Jay Vilnai - Teaching

Most musicians teach, and most of them do it as a necessity. For me, having been interested in education before I was interested in music, teaching is part of my call as a musician. Having been studying music for the last 15 years, I see and appreciate the profound influence a good teacher can have on one's life. I see teaching as part of the musician's responsibility to broaden the musical community, either of professionals, amateurs or enthusiasts. I teach mostly in my Park Slope studio, but am also available to do house calls. In addition, I work as part of the wonderful HARMONY program, which brings music to kids who can't afford music lessons.

I have experience teaching a variety of ages, levels and styles. With younger beginning students I find a way to make them excited about music by using familiar musical material while giving them the basic skills of guitar playing, and of understanding musical time and form. With more experienced players I find the 'holes' in their education and give them a solid basis from which to pursue whatever style they choose. I work with their needs and interests to make them the musicians they want to be, but also provide solid grounding in guitar technique, as well as music theory, ear-training, sight-reading and other musicianship skills. In all cases the environment I strive for is that of joyous discovery and constant questioning, where nothing is taken for granted and everything is worth trying.

For more info, rates and other questions email me.