Guitar Lessons

in Kirkwood.

Amazing Teachers.

, Dennis Wasko, and John Swana. Vince has also attended master classes held by Randy Brecker, Matt Gallagher, Michael Abene, Craig Morris, Steve Wilson, Claudio Roditi, Pat Martino, Malcolm McNab, Matthew Shipp, Scott Holbert, John Abercrombie, Jeff Curnow, and Alison Balsom. 

Vince first began teaching music in 2006 as the trumpet instructor at Silver Creek Central School. He directed trumpet master classes for high school students. Vince later took on various private students teaching trumpet, guitar, electric bass, improvisation, arrangement and composition. While earning his Master of Music at the University of the Arts, he served as the trumpet department intern and was responsible for teaching private trumpet lessons, preparing transcriptions for class materials and live performances, and proctoring music theory exams. Also at UArts, Vince was a teaching assistant for the Freshman Jazz Improvisation class for which he conducted sectionals, administered exams, and offered critiques regarding inventiveness of improvisations. In 2017 he taught a jazz improvisation masterclass at Schenectady County Community College.  

Since each student approaches music differently; Vince tailors his teaching to fit students' approaches. He asks each student, "What do you want to accomplish?" Together, they set short and long term goals. Vince believes a strong technical foundation leads to freer ease of artistic expression. His students receive a wholistic approach to music applicable to whatever instrument they choose. 

Vince’s original music has been described as “a contemporary instance of fusion done right” (Matthew Aquilin, All About Jazz). His next album, The Nook, is a full length straight-ahead jazz album featuring John Swana. The music harks back to Miles Davis' first great quintet. The Nook was preceded by Sound Plan (2017), Live at PafA (2017), Syzygy (2014), and Syzygy: Remix (2014). Vince is currently self producing four more solo albums. One unreleased composition was recently featured in the Philadelphia Real Book Volume 1.

Vince has appeared as a side man on 40+ albums. He is the trumpeter and arranger with the York Street Hustle, the John Byrne Band, and You Do You. Vince founded the Philly Phatness horn section, which has recorded with regional, national, and international artists, and on film soundtracks. He serves as Musical Director and bassist for Phloyd: a Philadelphia Pink Floyd tribute band. "His horn croons and wahs with touches of funk or blues, bridging the futuristic digital age with a snazzy sense of classic cool" (Geno Thackara, All About Jazz).

Quotes:

"Vince proves himself a very creative composer. I look forward to hearing more from this upcoming composer & instrumentalist." (Fred "Rock Steady Freddie" Reiter)

"Vince plays his horn with creative passion and soul, his tone is very open and full these two combined make him one of the leading up and coming young jazz trumpet players of today." (Rebecca Coupe Franks)

"I've had the great pleasure of working with Vince as an arranger and writer. His music explores many styles and directions, and is always well crafted. He has an original and distinctive voice as a player, an arranger, and a writer. Such dedicated talent deserves to be heard, and I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot from Vince in the future." (Vinnie Martucci)

Society, Slayer and many others.

Now off the road for a signifigant amount of time, Art has resumed teaching full time and is resuming enrolling students. Art has been a guitar teacher for over 6 years and has taught (and played) everything from taylor swift to metallica to james brown. He believes every student learns at their own pace and does not believe in a "one size fits all approach" for learning the guitar. He tailor makes every curriculum for the student and can help every individual achieve their goal whether its strumming around the campfire or wanting to dazzle crowds with technical wizardry.

*** Lesson Details ***
Students taking lessons from me can expect a balanced music lesson. A combination of practical skill based things such as technique, scales, theory but also learning your favorite songs from your favorite bands or artists. I bring conservatory based training mixed with real life world experience to students from my training at the Musicians Institute and the hundreds of gigs and recording sessions. I have a very laid back approach and believe that music lessons are healthiest and most fun activities a human being can engage in. I use a wide variety of curriculums based on the students skill levels and wants and needs. Whether you're an absolute beginner intermediate or advanced or you want to learn acoustic pop, funk or heavy metal i've performed it, recorded it and taught it. After a few months of lessons with me students can expect to be playing along to there favorite songs, able to improvise over chord progressions and developed some technique and sense of rhythm.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The lessons are taught in the living room with all equipment. Seating is available. Parking is on the street.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide copies of material as well as my own supplies from paper and pen to cabes tuners and amp. I expect the student to have a quiet space {assuming an in home lesson} to teach in as well as guitar, amp, and picks. I also provide the music stand and metronome.

*** Specialties ***
Various method books published by Musicians Institute press, Alfred and Hal leonard and cherry lane. Fluent in ALL styles - Rock, Pop, Country, Funk, R&B, and heavy metal etc etc. Also very fluent in sight reading, Theory and how it applies to the students prospective instrument as well as Ear Training

r my lessons to meet a students individual needs. I am a serious teacher, but I am a laid back person. I am easy going, but I will make sure you learn what you need to learn. I can guarantee after 4 or 5 lessons with me, you will have tripled your knowledge of chords, scales, technique, and song repertoire. I am very patient and am happy to work with students of all ages and skill levels.

I encourage mid to upper level students to bring in songs they want to learn (if they are at the right level) and I will transcribe them on the spot and go through them with you step by step.

