Private Guitar tutoring lessons Blairstown, NJ.

ver 25 years. In addition to guitar, I'm a vocalist, composer and arranger as well as a music publisher. I actively perform as both a classical guitarist and singer-songwriter.

PLEASE SPEAK TO ME before purchasing your child's instrument. A standard size steel string guitar can be difficult to handle and may discourage your child.

***NOTES ABOUT SPECIAL NEEDS***

Usually, learning disabilities, ADD & ADHD go together just fine with guitar lessons and frequently give these precious young people a creative outlet. Speak to me about your child's needs so I can prepare the best lessons possible!

Be aware that there are stairs to my home studio. Please take this into consideration if you have an ambulatory disability.

*** STUDIO EQUIPMENT ***

Home Studio, dedicated space, guitars and recording equipment, keyboard and amps, music stands, chairs, comfortable waiting area for parents.

and your family to achieve your music education goals!

The Drifters, Del Shannon, The Shirelles, The Marvelettes, The Crystals, Chuck Berry, Leslie Gore and believe it or not Tiny Tim. I played guitar, harmonica, mandolin and banjo in productions of: Hair, Tommy, Big River, Fiddler On The Roof and Grease. I composed my own music and performed and co-wrote with others who also wrote their own music. I have always taught private guitar lessons as far back as I can remember. One notable student was Stevie Wonder's son Keita who I taught for 2 years at Stevie's home in northern New Jersey as well as CBS News Anchor Charles Osgood's daughter Annie. Currently I teach 20 private guitar students a week.. From 1994 to 2000, I was the guitarist for The Royal Scam (a Steely Dan Tribute) and during that period I was hired by Hal Leonard Music Corp. to write a guitar transcription book called "The Best of Steely Dan". I was also hired by Brother International Corp. to compose and record a national radio jingle called "P-Touch", with Corey Glover from the rock band Living Colour doing the vocal tracks.
In 1996 I went to William Paterson University to obtain my teacher certification in music education. After the 9/11 attacks, I co-wrote and arranged "America Home Of The Free". The song was used to raise thousands of dollars for the victims of The World Trade Center attacks. Presently I divide my time between teaching, which I enjoy as much as performing and playing guitar with a jazz quartet called ....and All That Jazz, whose 2005 CD "Reflections" was recorded, mixed and mastered in my home based 24 track recording studio in northern NJ. I am also involved in a mandolin / classical guitar project called Music Of The Ages and perform with a 10 piece band called Epic Soul.
As a teacher I am very patient with students and enjoy helping them reach their own musical goals. I emphasize knowing the basics and encourage students to study music theory and basic reading of standard notation. I always ask my students to bring in songs they want to learn as a way to motivate them to practice more.

*** Lesson Details ***
GUITAR: I expect my students to practice at least 5 days a week for at least a 1/2 hour per day. I use the Suzuki method for young students ages 8 to10. We continue learning basic folk songs by ear and then start reading standard notation and basic theory within 6 to 8 months along with classical guitar duets. For older students I use the Hal Leonard guitar method. After 3 months of lessons students can expect to know the basic open position chords and strum patterns to some basic songs as well as some famous guitar riffs and also be able to read some basic melodies in standard notation. After 6 months students will be able to play a 12 bar blues and improvise with the pentatonic and blues scales as well as learn moveable scales and chords and apply these to songs.

PIANO: I also start young piano students with the Suzuki method so they can play some five finger familiar melodies in a short time period. Then we progress to reading notation and eventually adding chord accompaniment to melodies. I use the Faber piano method for reading standard notation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
24 track recording studio, room for parents to sit 14' x 21'...completely furnished studio with guitars, amps, piano, drum machine, synthesizer, microphones...the works.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students need a good quality and proper size guitar (for very young students) a music stand (for their home use) a foot stool, a metronome and books I assign along with an 8 1/2" X 11" blank manuscript book and a folder with side pockets to hold handout sheets. Piano students need their own instrument and the above materials minus the foot stool.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki classical guitar, classic rock, blues, jazz , popular, funk, country, folk, finger picking and pick style and piano.

cording, and Live Sound for 16 years.

I can teach you note-reading, tabs, ear training, music theory, composition, improvisation in just about any style of music.

Working with people writing songs is something I enjoy thoroughly; I can help you write and record your own songs. A computer and internet access are preferred to take full advantage of the technology for learning and producing music.

Knowledgeable in Instrument repair, set-up, and maintenance, I can help you fix it, and how to spot a good instrument.

Patient and experienced, with a broad knowledge of music in most areas, I can give you hundreds of good references from previous students I've taught over the years

*** Studio Equipment ***

Guitars, basses, percussion and drum sets, a piano, saxophones, hand drums, a 20-track digital recording studio with monitors that are equalized to the room's acoustics for accurate listening and mixing, plus an assortment of microphones, amps, mic stands, cables, and connectors.

ately, I teach a student to be able to progress independently. Learning songs is fine, and a great way to get motivated, but in the end it's about learning the concepts that allow the student to learn those songs on his/her own and be able to use those elements create their own music.
I teach all styles, and levels.
I am currently unable to offer lessons at my home studio, but still provide lessons on Skype or in your home.
Also offering lessons for Bass guitar.

, taught me how to read music and play keyboard. Music is something that can never escape my life! I practice my instruments on a daily basis and avidly compose my own music as well. Besides being involved with piano at school, I was a member of the William Paterson Symphony Orchestra where I played second violin, as well as a member of the school's flute ensemble. My goal is to have a career in which I can instill within my students the same love, endearment and appreciation for music that has grown with me over the years.

I am someone who truly has a passionate love for music, as it is what my whole life is about and brings me immense happiness on a daily basis. I am not just a robotic teacher who is providing lessons as a financial opportunity, but someone who honestly cares about the growth of a student's musical ability and love for music itself.

A huge part of music is not just learning how to play the notes correctly, but to come to understand the amazement that can be experienced from the act of playing an instrument. To be the most successful in any music related business, I feel that it is essential to love what you do and to practice as much as you possibly can. Love and practice can take someone very far if they are truly dedicated to their art.

Witnessing a student enjoy what they're doing while improving their skills in the process is an amazing feeling for both student and teacher. I want to show people what it is I love about music so much, and hopefully instill within them the same love and passion.

I would like possible future students to know that I am not like any other instructor, as generic as this may sound. I have a true, fervent passion for music which I yearn to share with others.
Whether music is a way of life or just a hobby for someone, it can be something that sticks with them for the remainder of their lives and brings great happiness and enjoyment.