Guitar with Adrian B.

Music has played a big role in my life ever since I was 4 and heard The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night." From that point on, I committed myself towards a life in music, soon after beginning lessons on classical guitar. Through high school I studied classical and jazz guitar at Philadelphia's esteemed Settlement Music School, and I subsequently attended New York University as a jazz studies major in both guitar and composition for a bachelors and masters degree. As a teacher, I love to pair my academic knowledge of music with my decades of experience listening to and playing popular music ranging from rock and funk to bluegrass and hip hop. I've performed in settings ranging from jazz clubs in Italy, to theater in New York, and rock clubs in Philadelphia. In my lessons I like to bring that diverse experience to create a curriculum that compliments the interests of the student. *** Lesson Details *** In a private lesson setting I like to say, "What you put in is what you'll get out." Students who show up having practiced a lot, who are eager to dive in depth into a subject, will grow immensely in a short amount of time. Those who are interested in practicing guitar as a casual activity also have plenty to gain, and I try to push my students in accordance with their interest level. As a teacher, I like to support my students' personal ambitions on the instrument and with music on the whole, drawing on a wide range of materials. My goal is to put the proper resources in front of my students and ask them questions that will push them to discover the elements of music they knew they were looking for and some they didn't. Every student has personal goal, and I like to draw on my diverse background in music to help each of mine achieve theirs. *** Studio Equipment *** Common space seating for parents. *** Travel Equipment *** I expect my students to have an instrument, paper, and a pencil. I can bring a music stand if necessary. *** Specialties *** I have been playing various styles of guitar, from classical to jazz to rock and beyond, for most of my life, so I feel comfortable showing all students the style they are most interested in.