Private Guitar tutoring lessons Brooklyn, NY.

work in music reading of standard music notation and TAB;

* Fretboard navigation, pick-control and fingerstyle techniques.

* Song repertoire knowledge and memorization

*Solo guitar interpretation of popular songs as well as accompaniment styles appropriate for backing your or another's voice;
*Ear-training and Music theory is incorporated into each lesson.

NYSSMA preparation is available for both Classical and Jazz auditions.

Piano lessons are available with concentration in proper hand mechanics and technique, theory, ear-training and music reading. NYSSMA preparation up through level 4 is available.

*** Lesson Details ***
My guitar lessons follow a structured format. I begin with technical exercises for both the picking/strumming hand and the fretting hand, leading to good sound production. As students learn to achieve well-balanced tones, they learn to apply that to the written page using standard music notation and the TAB system. From single notes, students learn to build harmony, (chords), from 2 notes, to 3, and thereafter, 4. Song repertoire is built from a variety of sources including published method books. Memorization of song repertoire is stressed.

After the student has learned the notes and scales in the first position as well as the associated chords, he/she can learn songs of his/her choosing from the Folk, Pop, Classical and Jazz repertoire that is appropriate to his/her current level.

Piano method books used include the Dozen-A-Day and Hanon technique exercises as well as the Schaum and Michael Aaron method book series'.

NYSSMA training/coaching is available for both piano and guitar with suitable training beginning a least a year before the NYSSMA audition is to take place.

The Guitar student should have a good quality guitar, (steel strings, nylon strings, or steel-string electric) professionally set-up with light-gauged strings (for the beginners), a strap, a music stand, and time and space in the home in order to encourage a daily routine of practice.

The Piano student should have daily access to a piano or keyboard instrument with weighted keys in order to be able to practice lesson material daily.

For young students, a practice chart is given where a student is to mark his/her practice time in order for progress to be made.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a dedicated room in my home that is set up for private practice and teaching. It has an electronic piano, folding chairs, a music stand and guitar amplifiers and cables.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I bring an acoustic guitar with me to all out-going lessons so that I can play along with the student and demonstrate techniques as necessary. I bring extra blank sheets of music writing paper, fret board diagrams, and study sheets, as well as extra copies of the books I use most frequently. I can purchase books/materials for the student, with the student's or parent/guardian's reimbursement, or the student may purchase materials on their own.

*** Specialties ***
Pick-style and finger-style guitar, both acoustic and electric; music reading, music theory; re-harmonization and arrangement techniques to make a song your own!

le pages. Theory helps you to understand song writing, ear training, and how to build chords and scales. I try to get you to hear the music so you can improvise better and also take songs and solos off CD's yourself, therefore becoming more self reliant to teach yourself in the future.

My students bring in the songs they like and by strengthening their ears and learning to apply theory points, I show them how they can figure out the song by ear the exact way it was written and played by the original artist. Therefore you can play with the CD as if you are a band member. This builds confidence to perform and record in any band at any level. As stated above, I will also customize a program for those interested in learning songs without the theory work so they can use the music to play songs as a nice relaxing past time.

Course Descriptions- Rock, Blues and Funk: You will quickly learn how chords and scales are developed using a condensed theory set up chart. This quick immersion in theory helps you to build a strong foundation while at the same time playing and enjoying the music. I have found in my years of teaching that making theory and music interactive from the beginning makes it more enjoyable to learn. You will learn all scales, chords, techniques, rhythms, and ear training specific to these styles of music. The advantage to this Teaching Format , especially in terms of solo scale playing, to progress much further and faster than if you were just learning how to play the songs. We then go straight to the CD's of your choice and learn from the best, the artists you've admired. Whether to learn their rhythms, solo lines, songwriting formats, melodies and harmonies, and all by ear. As a soloist, you will know enough about scales and chord theory and how to blend the two so you can make the guitar talk yourself. Still for those who want a quick song approach, we can get into playing a song and review its theory relevance when desired. (Recommend 1 hour lesson/week plus practice time)

Folk, Country and Bluegrass: As stated above, I begin with the condensed theory chart to understand chords of all types. Here we study rhythms of the above music forms including ballad, country blues and country folk. Through use of songs you enjoy, we study how the music was written and performed. You will learn in this course how to play music you love as it was done by the original artist. We begin with listening to the original soundtrack. Through the use of the ear we dissect the song and learn it in its original form piece by piece. This will also help set up the study of song writing. Understanding how artists Choose Chords, develop Melodies and Harmonies, and use the art of Modulation to bring you to and from different keys for effect. Transposing songs to fit your vocal range and Arranging songs to bring out their best. (Recommend 1 hour lesson/week plus practice time)

Finger Style: Great fun for those who would rather not sing but still want to play full songs on guitar. This style of guitar will blend the techniques of traditional finger picking artists along with our own on improvisation over twelve bar blues progressions and songs. You will learn to play all the parts, bass, melody, harmony and inside chords with your picking hand. Also how to create chord/melody arrangements from any melody.

Classical: Classical guitar is taught through developing standard reading skills, finger exercises and scale work while learning beautiful pieces at the same time.

Song Writing: Song writing always begins with an introduction to theory. From there you will study works from other artists to see how they Choose Chords, develop Melodies and Harmonies, and how they use the art of Modulation to bring you to and from different keys for effect. Choose a song and artist that you enjoy and we will dissect the piece learning the above techniques.

