About
About My Teaching Philosophy
I’ve always believed that the most effective teachers are those who utilize a flexible approach. In my experience, having an open mind allows room for a students individuality, curiosity, and creativity to be nurtured. And a great teacher needs to posses more than just “information.” A great teacher needs to have a real passion for sharing their knowledge, expertise, skills, and experience with others, while also encouraging the growth and development of the individual talents of each student.
My philosophy regarding music education is really simple, especially when it comes to teaching young people, where the approach has to be: fun, engaging, respectful, creative, resourceful, zany, imaginative, structured, loose, clear, enigmatic, inquisitive, insightful…..
There are as many different approaches to teaching music as there are different styles of music in the world. With that in mind, I believe that there is no single best way to teach music, and no single best way for someone to learn music. When deciding what approach(s) might be worth exploring, I always consider the students age, musical background, and their learning goals. My method will not necessarily be the same with every student, and this flexibility helps keep the lessons fun and interesting.
Regardless of the approach, I always try to help every student:
Develop Necessary Skills And Obtain Knowledge
It might seem obvious, but one primary function of a teacher is to pass on knowledge, both in the form of information, and with respect to guitar, actual performance skills. A teacher can be thought of as an informed guide, someone who is there to help in the process of learning, and whose job it is to facilitate it.
Develop Imagination, Creativity, and Inner Music
Imagination might be described as our wonderful ability to make sense of the world. Imagination plays a key role in the learning process. With music, the ability to imagine or “hear” the music inside is at least just as important as the ability to actually play an instrument. As a music teacher, I believe I am in a unique position to help foster a students imagination by making sure that in conjunction with learning to play music, we also spend some time creating music. Even my young students find it exciting to create (and then hear) their own music. By fostering a creative approach, students learn from the beginning that creating music is not just something “other people” do, but its something they can do too!
Experience The Power, Joy And Emotion Of Music
Science has proven that learning to play an instrument like the guitar can actually increase our intellectual potential. While I do believe that music is important to the mind, I think it is perhaps even more important to our spirit, maybe even essential. Music makes us feel, think, reminisce, and imagine. It can cross cultural barriers, and help tear down the walls which separate us. Music can heal wounds, bring joy, and even help to raise social consciousness. It is the vessel in which the spirit lives, creates, and invents.
In essence, studying music (whether it be Mozart, Miles Davis, or the Beatles) not only
reminds us each of our own unique potential, but it also gives us the path to fulfill it.
About Me
Before moving to Anthem AZ in 2003, I had my own private teaching practice in New York, where I worked with students of all levels and from every walk of life. I’ve been teaching guitar and all aspects of music for over 25 years. In addition, I’m a licensed Kindermusik instructor and have taught Suzuki Guitar to children as young as the age of 4
While “Nuts About Guitar” is focused on getting the guitar in the hands of young people (many of whom might be total beginners) I’m also proud to have taught numerous students who are now professional musicians themselves.
I play, study, and enjoy listening to many different styles of music. As a modern guitar player, I think diversity is a good thing, and I’ve always brought that musical diversity to my teaching practice. Whether I’m preparing an advanced student for a performing career, or teaching a beginner how to hold a pick, I always bring the same enthusiasm to every lesson, regardless of the students age, level, or personal goals.
In addition to my private teaching practice, I have given clinics and workshops for companies like Ibanez Guitars, Sam Ash Music, and Guitar Center.
My Educational Background
Jazz Performance Program, Berklee School Of Music
Professional Suzuki Guitar Training, Hart School
Kindermusik Professional License, Westminster Choir College
Post-Graduate Studies in Music Pedagogy, Empire State College
Post-Graduate Studies in Theory/ Composition, Queens College
Lydian Chromatic Training, Andy Wasserman
Chromatic Voice Leading, Ear Training, & Composition Studies, Dr. Roy Nitzberg
Advanced Jazz Improvisation Studies, Charlie Banacos
Private Guitar Studies with:
Steve Khan, Jay Azzolina, Scott Henderson, Garrison Fewell, & Billy Bauer.
Master Classes with:
John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Leni Stern, and Kenny Werner.
