Doug L
Instruments: Guitar, Bass Guitar
Styles: Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Reggae, Punk
Doug L
Instruments: Guitar, Bass Guitar
Styles:
Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Musical Theater, Showtunes, Reggae, Punk
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Ages Taught: 7-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
MS, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Electrical Engineering BS, Rutgers University, Electrical Engineering Project Management Professional, Project Management Institute
Overview:
I have been playing guitar since I was 7 years old and bass guitar since I was about 14. I also play drums and piano, to a lesser degree. My musical education includes college level music theory classes, many years of lessons with instructors (including an accomplished jazz guitarist), work in recording studios, plenty of self-directed instruction, and real-world playing experience. Teaching helps keep me on top of my game, and I enjoy sharing what I learn (I am always learning), as well as sharing my experiences as a performing musician.
In addition to teaching the skill of playing the instrument, I provide information on care and maintenance of the instrument and related equipment. Further, I am able to provide insight and assistance related to playing in real-world situations and progressing toward playing in bands, recording music at home and in studios, and making money through music. One of my favorite pieces of advice that I have picked up is, "Don't just practice until you get it right. Practice until you can't get it wrong." I stress that approach in my teaching.
EXPERIENCE
I have been playing in original and cover bands for 30 years and I currently perform as a guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist in a cover band that I founded in 1999. My band has appeared on VH-1 and we have had the opportunity to play up and down the East Coast. As a volunteer, I perform as an acoustic guitarist in a church music group every Sunday. I have been a part-time instructor at a local music store for 13 years and I am looking to sign on more students than they are able to provide.
METHODS USED
I have found that a simultaneous combination of book-guided learning and practical application is often most enjoyable for a student (and teacher). Learning the fundamentals is certainly important. Using this knowledge to learn pieces of songs and understand how the songs are constructed keeps things fresh for the student and reinforces the lessons better than book learning alone. I typically start beginners with the Mel Bay series of guitar instruction books. I learn about the students' musical tastes and work with the students to choose pieces of music that they will enjoy learning. For students who have some playing experience, I will customize my instruction based on their strengths/weaknesses and what they hope to get out of their lessons.
LESSON STYLE
I consider my teaching style to be comprised of two major components - physical and mental. The physical component includes things like picking, strumming, finger strength, finger dexterity, and left hand/right hand coordination. For this, I provide a variety of exercises which do not necessarily require musical knowledge. These can be taught at any time, but are especially valuable early in a student's learning path. They are also effective warm-up exercises before practice and before performances. The mental component includes things like book learning, music theory, song structure, playing experiences, working with others, and dealing with the stress of a live performance.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
Leave a Review
Leave a Review
RATING & REVIEW
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.