Children's Studies: The study of music has proven to enhance a child's concentration, mathematical and reading skills, self confidence, performance skills in all walks of life whether its playing the guitar, to public speaking, to playing sports.

*** Lesson Details ***
"Fun - Fast - Patient" My course is tailored to your needs.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Les Pauls and Marshall/Fender amps. Love the sound.

*** Specialties ***
All styles but jazz. Rock, blues, folk, finger style, classical, punk, blues and all in between, from funk to punk, rock to metal. I also teach bass and drums.

elPriora, chair of the Guitar Department at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a master degree in composition. His mentors include composers Susan Botti, Reiko Fueting, and electronic music pioneer Joel Chadabe. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Florida, where he studied jazz guitar with Tom Lippincott, and composition with Susan Epstein-Garcia.

Juan is also an avid cartoonist, collector of rare books and little cars, food adventurer and runner.

*** Lesson Details ***
Guitar teaching encompasses many disciplines. One has to be a bit of a psychologist in order to gauge a potential student needs and musical sensibilities. The mathematical aspect of musical notation and rhythm makes us part mathematicians. In the end, there is also a self-actualizing aspect to guitar teaching in the sense that we are always witness to those moments that made us decide a career on music.
During my years of guitar teaching I have encountered many types of students, and I have learned from them as much as they have learned from me as they make me question aspects of music that I would have never thought about. I have learned to not take for granted the definition of concepts such as rhythm and harmony, and to look at guitar technique from different perspectives as I find ways to accommodate to a student’s capabilities. Ultimately, it is also a job that requires a lot of planning and structure. My first step, generally, is to assess the student’s ability and interest to find material suitable for them. Then, I proceed to familiarize with the student’s musical tastes and sensibilities to assign practice material accordingly. For example, if the student is interested in rock or pop music, we will work on a particular song that fits his level and also solves a particular technical problem. During that process I will answer any of the student’s questions, and provide insight into musical terminology. We will also work on basic concepts of rhythm, melody, and harmony. My training as a composer and jazz guitarists also enables me to tap into the student’s creative side. In that case, we would start with a basic blues progression and blues scales, and work on the basics of improvisation or songwriting.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Basement studio w/ small keyboard, amp, acoustic guitar, 3 electric guitars, music books w/ seating for parents and lots of magazines!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide music sheets, students should have an instrument, tuner, paper, pencil, and a metronome.

*** Specialties ***
I teach fundamentals of music theory, principles of jazz improvisation, classical guitar technique and repertoire, song writing, pop songs, sight reading, and overall musicianship, as well as Jazz, Rock, Blues, Bossa Nova, and other Latin Styles.

rnor's Award in Arts Education for the category of Instrumental Music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very laid back and friendly, and I want you or your child to be as comfortable as possible during our lessons. You or your child will develop confidence and musical intelligence. I will make your lessons fun, enjoyable, and effective. Boredom is not an option! Music is fun... let's keep it that way.

The teaching methods I use will be custom-tailored to your individual needs, personality and specific musical goals. If it's guitar or piano you want to learn, I want to get you playing exactly what you want to be playing as soon as possible. That's what you're here for, and that's what I'm here for. I will make it happen. If it's songwriting that you want to learn, I will help you access that place inside of you that is dying to express itself creatively, and will teach you techniques to harness that energy and translate it successfully into musical expression.

You can expect to learn all the basics of music theory, proper playing techniques, improvisation and spontaneous musical expression, and I will help you develop your "ear" so you can figure out songs you like just by listening to them. This is all about you and your goals, and I want you to achieve them in a fun and engaging way.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room: Upright piano, guitars, amps, keyboard, percussion

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in pop, rock, classical, jazz, blues, folk, fingerstyle (guitar), etc. I also teach improvisation and songwriting, and try to develop the student's ear for figuring out songs they like on their own.

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.

y together, or have mini concerts to display the finished product of students' labor and encourage them towards new musical heights!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha Grand Piano, Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar and my jeep

*** Specialties ***
When teaching piano, because I specialize in classical, I emphasize sight-reading, theory and performance from the very first lesson. As soon as possible, I have student memorize pieces appropriate to their level. I begin each lesson with memory work, move into sight-reading and analysis of the new work, or exercise. This way a student has a multi-faceted approach to music they are learning, and once they have learned it, they are continually adding to their repertoire. I work this way because many students are overwhelmed at the beginning of the learning stage. Examining the theory behind the composition helps them understand it, and approach it with less apprehension. Also, having pieces they can play from memory every week reminds them of the finished product of their labor and encourages them towards the new work.

her countless opportunities to perform, to participate in event planning, and to experiment with new music and arranging. She grew up participating in her mother's studio recitals at home and enjoys an annual family tradition of organizing and performing Christmas programs at church. One of Catherine's projects during her studies at the Manhattan School of Music was the Symposium Concert Series, which has led her to perform in apartment homes around the city and build a community of young artists. She has made countless arrangements for solo viola and viola with various ensembles which she often performs.

Catherine resides in Brooklyn, New York with her husband, Lawrence. She plays on a Raymond J. Melanson viola made in 1987.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm able to travel to the student's home or teach at my home. Parents are welcome to sit in the lesson.

*** Studio Equipment ***
N/A

*** Specialties ***
Patience

ernational Jazz and Creative Music Workshop directed by Vijay Iyer.