Joel Newton Home
Guitar Instruction
MASTER GUITAR LESSONS: Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk
(Please
visit http://www.joelnewton.com for sound samples, performances, press, bio, and more.)
WHY STUDY WITH ME? – While guitar
lessons alone will not make you a better musician, lessons in conjunction with motivation,
discipline and passion will. But you need a great teacher, an experienced, accomplished,
smart, engaging teacher who has all the resources and perspective required to help you
reach your goals. I believe I’m uniquely qualified to be that person. If you’re
interested, keep reading.
CREDENTIALS – A long-time veteran
of jazz, rock, funk, blues, folk and classical, I perform regularly with many of NYC's top
musicians. Since receiving a degree in Jazz Performance from William Paterson College in
1993, I have been playing and recording professionally in NYC as a bandleader, composer
and sideman, garnering a long list of praise from the VILLAGE VOICE, ALL ABOUT JAZZ,
DOWNBEAT, CADENCE, and other publications (see my website above for more information).
WHAT I TEACH – With 20 years
experience playing and teaching professionally, I offer fun, thoughtful, expert
instruction to students of all levels. A deep knowledge of music and a mastery of the
guitar allow me to meet any student's needs: from basic technique and songs and licks to
advanced areas such as jazz improvisation and soloing over chord changes, scale and chord
theory, transcription, ear training and playing by ear*, and composition. Beginners,
amateurs and seasoned professionals are equally welcome.
HOW I TEACH – My lessons are not
just packed with information; they are interactive, playing-oriented, highly-personalized
and tailored to help you derive the most enjoyment possible from the guitar. While I can
share with you a wealth of technical information, I emphasize an organic approach to
expanding your musical knowledge, whereby you 'bite off' intellectually only that amount
required to enable your ear and other musical instincts to take over the learning process.
If you have the drive to improve your music skills and want to add the joy of creativity
to your life, I will give you all the tools and inspiration you need to become the
greatest musician you can be.
I started
playing at age 7 because of the joy guitar gave me, and I will show you how to get the
most out of this wonderful instrument. I hope to hear from you.
Joel:
917-576-7982, or email.
Near South Street Seaport / Wall St. / Battery Park
Very close to 2/3/4/5/R/M/A/C/M15/M9
I currently have weekday,
daytime slots open. Early evening slots (5 or 6pm) are possible but limited. Please only
inquire if you're serious about regular lessons and have the time to commit to it
(generally 1 hour/week). Thanks.
* With
students serious about improvisation, I offer my system of Playing by Hearing, which
combines basic ear training--learning intervals by ear--and fretboard mastery--learning
intervals on the fretboard. This technique will give you the invaluable ability to play
whatever you hear, thus transcending rigid scale and chord patterns and unleashing your
true creative instincts. You will be amazed at the results!