If you want to learn how to play all your favorite songs, I am the teacher for you. I won't make you play music you aren't really interested in, but I will make recommendations for songs to improve your playing and include music theory so that you understand what you are playing and why you are playing it. The point of playing music is to HAVE FUN, after all.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fender Blues Jr. III guitar amp, Vintage Gallien Kreuger guitar amp, Carvin/Peavey Bass amp, Epiphone 1 x 12 guitar amp, custom thin line telecaster, custom solid body telecaster, vintage synsonic electric guitar, breedlove acoustic guitar, Tacoma acoustic bass, Schecter stiletto 5 string electric bass, Ibanez soundgear 5 string bass, custom stratocaster, vintage synsonic single coil guitar, 5 string banjo, , Diamond Head tenor ukulele, u-king soprano banjolele , M-Audio oxygen 8 midi controller, Blue Mic USB microphone, Eurorack mixer, shure microphone, 2011 Macbook pro w/ Sibelius, Pro Tools, Garage Band, Reason. Full lutherie shop equipped to do custom builds, guitar set-ups, mods.

*** Specialties ***
Picked and fingerstyle acoustic or electric guitar, Fingerstyle or picked bass guitar, ukulele, improvisation, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Hip-Hop, Bossa, recording, lutherie, etc.

ar recitals where students can show off their new skills

-I bring all materials to lessons for your convenience (excluding piano)

-singers receive recorded warm ups to practice with at home

-I am skilled at helping students with ear training if they need it for voice, most of my students can match pitch after a month of singing lessons no matter the trouble they have had before

-every student gets a "new student kit" at their first lesson including a list of performance opportunities and a vocal health guide for singers

-weekly instructional videos for voice sent

-weekly links to articles about music and the brain

-I respond to student concerns and questions within 24 hours

I welcome students of all ages and work hard to make music accessible for everyone.

-Young kids in voice can expect their lessons to be fun and educational including using visual tools like scarves and shakers, and imaginative play to learn vocal techniques needed to sing on pitch and with proper breathe control.

-Children in piano lessons will learn music theory and piano technique through simple songwriting exercises, theory games, visual tools and more. They will learn about composer's lives and musical styles, providing them with a well-rounded lesson experience.

-Older children and adult singers can expect to learn about their vocal anatomy in order to better control of their voice and become independent during practice sessions at home. They will learn how to improve breathe control, posture and diction. Time during lessons will also be dedicated to developing stage presence and discussing vocal health. Singers will be allowed to select repertoire from the genre of their choice. They can also learn how to harmonize and sight-sing in lessons if they would like.

-I teach beginning guitar students and help them learn how to play with proper technique and accompany themselves when singing. These students learn to read staff and tab and shape different chords on the guitar. I use theory games and visual tools for kids to make lessons fun

-Music theory/composition students will be taught how to read and write music. Students will be invited to improvise on the piano and record their improvisations.They will be taught how to sight-sing in order to learn how to notate any melodies in their head
They will learn how music has changed and been influenced throughout history. They will learn how to read lead sheets and use stylistic invariants in their playing. They will be provided with honest feedback and constructive help on their compositions.They will learn how the human brain processes music and how best to capitalize upon this process for the greatest audience appeal.

-I have experience teaching students with special needs and adjusting lessons to help them meet their goals.

About me!

I am a Westminster Choir College '11 Alum  who graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Music, summa cum laude. I also have my master's degree in music therapy from Drexel University. I am also a Member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and a  Board Certified Music Therapist. During my time at school I performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center, and did music therapy work with older adults, as well as disadvantaged children and parents.

I also have my own parent/child music class I host every Thursday September-May. It's never to early to start a music education!

I have been teaching for over four years and now have a studio of more than 70 happy students. Teaching music is my passion, and I love seeing students grow!

I often draw upon my experience from my master's degree in music therapy, which taught me that music can have a profound effect on the human brain and upon cognitive development.  My skills as a music therapist allow me to better understand a student's cognitive strengths and areas for improvement, and to develop individualized teaching strategies which utilize student strengths.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studios are equipped with keyboard, guitar or piano, as well as a sizable repertoire of classical, broadway and popular music. ' I also have a mirror for voice students to see how their body is moving when singing and visual tools for students like scarves, whiteboard, markers, crayons...ect. I am more than happy to help students find any music they may need for lessons that is not already in my library.

I recommend the following books for piano students (listed by age):
Ages 4-6:
My First Piano Adventure, Lesson Book A with by Nancy & Randall Faber
Ages 6-12:Piano Adventures - Level 1: Lesson Book [Book]Faber Piano Adventures

Ages 12 and up:

Adult All-In-One Course: Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, Level ...by Willard A. Palmer

Voice: Alfred's Teach Yourself to Sing
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in ear training, sight-singing and knowing and understanding vocal anatomy. Many of my students are students who have gone on to score lead roles in their schools or community theater performances, as well as lead singers of local bands looking to improve their techniques and improve their vocal health.

I specialize in theory and sight-reading for piano and theory students.

I also specialize in teaching those with special needs.

instrument of musical expression. Dan is currently playing venues in and around NYC and the metropolitan area. He has also performed in France and looks forward to tour more of Europe. He also enjoys a career as a international recording artist and songwriter. As a recording artist he has reached the top 100 charts on Beatport. He has co-written with some of the biggest names in Dance/House music and those songs have gone on to be remixed by some of the biggest DJ’s around.

His musical influences range from The Blues, Pop, RnB, Rock, Funk, Jazz, House and EDM. This range of music continues to influence his writing and vocal styling developing a sound that is truly unique, while also informing a well rounded approach to educating.