Guitar Lessons in Alden, NY

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students, I begin with asking them to show me what they already know, and to explain to me where they want to take their playing and what their goals for the future are. I then design a curriculum unique to each student's interests and needs to keep them engaged and having fun. For beginner students I like to emphasize fundamentals through playing simple and recognizable chords and riffs instead of only focusing on exercises, which can makes students bored and discourage them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

For students of any level, I tend to always focus on mastering breathing and classical technique. I believe that it is imperative that students develop this way as it is fundamental to any true vocalist. My methods are quite particular to the individual and their natural strengths and weaknesses, but I approach every student with a tried and true structure that leads to fast and noticeable results. I also tend to use written material lending to the classical technique as a way to standardize practice times to structure individual progress outside of lesson time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music

While teaching, I create a very friendly and welcome environment. Comfort between the student and teacher is critical in order to progress with technique and repertoire. I open the floor to questions, concerns and truly want to hear what the students perspectives are. With beginner students, the primary focus is on breath management, developing flexibility between ranges, and applying technique to repertoire. For more advanced singers, I am able to help prepare for auditions or performances and focus more on the quality and control of the voice. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I focus on each person's individual goals, music preferences and strengths to ensure success on the instrument. I believe that a classical foundation is necessary to be successful and we can adapt that to whatever you want to learn whether it be rock, pop, punk, etc. We will focus on material based on a collaboration between you and myself and will be encouraged to play recitals. Most of all we will have fun and through the training, I will provide, ensure that you have a lifetime of enjoyment playing the beautiful instrument that is the guitar. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Mel Bays. Once the student starts to understand the book. I will begin to teach solo appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what music they are interested in and have then tell me they're top song to learn, I try to get them to play something within the first hour. I want then to leave feeling like the you did something and that your money was well spent on my services. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

To me, it's important that my students not only gain an understanding of technique and theory, but also an appreciation for the spirit and philosophy of music-making. Whether this includes conversation about each student's unique aesthetic or vision, or the general principles involving listening, leaving space, and communing with other musicians on an almost spiritual level, I do try to integrate at least a little of this type of discussion in my lessons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Interestingly enough, my musical background has proven to be of great value to me. Anywhere from learning music theory on a deep level, to having the wonderful privilege of being able to appreciate the whole world as music via having trained musical ears. There were a few colleges that helped me out with gaining these skills, and even though they were state schools, I had the honor of meeting and learning from amazingly caring and worthwhile professors. Read More