Guitar Lessons in East Haven, CT

Instruments: Guitar

My teaching experience has showed me that there is no one "correct" approach to learning guitar or any musical instrument for that matter. There are certainly valuable techniques that can be adopted by every student to help them progress, however each student presents their unique personality and tastes in music. In order to help bring out the student's musical "voice" on his or her particular instrument, my approach to teaching will vary. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

My teaching experiences go back at least 15 years.  I started when I was in college and have never stopped teaching.  In my lessons I focus on the whole child.  Together we find out where their strengths lie and capitalize on those strengths.  Music is supposed to be fun and that is one of my goals is to keep it fun and exciting for the student.  I find it is best to expose the student to all types of music new and old and everything from classical to hip hop. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

I have been featured as a solo guitarist in many area venues and am currently performing throughout the Tri-State as one half of the "Dina Woody" duo. Teaching highlights include preparing students for recitals, auditions and/or on the gig performance allowing myself to enjoy the gratification that comes with their success. I have been fortunate to mentor more than a few on to prominent music programs, some of whom enjoy part full-time careers in the art. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a firm believer in not re-inventing the wheel. I don't use my own lesson plans. I meet with students to see what they know and what they want to learn, and then use books, YouTube videos or tutorials to teach - learn with- students. A typical curriculum for me first learning the chromatic scale, then the major two octave scale. Then the minor two octave scale, then basic major and minor chords. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I typically start by teaching them the parts of the guitar how to hold a guitar and all the physical fundamentals including fretting notes properly etc... then I ask them what their goals are as a player if they’re interested in learning a lot of theory or just want to sing and play with their friends etc.… Then I teach them the names of the strings and tell them to memorize them as well as the dot markers on the fretboard and then I have them learn some strumming patterns and a few simple chords to get them started and then begin learning the names of the notes from open position to 12th and then learning The major scale up the neck one string at a time… And I also incorporate the use of a Metronome which I find is hugely important… Then we incorporate a simple song that they can play with four chords from there onto learning how to harmonize the major scale and then incorporate more theory… All the while assessing their needs and fixing any trouble spots they’re having… Then on to scales and more theory and More Metronome work...And every couple of lessons I teach them a new song of their choosing to make sure that they’re having fun fun fun Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

Over the past 40 years, I have been involved with several different “R&B” bands and played various college circuits, also playing in local clubs and many private parties. I have had a wonderful opportunity to meet and play with many professional musicians in my career. My approach to teaching is to customize lessons based upon the individuals’ age, current skill level, and personal goals. Teaching them how to read music, phrase their sound and control the dynamics to produce a cohesive piece of music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I have been teaching music for two years now. It started when I gave friends lessons. This helped my discover my passion for teaching. Why I love teaching is because it allows me to help other people using a skill that I'm good at, which is music. I also like the creative challenge of teaching. Different students learn in unique ways, so sometimes the teacher needs to change their lessons around the student. Read More