Availability
I teach M,W,Th Sat and Sun. Hours are weekdays 11am - 5pm. Sat and Sun 11am - 3pm.
Education
B.A. in Psychology / Music from Southampton College of Long Island University (1981) Presidential Scholarship Award Winner
Workshop Study with internationally known guitarists:
Tommy Emmanuel
Alex Degrassi
Stephen Bennett
Pat Kirtley
Private Study with local teachers:
Donny Saginario (jazz and rock guitar)
Sonny Dallas (noted jazz bassist)
Dr. Colonius S. Davis (piano instructor/Prof. Southampton C.)
Dr. Robert Shaunessey (classical guitar instructor/Prof. Southampton)
Joe Monk (jazz guitar/faculty member-Five Towns College)
Rich Rabatin (modern jazz composition)
Performance Experience:
- Thousands of gigs, performing full-time since 1981 in various rock, top 40 and jazz ensembles.
- Appearances with with Paul Simon, Eddie Money, The Drifters, The Del Vikings, Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge
- I also perform solo acoustic contemporary fingerstyle guitar for concerts and other venues.
Winner-Dec 2009 Christmas Song Production Contest-Recording Review
Competitor-International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship, Winfield, Kansas 2011.
Each of my students gets a solid musical foundation, which includes instruction in the areas of relaxation and technique, ear training, music theory, rhythm and reading, and melody. I also focus on teaching my students music that's fun to play, and that is consistent with the specific style that they're interested in, which can range from metal, rock, jazz, blues, folk or country to classical music. in addition, I specialize in acoustic fingerstyle guitar.
More advanced students can concentrate on particular areas of their playing (i.e. rock soloing, fingerstyle techniques, composition, etc.). I treat each student as an individual, and progression is made at a pace that each is comfortable with. I've been performing professionally for over 30 years and teaching for over 25 years, guiding thousands of successful students to their musical objectives.
Many of my former students are now amateur or professional musicians and teachers, others have gone on to music schools, such as Boston Conservatory and Berklee School of Music. Several have performed at major venues such as Carnegie Hall and The Grand Olde Opry and many simply just enjoy sitting and strumming a tune on their back porch.
I teach in a professional, friendly, relaxed style that makes the students feel comfortable and generates results.
Additionally, I teach studio/computer production and recording for students who have a computer, recording device or home studio, and I can be employed as a consultant for studio owners who are looking for help with maintaining, setting up or purchasing gear, or learning new programs and techniques. I also am a music producer and offer recording and production for any type of musical project. (i.e. band and artist demos, albums, commercials, movie soundtracks or personal use recordings).
I have many references available.
Lesson pricing is as follows:
$40 per 30-min lesson
$60 per 50-min lesson
First lesson is always free, with no obligation!
Lessons are offered in my studio, in Venice or online via Skype and iChat.
For more information, please feel free to contact me, or visit my website. Thank you.
