Every time I pick up the bass to teach a lesson, I start to smile and so does the student. We both understand that this is going to be fun, positive, and easy. That's how I want learning the bass to feel because in the end, bass is about grooving and connecting with others, making it easier to play as a band. Playing an instrument is a combination of technique, knowledge, and creativity. I feel that it's important for a student to explore these three areas and that positive encouragement will help a student work harder and achieve more.

I earned my B.M. and M.M. at two of the most highly ranked jazz programs in the world, at William Paterson University and then at Manhattan School of Music. By studying with legendary musicians and educators, I have a greater knowledge about the bass and its history in music. Through technique and creativity, I apply this knowledge to many different styles.

Even though my training is in jazz, I enjoy playing all styles of music. I play in...

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to a music-loving family, I began playing piano and guitar at a very young age. At age twelve, I began playing double bass, which has become my primary instrument. Throughout middle and high school, I received numerous awards for excellence in both jazz and classical music. After high school, I moved to the Oklahoma City area and had the opportunity to play with many of the great musicians who passed through, including Jon Faddis, Wynton Marsalis, Byron Stripling, and Anne Hampton Calloway.

Since moving to New York City in 2002, I have been fortunate enough to travel throughout the US, Canada, Caribbean, and Europe with such groups as Pete Robbins and Centric, Ryan Blotnick's Secret Mainstream, and The Paislies. Aside from my freelance work with various groups, I also play bass guitar in Brooklyn based rock band, Hungry Hands, as well as double bass in Tiger Lilies, an improvising chamber ensemble based on Indian folk melodies. As a graduate of the...

Hi everyone! I am a young, vibrant jazz guitarist recognized as an emerging talent on the New York jazz scene. I received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from New York University, where I studied with renowned guitarists Peter Bernstein, Randy Johnston, and John Scofield. During my time at NYU, I had the privilege of playing in the ensembles of Joe Lovano, Brian Lynch, Dave Pietro, Martin Wind, and Ralph Lalama.

I have performed in many venues across New York, including Smalls, Fat Cat, Jazz Gallery, Cleopatra's Needle, The Bar Next Door at La Lanterna, Caffe Vivaldi, and the famed Blue Note Jazz Club. You can currently catch me leading my own trio Fridays at Caravan of Dreams, a great vegan restaurant in the East Village.

I am an avid and passionate educator, teaching privately and having served as a music consultant at a Harlem charter school. I have also been a regular contributor to Jazz Inside Magazine.

I am a Manhattan based professional jazz trombonist. Along with the trombone, I am also a pianist as well as a bassist and guitarist. Along with jazz, I also play a variety of styles of music, including rock, pop, hip-hop, funk and many others.

I grew up in Michigan and I did my undergraduate degree in jazz performance at the University of Michigan. While at U of M, I studied under Dennis Wilson as well as Geri Allen and Bob Hurst. In 2009, I moved to New York City to pursue a Master's Degree in Jazz Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. While at MSM, I studied under Grammy winning trombonist Luis Bonilla, as well as renowned saxophonist Dave Liebman and many others. Since moving to the city, I have been given the opportunity to play in some of the greatest music venues in the world, including the Blue Note, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Smalls, Zinc Bar and many others.

As an educator, the most important thing for me is to make sure the student is constantly...

New York city based guitarist and composer Juan C. immigrated to Miami, Florida at age 21.
His work speaks a unique language that blends elements from his early musical experiences in Colombia, as a member of various folk, rock (metal ) ensembles, and his studies in East Asian music fuelled by travels and interaction with musicians and artists in China and Japan.

Juan’s music has been performed throughout South America, the United States and Asia. Although Juan cannot return to his native Colombia, his string duet, “Famous Librarians” (commissioned by Olivia de Prato and Victor Lowrie, was premiered at the Medellín Conservatory of Music.) His piece for electric bass and keyboard, “Glue Pain Ghost,” a collaboration with video artist, Jane Hsu, was invited to a world premiere at the GEISAI Art festival in Tokyo, and the Art Basel festival in Miami.

Juan holds a Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of Susan...

Athena has enjoyed tremendous success as a singer/songwriter, actress, musician and teacher. She is originally from Toronto, but is now based out of New York City.

