Guitar Lessons in Princeton, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

It's also important, with all students, to make sure we can work in some music that they want to learn, whether it be Beatles, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, Chili Peppers, Charlie Parker, etc. I think that's the best way to motivate a student, give them something they REALLY want to get under their fingers. I want to add that one of my strongest assets as a teacher is my very comprehensive knowledge of jazz language/theory and the role of the guitar player in jazz music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Classical Guitar

I am very focused when teaching but I try not to bore the student with repetitive exercises, varying the material constantly, depending on the student. Some students are more focused than others and they're able to endure greater amounts of effort into a single task. In the beginning there is a kind of audition to determine wether the student will follow through a theoretical way of teaching, by using musical terminology, or a more intuitive kind, by using tablature and listening. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I first ask each student to play for me so I can properly gauge the student's ability. From there, I assign practice pieces and songs that work on the techniques that require the most work. I have used this method for years and all of my students have found this to be the easiest and fastest way to improve. The practice pieces I write are written in the genre that the student wishes to practice. Read More

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

I am a laid back teacher, but I make sure all students behave and learn. I love when the students enjoy what they are doing, and when I enjoy what I am doing. It's a relationship that you build. I expect the students to practice their craft. I continue to learn as I teach as well. Inspiration is very important. The inspired students are special for they know what they want to accomplish. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Mandolin Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When teaching classical piano, I use technique books like Hanon, Pischna for advanced beginners and intermediate. Material can range from Bach, Beethoven, Schumann etc. Contemporary methods usually from an approved song book or possibly a show tune. All students will learn from the previously method technique books. Beginners we will use some method book like Alfred or something similar. Guitar: Mel bay or something for sight reading. Wolfhardt for intermediate students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Mandolin Lute Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a musician, educator, and researcher, I explore how music serves as a portal to the human experience. From my first garage band to playing at Carnegie Hall, my life as a musician has taken me to concert venues all over the world and through the hallowed halls of some of our most venerable institutions of learning. However, my driving motivation to live a musical life comes from the sharing and exploration of musical knowledge. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Acoustic Guitar

For my beginning piano students, I emphasize the twelve major and minor scales with proper fingering, first one octave and then two octaves. These exercises strengthens fingers and create more familiarity with the keyboard. I use the book, Level 1 The Older Beginner Piano Course by James Bastien and the companion book, Musicianship for the Older Beginner. I have seen results when these books are used in tandem. The student increases in technique and start to master music theory simultaneously. Read More