Guitar Lessons in Union Hill, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music

While teaching, I create a very friendly and welcome environment. Comfort between the student and teacher is critical in order to progress with technique and repertoire. I open the floor to questions, concerns and truly want to hear what the students perspectives are. With beginner students, the primary focus is on breath management, developing flexibility between ranges, and applying technique to repertoire. For more advanced singers, I am able to help prepare for auditions or performances and focus more on the quality and control of the voice. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin Tuba Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Yes for teaching piano I use Nancy and Randall Faber's books. I have used all of them. For guitar and mandolin I generally do not use a "book". As the lessons progress I might introduce a book if that is what is called for. All orchestral instruments call for the structure of a book and I augment that with my own explanations. This is true for all ages of learners. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The material that my students work on is based entirely on their current strengths with a progression that allows for growth and a sense of accomplishment at my student's pace. Whether you are a complete novice or have a few years of experience, the training I can provide you will help you climb your individual mountain and achieve the success you are looking for. The repertoire is selected based on my students level of ability as well as musical preference, focusing on the necessary skills needed at each step to be successful. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I love seeing my students succeed and share in their joy when they have reached a goal they have worked so hard for. My biggest philosophy is creating an individualized curriculum that focuses on the student's goals and providing detailed instruction in lessons for their practice sessions. Songs and exercises are fun and sequenced in a way that makes goals attainable for the student. This keeps the students motivated to keep practicing and ultimately meet their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

After that I still try to keep it relaxed but a bit more focused. The first lesson with any student is usually a sort of trial-and-error phase until the student starts to feel comfortable with methods/approach. I do use books but don't rely on them. If a student is really trying to focus on a particular aspect of music, like for example phrasing during improvisation, then I can share my own knowledge and recommend professional material to them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Mandolin Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Conga Latin Percussion

These were wonderful opportunities to teach peers and those who have been in the music education field much longer than the four of us. Although teaching large groups is exciting, nothing beats one-on-one lessons with a student. I have had and taught plenty of these lessons for several instruments including flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, french horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, piano, guitar, and bass guitar. These lessons vary quite a bit in skill level, but they all offered challenges for both student and teacher. Read More