a good time doing so. I teach lessons in a relaxed atmosphere and feel that positive encouragement works much better than criticism. Read More