Teaching Philosophy
Bring Your Toothbrush
21/03/10 04:20
When I graduated from Berklee College of Music I was fortunate enough to go on the road and travel with a nine-piece R&B band that was in the style of the Blues Brothers. I lived out of a suitcase for 3 years and had visited most of North America. I now found myself back in NYC looking to establish myself and find work as a musician. I always had a drive to understand music and the guitar better so I began to search for a teacher. Read More...
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Talent and Laziness
08/10/09 23:08
Talent, unfortunately, is frequently coupled with its nemesis: laziness. Although the two are mutually exclusive, many times a student that shows promise will look for shortcuts in either learning a new topic or practicing an old concept or both. Let’s explore a few examples:
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Problem: Online TABs
04/09/09 02:54
To begin with, are downloading free tabs from the internet a problem as I stated in the title of this post? Or, are they simply supplemental material that can add to the enjoyment of learning how to play an instrument? These are questions that I discuss with friends and colleagues. I often play devil’s advocate to explore the topics a little more in depth. Let’s begin with the “pros” and later we’ll look at the “cons.” Read More...
Problem: Teacher Burn Out
15/02/09 03:04
In my previous entry I introduced you to Dr. Bebop. Unfortunately, Dr. Bebop may have been in desperate need of a break or some kind of change. After the passion for teaching has waned—especially if it was originally a transitional career in lieu of that of a performer/recording artist—and you begin to hope that your students cancel, bitterness and resentment begin to set in. Bitterness and resentment are code words for teacher burn out. Read More...
Problem: Teachable Moments
13/02/09 03:06
Thursdays at 4PM… Although that may be the scheduled lesson time, that isn’t the only time that teaching and learning occurs. In fact, students are not always approachable during their lesson time and are, at times, more open to discussing and exchanging ideas outside of the lesson room where they feel that they are on more equal footing. Read More...