Guitar Lessons in Old Tappan, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

I am a jazz musician and composer at heart. The woodwinds (saxophone, flute, clarinet and ewi (Electronic Wind Instrument)) will always be my main performing instruments. Although my journey into composition and teaching has given me practical experience on many other instruments as well, so that I am a competent player and teacher for beginner and intermediate students on piano, guitar and electric bass. Sharing music with others, with an audience or with an eager student, is a magical and rewarding experience that I cherish. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is conversational. We created a project or topic. I'll tell you my experiences & listen to your questions. I will customize exercises or solutions to any issue you may have. I teach the student how to get a natural feel that includes tone, time, & finesse. The goal is to get the student sounding like they have been playing longer than they have actually been. Applying these abilities to songs the students are interested in is the next step. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Synthesizer Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I feel very rewarded seeing my students develop a passion for music! I try to teach each student at his or her own pase. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

Depending on your level of experience that you are currently at; I design custom lessons that work on developing your technique and understanding about your instrument. I will teach you how to strum/transition chords, develop rhythm and timing, lead solo, picking/fingerpicking, slide, capo as well as bass guitar mechanics along with many other concepts that will immediately improve the way you play and approach the instrument whether guitar or bass. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For younger students and all of my students who want to learn how to read music I start with the Mel Bay Guitar Method Vol. 1. As we progress through that I usually start giving out more reading that is complimentary to the direction that the student is going in. However, I know there are several guitar students who don't necessarily want to learn how to read music which I am fine with teaching. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Often I do use Mel Bay or Hal Leonard books to get a student started reading, but try to shift to popular music as soon as possible to keep the repertoire interesting and relevant for the student, as well has their families and peers. As the student develops, students will learn to expand on these ideas with theory based improvisation to "make the song their own." For More Advanced students, we can work from the Real or Fake Books, or the Ireel App to increase improvisational experience and confidence. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

My instruction method is to assess each student's experience, ability, and goals on guitar, bass, or songwriting/composition, and tailor my instruction to the individual skill level and needs. I take a song-centric approach, and introduce or reinforce techniques using songs that feature that technique or musical concept as a way to keep students engaged beyond rote memorization of scales, patterns, techniques, etc. I also use a song-based approach as a way to bring in theory and a deeper understanding of the whats and whys of music, while still focusing on the fun of playing using songs that the student wants to learn. Read More