Lessons

Yes! I give lessons! I teach only online at the moment. If you are a beginner or want lessons for your child, I strongly recommend that you contact me through Mind-Builders, a Bronx based arts center in the Olinville neighborhood. You can do so here. I have been working with them for two years now and I’m very happy. Their lesson calendar is based around the school year, and summer lessons are available.

My private lessons are an hour long and are aimed at more advanced players. If you already know a bit about the instrument and are serious about learning more, or you want to acquire the skills you need to be a working pro, I can help you. We’ll discuss your goals. I’ll evaluate your strengths and weaknesses as a player. Then I’ll tailor your lessons accordingly. What we do together evolves as your playing does. If you want to learn something I don’t know much about, I’ll refer you to a teacher who can help.

Before We Start

First: I can tell you what to do and how to do it, but I can’t make you into a guitar player. Only you can do that. Learning an instrument is just like working out. If you follow a regular schedule and put the time in, you’ll see improvement.

If you can read music, we can go a lot faster. I do accept non-reading students, but reading is very important. A musician who can’t read music is like an actor who can’t read a script. It’s certainly possible to be a great actor if you can’t read, but it’s a whole lot harder.

I don’t use tablature. Why not? Because no one will ever hand you tablature at a session or a gig and ask you to read it.

I recommend weekly lessons. Unless you’re a pro who wants a private master class, you won’t progress otherwise. I am flexible about scheduling. But if you’re not able to make at least three lessons a month, you’re not being honest with either of us about your level of commitment.

Clinics

Among the topics I can present effectively on are:

• Improving your rhythm section playing
• Coming up with guitar parts for recording
• Learning material quickly
• How a reggae rhythm section works (this can be solo, or I can provide a full four-piece rhythm section for demonstrations and questions)
• The history and evolution of the reggae rhythm section
• Improvising techniques and strategies

For example, last year I did a three hour master class at the University of Rhode Island. Their jazz ensemble was working on music from “RastaMonk Vibrations,” the most recent Monty Alexander album on which I played. I helped them with phrasing, technique, ensemble blend, and a detailed description of how we made the record.

Clinic outlines, rates, and references are available on request. I’m happy to work with you to customize something that works for your students.

Use the form here to contact me about clinics or lessons. I do my best to respond to all requests within 24 hours.