Philadelphia, PA Guitar Lessons

Education

Ian's musical training began with piano at 7, saxophone at 9, self-taught guitar at 11, and finally electric and acoustic bass in high school. He was awarded scholarships to Philadelphia's Settlement Music School and the Berklee College of Music. Finally settling in NYC, Ian completed his B.F.A. in Jazz and Contemporary Music at the New School School for Social Research in 2000. Ian has recently completed his PA Teacher Certification K-12 from Temple University 2011.

Why study music with Ian?

Quite simply Ian is a fun, creative, open-minded, and experienced teacher/musician who teaches a wide genre of music styles. He simply loves all music. Jazz, Classical, Funk/R&B, Rock, Metal, and Country are all within the expertise of Ian's vocabulary. Ian teaches with the same intensity and passion that he performs with. Ian truly cares about teaching each and every student the best way he knows.

*** Lesson Details ***
Ian's lessons are a combination of goals set by himself and the student. Whether you aspire to be the next rock god in 3 months or to just play casually with your friends at the next barbecue, Ian is there to understand your musical goals. Every student is different therefore Ian accommodates his style and methods to each the individual. Old-school rigidity are not what Ian is about. Rather, Ian dips from both the traditions of the past and new techniques of today.

Topics Covered

Technique, Song Performance, Harmony, Rhythm, and Music Theory are all important components covered in the lesson plan. Sight reading standard music notation is encouraged but not necessary. Rhythm notation is a mandatory skill every musician must know and is taught from the beginning. Song choices can be tailored to the students tastes however Ian seems fit. Ian has no problem teaching anything from the Jonas Brothers to Jimi Hendrix.

Improvisation, Groove, and Ear Training are areas of special interest and study which can also be taught to enhance a students studies.

Students skills and goals are assessed every few months to ensure student and teacher are on a clear and steady path. Everything from major and minor scales to song retention is logged down to provide a means of assessment.

Practice

As both a teacher and playing musician, Ian honestly believes that it
takes a combination of 20% talent and 80% sweat/hard work to be a successful and
competent musician. Therefore a set practice time length is agreed upon
between Ian and the student to which the student must stick to a practice schedule as
best as he or she can. Learning not just "what to practice" but "how to practice" is an important skill that is acquired through patience, hard work, and repetition. Ian can show you the skills it takes to master the "Art Of Practice".

Lesson Length

Lesson times of 30 minutes and 45 minutes are recommended for beginning students.

60 minutes for intermediate to more advanced students

*** Studio Equipment ***
Casio 88-key weighted keyboard
Fender Telecaster Guitar
Fender Precision Bass
Kolstein Upright Bass
Vintage Ampeg Bass and Guitar Amplifiers
Fostex 8-track Digital Recorder

*** Travel Equipment ***
I always have a bass or guitar on hand , a metronome, CDs, iPod, and music manuscript.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical, Jazz, Rock, R&B, and Funk on Upright Bass and Electric Bass.
I teach Beginning and Intermediate Level Piano and Guitar in Classical, Rock, and Popular Music Styles.

tes toward straightforward rock, blues and folk.

Scott's guitar playing and songwriting has landed him features from American Songwriter, CMT, and more. He holds a BFA in Studio/Composition, with a minor in Jazz Performance, from SUNY Purchase in Purchase, NY.

Scott is currently on faculty in the Music Industry department at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ.

*** Lesson Details ***

When studying with Scott, students can expect a comfortable and fun atmosphere that promotes experimentation and positive reinforcement. Employing a curriculum that is equal parts formal technique and informal playing of the students favorite music, Scott makes every lesson engaging and exciting for his students.

After 3 to 6 months studying with Scott, beginners should expect to be able to play many of their favorite songs, have a firm grasp on basic scales, chords, theory and sight reading, and can even begin writing their own songs and improvising solos!

If you're already an intermediate/advanced player, Scott will push you to find your unique voice on the guitar, and tap into advanced techniques and approaches that will help you fully realize all that the guitar has to offer.

Lessons are tailored to each individual student's particular interests and abilities. Wherever you want to take your guitar playing, Scott will get you there and beyond!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will bring an acoustic guitar with me. My student must only have a guitar of their own of any kind. If it's electric, an amp is preferable, but not necessary.

*** Specialties ***
Music, Guitar, Bass, Theory, Song Writing, Composition, Improvisation, Sight Reading, Advanced Harmonic and Rhythmic Concepts, Group Playing
I am schooled in Jazz, but have a passion for all styles, including rock, blues, country, funk, folk, punk, and world music.

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.

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.

cal ideas. A dedicated collaborator, Ryan bring his personality and passion for experimentation to each project, while always working to serve the vision of each employing artist.

Lesson Mission:

“Music study was a way for me to find structure, discipline, self worth and expression. Through that I have grown as a person and a musician. My sole reason for teaching is to help others find that passion and those qualities within themselves to live a beautiful and fulfilling life through his/her instrument.”

Qualifications/Education:

Lead Guitarist for:

-"The Voice" Country Star, Audra McLaughlin

-R&B singer Ces Picerno

-Rock band, The RAKNOSS

-Hip-Hop recording artist, Drew Smith

-Italian pop singer, Giada J.

**endorsed by Wampler Effects Pedals**

**over 200 live gigs played**

Guest Lecturer at University of Akron, OH "Pentatonic Scales the Western Integration"

Philadelphia Session Guitarist 2013-Present

Featured online instructor via Ibanez Guitars USA

Author and teacher of online lesson videos. "S. Shred Tips"

15 years of Guitar repair and modification experience

Extensive knowledge of guitar effects and applications

Education:

2009-2013 Harmony and Theory at Rumoro Academy of Jazz Guitar in Chicago, IL

2004-2008 Experimental Sound/Production The School of the Art Institute Chicago

*** Lesson Details ***
Students should expect a relaxing learning environment that is cultivated to bring the fundamentals of guitar playing to the student and promote individuality in the player through a meditation of self-awareness while using the vehicle of Guitar. Lesson are taught out of my home studio space located in the East Falls/Manayunk Philadelphia!

Lessons are structured around: Finger exercises, Chord building, Strumming patterns, Scales, Arpeggios, Harmony studies and Improvisational chop building.

Some lesson materials referenced are:

The Real Book 6th Edition Jazz Standards
30 hour Guitar workout Steve Vai
The Music Lesson Victor Wooten

after just 3-6 short months, students will see an increase in comfortability with the notes on the fret board, basic chord progressions and single note soloing!

*** Studio Equipment ***
iMac i7 Mavericks

*** Travel Equipment ***
student only needs guitar and Binder for materials given in class

I have amps

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Blues, Country and Jazz approaches to guitar as well as home recording practices

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

C. 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.

C. 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.