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B.F.A in Jazz Studies from CUNY. City College
Masters Degree in Music Performance from New Jersey City University
- I have performed around the world with a various artists in the Latin, Jazz, and Pop music world - I was nominated for ‘Next Best Generation Artist’ and ‘Best Latin Jazz Guitar’ for the 2010 Latin Jazz Corner Best of The Year Awards, and on-line Latin music website. - My debut recording titled ‘Camino Al Barrio’ peaked at #8 on the Jazz Week World Music Chart. - I was interviewed on UNIVISION 'Aca Entre Nos' music segment about my music and career
I have a BFA in Jazz Studies from City College- CUNY. I've had the opportunity to play in Broadway shows, clubs, as well as festivals in the US and abroad. These have been with several artists in the Jazz and Latin music world, as well as with my own group. With these experiences I have become well versed in several styles including Jazz, Latin, Rock , and Pop music. In my teaching approach, I enjoy sharing what I've learned out in the world with my students, since I bring a large pallet of music to my lessons.
I have been teaching guitar lessons both private and in group classes full time, for over 20 years. I've taught all ages from as young as 6 years old, to adults. A few, from the age of 5. I have experience teaching children with learning disabilities. I was on the faculty of the acclaimed 92nd St. Y School of Music for 12 years. My goal in teaching is to have the student make music. As soon as they learn three notes, we start making music by playing simple melodies, even on one string. For older more advanced beginner and advanced students, I focus on a variety music which will motivate them to practice, learn and have fun. I encourage recitals which makes it more real what they are learning. I encourage and motivate a consistent practice schedule so they can see their progress. Several students of mine have gone on to music colleges. I work with many adults who have a specific goal in mind , whether it may be Blues guitar, or singer-songwriter styles.
For beginning guitar students depending on age, I use two books: Hal Leonard Guitar Method, and the FJH Young Beginner Guitar Method. For more advanced students, I use he Berklee College of Music books. We begin with simple finger exercises to build finger strength. From there, first position chords, strumming patterns. Songs are used to teach different techniques of rhythm, melody and harmony. Listening to music of the specific song that is being learned, takes part in the lessons. Eventually the student learns to play along with the recording. For more advanced students interested in Jazz, Blues or other music, a custom lesson plan is constructed that will take them through several months of material.
I tailor my instruction to each students needs. For a beginning student, the fundamentals are key. Once they have a good grasp of the fundamentals, realistic goals are set for each lesson. I like to show my excitement when a student has accomplished a specific goal well. I enjoy having the student play duets with me. Learning how to play in time both with melodies and chord strumming is a very big part of the lessons. This is great training for when they begin to play with another player, and eventually in a band if they wish