Bass Lessons in Ocean Grove, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I typically like to start lessons with a warm up, and this is a good opportunity to see what level a student's technique is at. I immediately address anything that I see to be problematic in the student's technique, and we start working on ways to improve it as soon as possible. These can be simple exercises and when I see that my students are improving in these exercises and that their technique has gotten better, I always make sure that they also notice the difference and give them a sense of accomplishment. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

For beginning students I begin by talking to them about music and what songs they like. We start clapping along and picking out what the drums are doing and eventually begin playing along. A wonderfully laid out book for beginners that are interested in pop music is "The Funky Primer." I also like to teach the reading of rhythms out of a book by Ted Reed called "Syncopation for the Modern Drummer." This is a great book that you can work out of for many many years to come. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

You can learn so much about a student in a 30 minute trial lesson! If a new student is not a total beginner, I will ask them to play their favorite song (or one of their favorites if they have trouble choosing just one). After their performance, I ask them what they liked about how they played. Its important for students to always be aware of what they do well. If they arent able to see their strengths on their own then I share with them what I think their strengths are and encourage them to keep that up. Read More

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

I believe that it is important for students to understand that music is a language that transcends their instrument of choice. When they understand that music is its own language, the possibilities that they were not aware of become open to them, such as easily learning a second or third instrument. If the student or parents request a set curriculum as in the book form, my main go-to book is The Best Guitar Method by Brian Rivers. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

I am very patient, friendly, humorous, approachable and humble/modest in demeanor, where many other teachers have a huge ego and "God complex", where they talk down to the student and make them feel uneasy and overly self-conscious. I am completely flexible with my lessons, teaching exactly what the student (or parent) wants (them) to learn, anything from the standard traditional approach (i.e reading music) to the rock approach just teaching them how to play their favorite songs, which I figure out by ear on the spot from the recording which the student asks me to listen to. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele

My method is to teach in a way where the student can develop their own style while learning the basics of theory and technique. Depending on the skill level the student is currently comfortable with will determine where we will start. I like to make sure my students understand the first position of the instrument before moving on. We will learn this position by playing songs and developing a unique playing style for the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I approach every lesson with every student with a focus on patience, empathy, dedication to excellence for myself and my student, and a big dose of fun! For younger students and for beginners, I spend a good amount of time on laying out the basics of the instrument, the foundational techniques of playing, basic music theory, and discussions that allow the student to tell me what influences them and what they most want to achieve in music. Read More