About Me:
Teaching is like anything else, you need to put in the time in order to become better at it. There is a certain method or art in teaching that through time, develops as you work at it. My attitude is this: each person deserves a custom-designed method for their individual needs. Some people start out on their instrument knowing absolutely nothing about music. Others can remember things like sight reading or tempo from classes taken during their school years. These variables need to be recognized and a student needs to be developed using their strengths. I try and keep my lessons informative and flowing smoothly. I keep in mind there are a lot of instructional videos floating around on the internet. I have seen some of them and there are certain benefits in watching these videos. However, I firmly believe nothing takes the place of a good lesson one on one. Not only does it personalize the learning process, but it makes it more fun and more hands on. Sometimes, in order to keep my lessons productive, I pretend I am videotaping myself. This way, I concentrate on spending my time wisely and getting my information across as clearly and concisely as possible. I also concentrate on keeping the lesson fun and interesting in order to stimulate the student to want to come back for the next one.

Styles:
Rock, Blues, Classical, Pop

Subjects:
Theory, Ear Training, Songwriting, Rock Music History

Ages:
Elementary School, Pre-teen, Teenage, Adult

Major Influences:
Any Classical pianists, Red Garland, Ben Folds, Herbie Hancock, Bruce Hornsby, Dr. John, Jimmy Smith, Marco Benevento

Experience:

• Studio Musician/ Performer
  Performed with several groups in the area with styles ranging from jazz to blues to rock. Studio musician for several popular regional artists. Recorded with the New Orleans based group "The Boulevards" and supported the recording throughout the state. Traveled on tour with the group and played multiple venues in Mississippi and in New Orleans during Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras. [1994 - 2001]
• Musician and Private Teacher
  Freelance musician in Denver. Performed with local jazz artists and developed a large private student base in the area on the guitar. Recorded cd comprised of all original music. Produced, arranged and performed on the recording playing guitar, bass guitar and vocals. Formed own rock band "Rare Form" playing both original and cover music. Traveled throughout the state of Colorado performing with the group in support of the cd. [1997 - 2001]
• Owner
  Freelance musician for local music groups and solo performer. Private instruction provided for adults and children in Nassau County, Long Island. Currently performing as a solo artist and band leader throughout Long Island and New York City. Also, involved with several jazz combos in the area, performing at local clubs and venues. Artist and painter specializing in abstract art. Several paintings sold to private buyers in Spain and throughout the NYC area. Vendor at the Fine Arts Fair in Long Beach, New York in June 2008 and several local street fairs in Long Island. [2001 - Present]
• Music Instructor at Monster Music Stores Substitute music instructor responsible for teaching guitar, bass, piano and drum lessons in the store. [2008 - Present]
• Guitar Teacher (Young Musician's Institute) After-school program in Hempstead, Long Island. I teach two group guitar classes and several private lessons one day a week here. [2008 - Present]

Education:

• English (BA), Ithaca College [1994]

Studied With:

• Steve Scouten [2007 - 2008]
• Dave Frackenpohl (Ithaca College) [1990 - 1992]
• Jeff Tillman (Westchester) [1985 - 1990]

Seminars and Workshops Attended:

• NEMC/Rochester, Queens College [2007]

Awards:

• 2nd Place in LIBS (Long Island Blues Society) Competition - LIBS [2007]

Recent Performances:

• Nov 21st solo performance at Sanibel Chop House in Lynbrook, Long Island 9-midnite! [November, 2008]
• The Fishery (East Rockaway) 4pm -7pm (August 29, 2008) [August, 2008]
• The Underscore @ 9:30pm in Manhattan (August 23, 2008) [August, 2008]

Discography:

• Dan Freedman - "Cabin Fever" [2007]