Michael B  
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Double Bass, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Latin, Funk, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk, Avant-garde

I began teaching while studying at Oberlin College, and have since taught private lessons everywhere I've gone, from Shanghai to here in New York, including bass, guitar, piano, music theory, and ensemble coaching. I have my own private studio, and have also taught private lessons at Art's House Music School in Coney Island and Pelham Music Arts School in Pelham. In addition, I have taught classroom music classes through Third Street Settlement Music School. Throughout, my goal has been to encourage a love of music while helping students build strong work habits, and enjoy that too.

I have a variety of books I use for beginning students, depending on age and level, including the Alfred guitar book for kids. Regardless of level, I always help students learn some music they are already interested in, as that is a key path to enjoying both the pure joy of music itself and the delight of learning something you didn't know you could do. Another important pathway that I explore with students, earlier or later depending on the student, is to begin to learn to improvise and compose their own music. I like to get into those areas as soon as the technical basis is there so students don't get the idea that composing or improvising are intimidating.