I teach guitar, bass, and ukulele.  I am a long time musician, Philadelphia resident, and teacher of private lessons for almost a decade.  I was lucky enough to receive a guitar at age 13, and have been playing for over 15 years.  I had a private guitar teacher who gave me the tools to become the player I am today, and years later I am here to do the same for my students.

I base my teaching style on the needs of the student, with a heavy emphasis on keeping things fun.  I am here to help facilitate what a student wants to learn, while also providing important techniques and exercises to help them succeed.  My favorite types of music to play are blues, rock/classic rock, and I especially love punk rock.  I am an active musician in the Philly music scene and love to meet other musicians, either just starting out or playing their entire lives.

When did you begin playing Guitar, and why?

I began playing when I was 13, and like most I had aspirations of being the next big rockstar.  After a battle between drums and guitar, my parents were nice enough to buy me an electric guitar (less headaches).  From then on, I completely fell in love and never looked back…Rockstar status still pending.

What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?

I also play and teach Bass and Ukulele, both instruments I picked up after learning the Guitar.  I’ve also played drums for a decade and play in several bands, though I have no formal training and unfortunately cannot teach drums.  

What are your personal goals as a musician?

My goal is to always be inspired, and never lose my love for music.  I find inspiration in other musicians, students, and anyone that seems to love what they do.

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked?  Something you’ll remember forever?

When I was taught the pentatonic scale, I felt like the entire world opened in front of me and I was finally able to sound how I wanted to sound on guitar.

What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?

After a few lessons of learning notes, reading music, and basic skills, my teacher asked if I’d want to continue learning this way or not.  The alternate option was to bring songs I wanted to learn to him, and he would teach me while also giving me scales, techniques, and exercises that would progress my playing.  I believe that had he continued to teach me in a very formal manner, that I would have given up the instrument and not be playing today.

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument?

I would struggle a lot with correct finger picking and right hand technique.  Though once you learn a pattern in seems to stay in your brain forever.

What is your biggest musical achievement?

Having the opportunity to play original music with great musicians at venues around Philadelphia, is something my 13 year old self could only dream of.

Favorite thing about teaching?

It’s very rewarding to see someone learn something new and become obsessed with it.  It’s always a pleasure to see someone fall in love with an instrument the same way you did.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?

I would suggest that anyone learning music should focus on the fun aspects of learning, because it is fun.  In my experience the second something isn’t fun, then it becomes a chore.  Learning an instrument shouldn’t be a chore, it should be the thing that you look forward to when you’re done doing your chores.