Guitar Lessons in Ridgewood, NJ

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I play mostly jazz, and grew up playing country, piedmont blues, Elvis songs, bluegrass, R&B, rockabilly, the music of Francisco Tarrega, and folk. I have been playing for sixteen years. I am also an amateur luthier. I was lucky enough to have been taught guitar predominantly by women, and found it incredibly valuable as a young girl learning guitar to be able to see people like me playing professionally. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a passionate and dedicated instructor who only wants my students to feel successful when making music. I graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education/Jazz Vocal Performance. I have had opportunities to perform with Latin Artists like Juanes and perform at Carnegie Hall. I was the only freshmen selected in the top University of Miami Chorale and I have also performed with professional a cappella groups in NYC where I have arranged music and done vocal percussion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Beginners - intermediate have a healthy helping of both theory ( notes, scales, chords), technique ( physical drills), and creativity! Meaning, songwriting, listening, learning favorite songs.. improvisation! This of course varies from student to student, but whatever they are physically and mentally able to handle at the time, is what we will embark on -- nothing challenging enough to keep anyone away from their chosen instrument -- it's supposed to be fun - 'PLAY"ing music! 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: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Clarinet Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I prefer to start them on a book based in warming up and getting used to movement in hands if we are playing piano. Throughout my teaching, I incorporate music theory and ear training into my classes as it creates a fantastic bridge to understanding the instrument. As we get used to our new instrument, I will recommend some songs to get started on and allow my students to come to class with ideas and songs that they want to learn how to play or sing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For students who are just starting to learn - I teach them the basics of music and how to properly handle the guitar. It is very important to know your way around the instrument, so I will touch upon basic things such as the parts of a guitar, the names of the strings, how to know where you are on the fretboard, etc. From here I will proceed to develop the student's technique so they feel comfortable enough to begin playing scales and chords. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Synthesizer Music Keyboard

I have been a music educator for over fourteen years. Most recently, I was Artist-in-Residence & Director of Contemporary Music at Pomfret School, and independent boarding & day school in Connecticut. I left the school in June, 2018 in order to explore new professional opportunities, and to be closer to my creative network in New York. I love working with students of all ages as they work to realize their own musical vision! Read More