Ambler, PA Guitar Lessons

work with, and learn from a lot of different musicians. (The Recording Academy is the organization that created the most prestigious
award in music, the Grammy). I am the band leader at my church Montco Bible Fellowship. I have experience as an audio tech in the studio and for a live stage, and have consulted for organizations looking to setup a sound system/studio. I enjoy recording my own music in my home studio, and learning to play new instruments. I hope to pass my love for music to the next generation!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a very laid back instructor... as you will find out! I understand that not everyone learns at the same rate; however, I am a perfectionist and don't allow students to advance until they have learned a particular skill. I would rather a student take forever to learn a song, and practice it with good technique, than be able to play it right away with poor form and posture! I reinforce the value of working toward goals and celebrate with students when they reach them.  I understand that every student has different interests and reasons for wanting to learn an instrument... I try to focus on the areas that are of interest to the student, because a student who is enjoying themself will excel.  This does not mean that the subjects and skills that are not of interest will not be taught, because I also believe in being a well-rounded musician. I teach both jazz (theory/improvisation) and classical (composed) music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio is currently not optimal for teaching... I hope to change this soon!!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide lesson books and other learning materials, but expect to be reimbursed. I expect the student to have their own instrument/equipment. Piano students are required to have a piano or a keyboard with 88 weighted keys (hammer-action), a piano bench and a pedal. Guitar/bass students must have an acoustic/electric guitar/bass with a strap or footstool, pick, and cable and amplifier if applicable! Digital audio students must have their own computer, Digital Audio workstation (software), digital audio interface, speakers/headphones and midi controller. ALL STUDENTS MUST PROVIDE A NOTEBOOK (college rule or staff)!!

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical and jazz piano! I am more than proficient at most production software including: reason, fl studio, ableton live... and other editing software such as sony sound forge, audacity, etc...

r you want to learn how to play your favorite songs or write a masterpiece of your own, I will help give you the tools to make your musical dreams come true.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music teaching room, amps, stands, effects pedals

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Jazz, Funk, Blues, R&B, Latin, Country, theory, improvisation, reading, learning songs, ear training, grooving and HAVING FUN.

he Boston and Philadelphia area.
In 2011, I successfully obtained my master's degree in Jazz Studies from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. The master's program was an intense submersion in music performance that shaped me into the musician that I am today. I was lucky to study with Don Glanden, Mike Kennedy, and Kevin Hanson.
I am also well versed in computer recording software and DAWs. I teach students how to use software programs such as Logic and Reason as well as notation software like Sibelius and Finale. With some basic training in these programs, I can teach a student how to effectively record and produce professional quality recordings so that a student can write, record, and produce their own music.

*** Lesson Details ***
Because I've studied with some legendary teachers who have taught some legendary students (like John Mayer), I'm able to pass on to my students the same knowledge that these incredible teachers passed on to me. I guarantee that I will be unlike any guitar teacher that you've had before. Along with instrumental training, I offer extensive lessons in music theory and ear training. My family is full of educators and I've experienced the teacher-student relationship from a young age. I am fully committed to developing lesson plans based on the route that a student wants to take, whether it's just learning the basics and playing along to your favorite songs or engaging in serious study and preparing for college auditions. I am available to teach at any location within the Philadelphia area.

*** Stylistic Focus ***
I specialize in jazz and blues. At Berklee, I was able to take instrumental labs that spent an entire semester focusing on the playing style of certain guitarists. I've taken the Wes Montgomery lab, the Pat Martino lab, the Jimi Hendrix lab, the John Scofield lab, and the Stevie Ray Vaughan lab.

singer and guitarist. I've played shows all over the Northeast including (but not limited to) Xfinity Live, Wells Fargo Center, Hard Rock Cafe, The Tin Angel, Borgata AC, Ballys, Tropicana, and Seacrets in OCMD.
I love music and the role it has played in shaping my life. I value the experiences and wisdom passed on to me by my music mentors and instructors, who not only had a meaningful impact on my music career but also immensely influenced my development as a person.
I look forward to having that same positive impact on any student I instruct :)

*** Lesson Details ***
I like lessons to be, first and foremost, an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. I try to create a laid back and comfortable learning environment for all my students. Music is fun, and I guarantee that there will be plenty of good times while taking lessons!
Now, let me also clarify that my positive attitude and laid back demeanor are not excuses for students to be undisciplined and uncommitted. I promise to work hard toward your development as a musician to make you the best you can be, and I appreciate the same commitment from all of my students.
Music should be enjoyable, but also rewarding and enriching to your life! I don’t want to sell that short!

Below is a basic rundown of what a student can expect to learn while under my instruction. I would first like to preface this information by saying that I fully recognize that every student is different; therefore, I tailor lessons to fit an individual’s needs and goals. Because of this, the priority of certain skills tends to vary from one student to another, as does the order in which this skills are taught. I also want to note that I tend to use some self-made resources (charts, explanations, etc) in addition to published books. Taking into consideration the aforementioned variables, here is the basic rundown of the material I try to cover with students, in the general order it is taught:

-Understanding of guitar parts (anatomy of the instrument) and basic terms (ie note, chord, etc).
-Names of strings (E-string, B-string, etc.) and corresponding numbers for strings (1-6), and which fingers are given what numbers.
-Tuning of the instrument
-Basic technique (how to finger a fret board, hold guitar, hold pick, etc).
-How to find notes on the fret board/chromatic
-Basic rhythm concepts and counting (whole notes, quarter notes, time signatures, etc)—usually involves clapping exercise, single note playing exercises, reading rhythm charts, and learning what different note values look like.
-Basic concepts of “keys”
-Basic major and minor scales (especially for “warming up”)
-Chords (mostly basic open chords)
-Strumming
-Learning songs to put concepts together
For more advanced students, we will likely get into the following:
-Power chords, bar chords, and complex chords beyond majors and minors.
-Scales beyond basic majors and minors
-Music theory (chord construction, modes, etc).
-Knowledge of gear (for those guitarist who wish to branch out to electric guitar)—bass players will already have to know some of this before moving to more advanced work since they already require an amp.
-How to play with other musicians and instruments (collaboration, listening, understanding each instrument’s part, etc).

