Guitar with Peter H.

I am a guitarist, composer, and teacher based out of NYC. Born and raised in Chicago, I started playing saxophone at age 10. After switching to guitar at 15, I played in a variety of rock groups before discovering a love of jazz. In high school, I attended the Caltera School of Music, the training ground for many of Chicago's young, up-and-coming jazz musicians. I then attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where he studied with David Tronzo, Mick Goodrick, Jon Damian, Garrison Fewell, and others. After a stint in Chicago, I moved to New York City, where I now teach and play. I have played and studied with such musical luminaries as Greg Osby, Lawrence “Butch” Morris, John Tchicai, John Moulder, and Charlie Banacos. I've taught countless students of all ages and experience levels, including many children with special needs. I've worked as a volunteer music teacher at the L'Arche Chicago home for the developmentally disabled and with Daniel’s Music Foundation in NYC. I also assisted the Chi-Town Jazz Fest, helping to raise thousands of dollars for Catholic Charities. In addition to my own projects, I've played in numerous groups at venues all over the country, played in jingles and written film scores. *** Lesson Details *** My lessons are all individualized to meet your individual wants and needs. Every student has different experiences and backgrounds. An eight year old child just beginning guitar lessons will need different lessons and approaches than a sixteen year old preparing to audition for a college music program, or a working adult trying to learn to play guitar in their (usually limited!) free time. You are an individual. When you take lessons with me, you are not getting taught out of yellowed notes or going through a tired "system." I've found time and time again that the best and most fun way to learn music is to play actual music. Drills and exercises have their place, but I'm not here to turn music into a monotonous, boring experience. I work to foster a laid-back and friendly environment. I know that everyone from school children to adults have busy schedules these days. I'm not going to be a drill-sergeant about practicing, because let's face it: things come up, emergencies happen, and some days it's just not going to happen. As long as you try your best, I'm happy. After a few months with me, you can expect to know the basics of guitar playing, to be able to play some songs, and, most importantly, to have a plan in place that will take you to where you want to be. Music isn't easy, and there are no shortcuts, which is why I want to help you avoid common pitfalls and unnecessary detours. I promise to you that I will try make our lessons as fun, stress-free, and productive as possible. If you or your child has the desire to learn, I'm going to do my best to help get you where you want to be. *** Travel Equipment *** If you are traveling to my studio: I can provide a guitar for you to play, although you should eventually get a guitar so that you can practice at home. If I am traveling to your home: I expect the student to have a guitar and occasionally either an MP3 player or CD player if they want to play examples for me. I will provide all the necessary instructional materials. *** Specialties *** I specialize in jazz, and that's where most of my training has been in. But I also love to play and teach rock, blues, folk country, and every other kind of popular music. My favorite kind of music to teach to a student is the music they're most passionate about.