Guitar Lessons in Geneva, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Organ Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Acoustic Guitar

I craft a music program based on every individual's strenght, weakness and most important: interests. Having taught music in public schools for over 30 years, I am familiar with almost every pedagogical method. Whether it is Suzuki, Gordon, Kodaly, Orff or Barry Harris, I draw from all the methodology to help all students reach their comfort zones. I will also teach how to practice your instrument-something that is often neglected. Most important,I can teach how to actively listen to music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Playing with one hand first, then the other, then using both hands. Working on rhythm and coordination follows that. For students that are in the intermediate-advanced stage, how the lessons go really depends on what the student's goals are and what they want to focus on. I have a lot of music theory knowledge and compositional skills, I can teach active listening, playing by ear, composition itself, improvising, arpeggios with fingerings, altered scales, hybrid structures of chords, tritone substitutions, voice leading, inner harmony, soloing, phrasing, and comping. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning children, I typically like to use the Alfred series of beginner books depending on the instrument. I also like the students to rely on their ears just as equally, so the other half of the lesson is usually dedicated to learning music without relying on reading music. Of course, this is all dependent on the student's needs or prior experience. More importantly, I want to teach the student what they are truly interested in with music, and I have plenty of material to discuss if they are unsure of this interest. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every student is unique, and every student deserves a unique curriculum. That said, I usually start my absolute beginners off with open position chords and, when they're ready, open position scales - pentatonic and diatonic. We explore repertoire, often partially of the student's choosing. When this is established, we will dive into scales in all positions on the fretboard, and the corresponding modes for major, melodic minor, and harmonic minor. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I started a band while I was in college and we were playing consistently up until March. In recent years I have found that many music lessons tend to boil down to the student practicing material given to them, and the teacher telling them if they played "good" or "bad." This process is repeated every lesson and an unfortunate number of students drop music. This is so sad to me, and I would like to help change this. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin Tuba Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I approach teaching music with patience and enthusiasm. I realize that there is an ebb and flow in every person's life and progress cannot be measured in an even intervals. Although I am pleased at a student progress, humanity is vast and always surprising me. Each of us are indeed unique and revered. Even as we learn we can enjoy all the leaps and bumps along the way. As with any teaching method, consistency is attendance breeds the best learning environment. Read More