I teach both electric and acoustic guitar. If you're just starting out I'll be happy to make recommendations about where and what to purchase, as well as the pro's and con's of electric or acoustic. I have taught everything from Medieval/Early Music through Fernando Sor and on to Lawrence Juber and contemporary songs from the latest hits to long ago times. Classical? No problem. Blues? No problem. Jazz? No problem. 60's folk? You bet. 70's arena rock? Got you covered.
Who doesn't know someone that took piano lesson when they were a kid, and they hated it? If I had a nickel for every adult that comes to me for lessons scarred from some horrendous teacher with a stick, I could retire to the South of France comfortably! Rest assured that that is not the way I teach. For kids, it's all about fun! To me, there is no difference between teaching a young student the theme from "Star Wars" or Kelly Clarkson. It's all music. Sure, they'll learn the scales, and how to read music, but that's just part of it. As kids, it's important to try new things. See what fits. Your child may or may not be the next Vladimir Horowitz, and they may not take to the piano. One thing is for sure, they will learn that music is fun, exciting and a way we can all come together. Do you still have scars from your old piano teacher that used to drill you on scales and arpeggios? Did you learn stupid songs that you could not have cared less about? My lessons will turn that around for you.
"Slappin' da bass, mon!" Ah, what a great scene from, "I Love You, Man" The bass is a very unique instrument and I have found very unique individuals are drawn to it. Since the 1960s, the bass guitar has largely replaced the double bass in popular music as the bass instrument in the rhythm section. While types of bass lines vary widely from one style of music to another, the bassist usually fulfills a similar role: anchoring the harmonic framework and establishing the beat. Many styles of music utilize the bass guitar, including rock, metal, pop, punk rock, country, reggae, gospel, blues, and jazz. It is often a soloing instrument in jazz, jazz fusion, Latin, funk, progressive rock and other rock and metal styles. I can set you on your way!
Who hasn't played air drums while driving and no one was looking? The drums are the heartbeat of most music. Learning the drums is a bit like learning new exercises in the gym: you will teach your limbs to both play together and independently. "But, I don't have any rhythm!!" Nonsense, I say. If you can count to 4, walk, reach for things and wave your arms, you can learn the drums. I teach on electronic drums. For the kids, I can call up different drum kits from regular old rock n roll kits, to Roland 808's, to Latin percussion, to sill comedy sounds! Keeps them interested and they think it's really cool! (So, do I!)
What?? The ukulele? This lovely little instrument is easy and great fun to play! The strings are nylon so it doesn't hurt your fingers...you can take it anywhere, it's inexpensive, and just plain fun! Interested in learning "Stairway to Heaven"? on the Uke, you got it! How about "Cough Syrup"? How about Handel? This little gem can do it all!
Ah...the mandolin! Such a tiny voice with such power and emotion, an often overlooked instrument. In fact, there used to be, and actually still are mandolin orchestras! They primarily consist of instruments from the mandolin family of instruments, such as the mandolin, mandola, mandocello and mandobass or mandolone. Some mandolin orchestras use guitars and doublebasses instead of, or as well as, the lower mandolinâfamily instruments. Bluegrass, Celtic music and Early music sound great on the Mandolin.
Today's music software has replaced racks and racks of equipment and 2" tape. It can be daunting with all the possibilities that record software and VST instruments can achieve. I'm proficient at CUBASE, REASON, and SONAR. If you want to learn what a compressor does, and what is "threshold" and "ratio", how do I get my stuff to sound professional? I'm your guy. I'll teach what you need to know to make the next Soundcloud and YouTube sensation.