[To give students a basic timeline for these skills, one can expect to be playing open chords within three months and probably their favorite songs within 6 months]

SONGWRITING TEACHING METHODS:
-Review slides about basic song structure and anatomy of songs (verse, hook, etc)
-lyric and vocal phrasing
-finding your voice as a writer
-exploring environments and conditions that foster one’s creativity for writing songs (preference for outdoors, quite secluded spaces, etc).

LIVE PERFORMANCE:
-Breathing/relaxation exercises
-Movement/watching footage of self
-Watching footage of others
-Acting/stage exercises to get out of your head and into your body
-learning common problems with live performances and becoming comfortable with fast, on-the-spot trouble shooting (and how to avoid some problems before they begin).
-Finding your stage voice, both in singing and speaking.
-Developing your stage persona

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the living room
Equipped with guitars, bass amp, guitar amp, guitar cables, and tuner.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student should provide his or her own guitar (and amps when applicable)

*** Specialties ***
I'm currently a professional musician that sings and plays guitar and bass for pop and rock music. We perform in front of thousands of people each week so I'm very comfortable giving live performance instruction as well.

test virtues of a music teacher are passion, patience, understanding, and communicating. You will experience this in the studio. Give yourself a treat of two months of lessons and I promise you will be playing and/or singing better than you expected.

Member of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association), NFMC (National Federation of Music Clubs),
NJFMC (NJ Fed. of Music Clubs). MENC (Music Ed National Conference),

*** Lesson Details ***
I am generally easy going and laid-back and will work with you to obtain specific goals such as a piece you would really like to learn. I can be strict if assignments are not followed or if there is no progression; we need to analyze why that is. I use many teaching methods as there are many different learning styles. The series I am currently using are Faber, Alfred, and Celebrate Piano! for pianists. Many singers are in Broadway, Disney, and/or English Reliquary and Italian Arias. There are so many wonderful choices! I can guarantee after three months you will be playing some music you like, and you will be reading music, and able to perform if you wish (starting small). With singing you will have basic knowledge of proper posture, breathing, and increased range. I also so enjoy people and communicating so you will feel comfortable taking lessons, and I believe that is one major factor of success in learning an instrument: the student-teacher relationship And second for children, especially the young, is the parent-teacher relationship .

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio: Yamaha baby grand piano, Kawaii studio upright and keyboard, Yamaha keyboard, recording abilities, computer software, couch and two chairs, parents can sit in on lesson. Also have computer programs for note learning, composition, as well as giving you apps to download.

*** Specialties ***
Different methods for different students. Piano: mostly Faber and Alfred series. "Prodigy": Aaron/Thompson series. I've also had graduate study in teaching the Adult Beginner! As I was a church music director 1994 till last September, I am very familiar with traditional and contemporary sacred music, learning and performing. If you also wish to combine singing and accompanying yourself on piano or guitar lessons can be tailored.

had shared stages with guitarist John Scofield, Singer Ike Willis (Frank Zappa Band), Medeski Martin and Wood and The Disco Biscuits among countless others.

Michael has completed a Master of Arts in music education as well as Bachelor of Music in bass performance. Michael is qualified to teach on bass, upright bass, guitar, drums, piano, voice and a rare instrument called steel pan (steel drum) among others. Michael performs as a freelance musician. He can be found performing regularly at private parties and events around the greater Philadelphia area. He has performed playing most styles and genres of music. Among these styles are Pop, R & B, Blues, Hip Hop, Jazz, Calypso, Flamenco, Latin, Pop, Musical Theater and Rock & Roll.

Michael is a trained professional and prefers to cater his lessons to the individual need of each student. He believes that each student is unique and will encounter challenges in their own manner. Michael likes to supplement his lessons using musical interests of the student. C. has been known to arrange popular pieces for recital performances for his students. Some of the pieces he has arranged for his students include Something in the Way She Moves (Beetles), Long distance Run Around (The Who), Iron Man (Black Sabbath), That' €™s What Makes You Beautiful (One Direction), Hall of Fame (The Script) among many more. Michael encourages his students to use the music they love to challenge their ability and cognitive processes. Michael has the experience and training required to inspire and motivate you to become successful not only in music but in your daily endeavors.

*** Lesson Details ***
Michael has over twelve years experience teaching music and chooses to cater his lessons to the goals of his clients. He does not follow a set curriculum because different students tend to have different goals and expectations.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Logic Pro X, Reason, Fast Track pro audio, Double Bass, Piano, Rhodes Electric Piano, Acoustic guitar, Electric Guitar, Flute, Sax, Clarinet, trumpet, Electric basses, Steel Pans (drums), etc.

Audio recordings of each lesson are free of charge and available upon request. C. is capable of creating demos and audio recordings as well as audio production of original material.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Laptop, Guitars, PA system, Basses, Metronome, Method Books, etc.

*** Specialties ***
Steel Pan lessons are available. Access to a steel pan(drum) is a requirement for this specialty.