Athena has released 5 CDs, toured North America (both as a singer/songwriter and as an actress), and taught voice, piano, guitar, songwriting and acting for the past 13 years. She has shared the stage Sarah McLachlan and Jim Carrey, and taught songwriting to 5th Grade girls with Lisa Loeb (the teaching project with Lisa Loeb was made into a documentary and premiered at Tribeca Cinemas). Currently, her music video LOVE IS LOVE is featured on MTV's LOGO TV.

As a teacher, Athena has worked at numerous schools, organizations, and colleges across North America, including Oregon State University, Montcalm College, Manhattan New Music Project, TADA!, and The Ontario Science Center. She teaches privately (voice, piano, guitar, acting & songwriting), and facilitates workshops to kids and adults on topics ranging from...

I am a very patient with beginners and I can help advanced students find the inner drive to excel. From the very beginning lessons, I set you up to go as far as possible, by providing the foundations in technique, theory and ear-training that will allow you to grow quickly and assuredly. I also let you choose your repertoire and learn the music you love.

I have many years experience teaching guitar, theory and ear-training to beginners all the way up to graduate students. I have a Masters of Music in classical guitar from Manhattan School of Music, and a PhD in music theory. But most importantly, I love to teach and I love to find ways to explain things and develop skills in my students based on understanding their way of learning.

My specialty as a performer is Brazilian guitar, but I have played and taught many different styles - I also transcribe a lot of music so students frequently bring me recordings and I teach them how to learn by ear. This ear-training allows me to...

Music education goes beyond your ability to play the music you hear in the world and within yourself. I believe that when you focus on the expressions you are making through the language of music, technique, intonation, and proficiency will follow. I encourage students to practice the music that speaks to them. I benefit students by enabling them to become accustomed to playing with intent and sensitivity. I have gathered experience over the years playing for groups and releasing my own music, both of which have given me the perspective to educate students and further their potential. I have played bass guitar for grunge rock and metal bands, both electric and upright bass for a number of jazz ensembles, drum kit and world percussion for the latter as well as experimental groups, and have built a repertoire of electronic music productions that include progressive house music and hip hop. I wish to help students understand what a stellar music performance is made of; sincerity,...

Matt's love for guitar and music began like many guitarists, when he first heard the sound of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and many other classic rock guitarists. He immediately picked up the guitar and began learning as many songs by these icons as possible. Eventually he heard the likes of jazz guitar greats Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery and his love of music changed forever. Since then, Matt has combined his love of jazz and classic rock into a passion for all music throughout his career as a performer and educator.

As a teacher, Matt began as a tutor of guitar, jazz improvisation, music theory, and ear-training at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona. Upon moving to New York City in 2004, Matt continued to teach privately while pursuing his BFA in Jazz Performance and Music Education at The City College of New York. In conjunction with completing his Education degree, Matt had the opportunity of teaching music to all levels of students in the...

My students are always shown that playing the drums are downright fun. Every time I sit at the kit, I still feel like a little kid who finally gets to hit 'those big things on the stage,' and that enthusiasm is imparted to everyone I teach. Music encompasses all aspects of art: expression (improvisation), entertainment (performance), craftsmanship (technical skill), and enjoyment (having fun). Nobody should miss out on any of these, and a positive attitude helps students be eager to work hard and achieve their goals.

In 6 years of intense degree work, I earned my B.M. and M.M. from two of the most highly acclaimed jazz programs in the world, Oberlin Conservatory and the Manhattan School of Music. Studying with living legends has given me not only information but perspective on music, something not many receive. History and knowledge of the music and the instrument are strengths of mine, and they are balanced with correct technique that transfers to any style.

Don't let the...

My students improve through a better knowledge of the fingerboard and a comprehensive look at the songs that define your preferred music genre. Play by ear and improve your reading while learning jazz, blues, and folk styles. In over 20 years of teaching, I show students how to play chords and single note lines with ease.

A professional voice teacher from The Boston Conservatory of Music, Dominic S. (lyric baritone) has years of experience teaching people of all ages, and in all styles of music. Professionally, he has performed in National Tours, Off Broadway, and in major films.

"Music has always been my absolute favorite thing in the world, and so to teach it to others through singing really is special."

Currently Dominic is working with a student who is working with Lady Gaga's producer. Another student is signed with Akon. Recently, another student has been in talks with Jessie J's producer. Other students are performing in regional theatre as well as on Broadway.