Lesson Details
Violin
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner
My primary instrument is guitar, which I've played for about 25 years in many different bands, styles, and genres. I studied music and classical guitar at University of Central Florida, and during that time I also helped teach violin to a class of third graders. I'm not a pro violinist, but I have plenty of experience working with novice players, helping them develop proper technique, sight reading, ear training, and other skills needed to advance to the next level.
Gio teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 1+
- Teaching since:
- January 2005
I studied music at UCF (Orlando), focusing on classical and jazz guitar, but I also have years of experience playing rock, blues, folk, hip-hop, and musical theater on both guitar and drums.
I have been teaching guitar, drums, and piano for about eight years to students of all ages. Music is what I'm passionate about and it's what I enjoy. I want to inspire that same passion into the hearts and minds of others.
*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid-back teacher, fun, and I focus on the needs, abilities, and ambitions of the student. In turn, students must realize that learning an instrument takes a lot of work and dedication. One can't expect to learn very much if s/he only practices or thinks about the instrument during the lesson. If the student is willing to put some time into practicing, then I will help them go far!
*** Studio Equipment ***
I have several guitars, a drum kit, djembe, mandolin, clarinet and full-size keyboard.
*** Specialties ***
Guitar: Classical, jazz, American or Irish folk, rock and pop; lead or rhythm.
Drums & Percussion: All genres
Piano: Classical (includes sight reading)
Experience
Band Director
Jan 2017 - PresentAs of January 2017, I am the band director at the New School for Leadership and the Arts in Kingsbridge (MS244 in the Bronx). I work with grades 6-8 in varying class sizes, teaching strings (violin, cello), brass (trumpet), woodwinds (clarinet, flute, saxophones), guitar, piano, bass, and drums. More than anything, I teach my students how to play as an ensemble, no matter their individual skill level.
+ Read MoreMusic Instructor
Jan 2005 - PresentI began teaching guitar and drums in 2005, with students of all ages. I've taught both individual lessons and group lessons on both, and I've worked with young children (even infants and toddlers), teenagers, and adults. Over the years, I have also taken on students of percussion, harmonica, piano, mandolin, and bass guitar as well.
+ Read MoreMusic Teacher
Oct 2009 - Jun 2010I taught an after-school rock band class to middle-school-aged students. Bands consisted of guitar, keyboard, drums, and bass guitar.
Academic Tutor
Sep 2008 - Aug 2009I volunteered with AmeriCorps, tutoring ESOL students in English and other academic subjects, as well as SAT Math prep, and assisted the school's band director with music classes.
Assistant Teacher
Jan 2005 - May 2005I helped teach violin to a class of third graders.
Education
BA Music
Aug 2004 - May 2008Languages
English
Spanish
Photos & Videos
17 Reviews
Write a Reviewtough connecting, but success...next week will be easier
1 lesson and he wants to go back so it is a win for me.. Gio is an educator and knowledgeable on many instruments.
Gio is an encouraging and helpful teacher!
My son Joseph just completed his 5th lesson with Gio and he LOVES his piano classes. Gio is very patient and dedicated to Joseph. Glad that my son is taking lessons from him.
He's very pleasant, patient and easy to understand.
My son has learned alot with Gio so far. He is very patient, professional and wonderful working with my son who is now 8 years old. I look forward to many more lessons.
Gio is priceless!Gio has been working with our 3 year old teaching him the mandolin for 6 months now. We find his commitment,expertise+personality impeccable. I would advise you to take lessons from no other. He is a star!
Very patient with an older student with unclear goals.
Great, very understanding.
Great!!!
Gio is outstanding!look no further.
Im really excited to learn more
Gio is great. He knows his stuff and makes the lessons fun while teaching.
Gio has been wonderfully patient with my efforts as a total beginner. His instructions are clear and helpful, and he has provided a good mix of motivation and encouragement. Highly recommended!
Great, creative teacher
Gio has a great way of thinking outside the box and teaching my daughter each week. He uses creative methods to engage her and help her relate to the material and provides easy instructions for practicing during the week. He is patient and easy going which allows for her not to feel overwhelmed as she's just learning the guitar. I'm very happy with how he's teaching her!
Attentive and great at teaching technique
Gio truly focuses on the student's needs. I've met too many self-absorbed musicians in the past, but Gio really pays attention to details in the student's playing. He is excellent at teaching technique and was the first guitar teacher to help me fix physical problems regarding posture and arm tension. His kind, easy-going manner makes a student comfortable. He has a wealth of musical knowledge to share.