Guitar Lessons in Islip, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Play slowly and accurately with recorded versions of the material with the metronome to perfect real time performance. Balance the time 50/50 on songs and practicing such as scales, arpeggios, chord scales, pattern exercises and diatonic chord inversions such as intervals, triads, 7th chords, 9ths, 11ths, 13ths etc. Using material that represents the students musical goals and interests clearly brings more joy and there fore effectiveness to the practicing. By practicing being conscious of proper techniques this will afford the most immediate development of the student.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If your child loves music and sings or dances to it expressing true joy then it is appropriate to begin their musical study. Subsequently to dovetail the songs and material that the child enjoys in service of their actual learning will reap the most benefit. Naturally after the student begins the lessons to question them regarding their enjoyment of it confirms their readiness to continue and develop musically. Even just to get someone involved with simple melodies and or rhythms is opening the door for their further involvment and learning.

When will I start to see results?
When the proper methods are correctly employed you should see positive results on an incremental level immediately! Subsequently there is a progression of the students learning in proportion to the amount of practicing the student does on a daily basis. Eventually there maybe some plateaus achieved but with perseverance and consistency the student will experience their playing going to the next level where their motor responses have been developed in conjunction with musical vocabulary for their further enjoyment and playing ability.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes I was very fortunate to have studied and played with the Great Lennie Tristano who was in Charlie Parkers group and a metronome all- star player! He taught all the instruments and approached them musically. This is exactly what i have chosen to do with my lessons because music is universal and once you really connect with it you can develop your own original voice and sty;e! All of the elements of melody, harmony and rhythm are addressed and resolved on a real time playing level. Also getting to play side by side with a true mater inspired me deeply and will continue to inspire new students that get this special opportunity!

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose the Guitar as my primary instrument because when I heard the Beatles I realized that the whole musical universe was contained in this instrument! The Piano and Guitar giving the chords of the progression and rhythms opens the door unlimitedly to the infinite world of beautiful music. I was fortunate to have my Dad begin to teach me at the age of 7. As I connected to the instrument and learned the chords ,progressions and rhythms, I was able to begin writing and getting creative with the music that I have always loved!

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am so glad that I was able to meet and create a Jazz Quartet of individuals who shared the same vision as me. Liquid Jazz was a true realization of my musical dreams and goals. It embodied originality, greatness, swing depth, soul and the ability to really stretch out in the time and even play Free Jazz where the music is totally spontaneous even on a harmonic level. This coupled with the fact that we were able to get major record deals and have the music played on the radio for others to enjoy as well was a truly satisfying experience!

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Yes I have had students who went on to be professional teachers and performers. Some joined well known bands, others got production deals where they used their writing skills. Still others went on to have their own bands with record deals and and tours! Some of them went on to teach privately or in learning institutions such as grade schools , high schools and college level professors. I have had students go on to win national televised competitions such as Rising Star! All in all i am very happy with the level and accomplishments many of them have achieved.

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