Sayreville, NJ Bass Guitar Lessons

e and Clarinet. Performed with various ensembles, groups and bands in musical genres ranging from Classical music to Rock. Taught private music lessons in New York City area for 18 years to students of various ages and levels. For the last 3 years teaching music at a public school in Staten Island. Classes ranging from Pre-K through 8 Grade and including: Guitar Ensemble, Band, Chorus, General Music & Rock Band.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back teacher with many years of experience, which gives me the confidence to make the lessons fun and educational. Even though I am not very strict, I do have some expectations of my students: they will have to practice in order to be ready for the next lesson and in order to improve and show progress. After 3 or 6 months, my students will be able to play songs with various chords already, be able to read simple music and start learning how to improvise.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room: Amps, guitars, full keyboard

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would provide the book for the student on the first lesson, however after that the student would have to purchase the book. I will have my own instrument, but the student must have their own instrument in order to be ready for the lesson. I do have a number of guitars and if its a guitar student - I would be able to let the student use one of my guitars on the first lesson.

*** Specialties ***
I teach many various styles and incorporate the reading and music literacy in all of the styles. I specialize in teaching Classical and Rock genres of music. However I have taught: Metal, Bossa Nova, Pop, Punk, Flamenco, Progressive. Teaching classical genre - I incorporate a lot of various techniques that are very broad in spectrum to help the student learn to perform the music, read, improvise and compose. Teaching Rock genre - I teach my students to read music as well and concentrate on improvising and soloing techniques as well.

Bass and musical director at Murderers Row
Blue Man Group….Chapman Stick, bass guitar and talking drum from 1991 to present including performing on the Jay Leno Show in 1994; ongoing gigs as sideman and leader (bass, guitar, stick and voice) in NYC from 1981 to 2015
Tom S. Trio on fretless guitar - NY
Fretless Guitar Festival, 2006

Solo bass CD- Quixotic
Brillliant Coroners CD
Otis Ball and The Chains - I'm Gonna Love You Till I Don't;
Dumptruck For The Country CD

Specializations:
Improvisation
Music Learning (Theory)
Music Technology (MIDI and Digital Recording)

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back, but focused instructor. I use a variety of methods to best improve my students strengths and lessen their weaknesses. After three to six months , most students will be comfortable playing in rhythm and understanding basic harmony.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the music room, guitar, electric bass, amps, computer with recording equipment, protools, logic and ableton live

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will bring a bass or guitar. They must have an instrument and some form of amplifier.

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Jazz

s well. I try to show students that learning music is a lifelong pursuit that can provide all types of fun and personal fulfillment, in addition to being a potential career and social outlet. After 3-6 months, the student will be playing songs, good ones, not just scales. They will also have learned basics, such as chords and scales, as well as sight reading.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Basement converted into music studio with instruments, and piano and keyboard. Parents can sit in on lessons. Street parking available.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide all lesson materials, listening examples, and, on occassion, an instrument. I often use my laptop to play songs and tutorials for students (who don't buy records like we did in the old days.) Generally, students must provide instrument.

*** Specialties ***
I tailor my lessons based on three factors: a student's interests, their ability, and their amount of practice time. I do not use a cookie cutter method of teaching because each student is different. I have studied, formally and informally, rock, pop, blues, jazz and classical. My specialties are rock and blues. On occasion, I will use method books, such as the Schirmer books for piano, but only if the student clearly seems to benefiting from them.

a, or Bach, the concepts underlying music are basically the same. I will make sure you can play the music you love and hopefully help you explore new music as well.

*** Studio Equipment ***
In my studio I have a Guild Classical, Alvarez Acoustic, and Epiphone Electric.

All the accessories needed as well. Music Stands, Foot Stools, Picks, Straps, Slides, Tuners, Books, etc.

I also use an iMac in lessons. I like incorporating technology when appropriate, to look up tunes, or do a recording session, it's a necessary tool to learn nowadays.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will bring everything we need to conduct a proper lesson remotely. I do recommend you have your own guitar though.

*** Specialties ***
For all the advanced knowledge I have and years of teaching students of all kinds, my favorite is teaching beginners. I love seeing someone come in with no knowledge of music, and taking them from milestone to milestone. I love watching new musicians blossom.

I play, teach, and perform most frequently in classical, rock, blues, and pop genres.

each student individually, catering to specific goals and needs that we will decide upon and plan together. Some students want to seriously study a craft. Others want a hobby that will be fun and interesting. I have had success teaching to both, and will impart basic fundamentals and musicianship to all types of students.

I see my primary job as keeping the student inspired, intellectually fed and sprinting in the right direction. The student's job is to do the work. Daily practice is essential to move forward in any craft.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My Brooklyn studio is a dedicated music space with two drum sets, PA, amplifiers and recording capabilities.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide books, a drum pad, sticks or mallets, an iPod with two sets of headphones, and a metronome. Additionally, I can bring small hand drums, special instruments and percussion that might be needed for specialty lessons. I expect students to have some sort of pad or drum to practice on at home; a full drum set is not necessary.

*** Specialties ***
Drum set (rock, jazz, R&B, folk, pop, electro, Afro-Cuban)
Snare drum
Timpani
Two- and four-mallets (marimba, vibraphone, xylophone)
Accessory percussion
Frame drums
Traditional samba
Afro-Cuban hand drums
Japanese taiko

cupy Olympus, performed by Magis Theatre Company at Flamboyan Theatre, New York International Fringe Festival in 2013.

.
I usually have 3 main paths that the student can choose.
1st - Learn the instrument enough so you can play your favorite songs and have fun with friends.
2nd(most requested) - Learn the instrument from scratch. Study technique, repertoire, a little of reading and music theory and learn how to improvise. This will allow the person to have their own tools to study on their own after attending classes with me.
3rd - Usually people who have been playing before like this one. We will go deep in music theory, ear training, reading, improvising and technique. Always leaning challenging tunes that will develop the student skills. This one allows the student to follow a professional path on the future, or maybe go into a music college.

*Location
Classes can take place at my studio or at your own location with an extra fee for transportation.

*Under 18 students
For children under 18 parents are more than welcome to stay for the classes, tell me if there is any specific goal you are looking for or talk about any subject that you might want.

*AUDITION PREP
I also help people to prepare for auditions. For this subject, I will tell you how to get ready for an audition. If you are trying to get in a college I have many contacts around the country and know how most auditions work and can help you with any question there might be. For auditions for orchestras or band we can work on repertoire and behavior to get you ready and all set to get accepted.

g, marketing and branding, and licensing. I'm currently a member of 3 original bands and have continued to do an array of session work on both guitar and bass.

I am endorsed by Lakland basses and am a member of SESAC. I love coffee, chocolate, and like my eggs over medium.

and make the sounds that they want to hear.

I have also trained in the Alexander Technique and in sports-focused physical therapy, which aids me in identifying and helping students solve technique problems that are causing issues with playing, or which could cause pain or injury down the line. So far (knock wood) I have not had any student suffer from the repetitive stress injuries which affect so many musicians.

I have been teaching lessons on multiple instruments for over 10 years, and my goal as a teacher is to help you reach your goals, and have fun on the way!