Music Lessons
Areas of Study / Services Offered:
Guitar Lessons (classical, rock, pop, blues, experimental, metal, jazz, funk, folk/bluegrass, etc)
Composition Lessons (classical, rock, jazz, film scoring, folk, industrial, electronica, etc)
Artist Business Management (branding, project prioritization and organization, time management, budgeting, contract negotiation, networking, album production and release strategies, etc)
Music Production and Composition Software Lessons (Logic, Ableton, Pro Tools, Reaper, etc)
Music Theory and Ear Training (learn to understand scales and harmony, learn and transcribe music by ear)
Arranging Lessons (learn how to compose for instruments you don’t play)
Music Notation Software lessons (learn to make parts, charts, lead sheets, etc. so that others can play your original compositions)Lessons are highly personalized, guided by your musical goals and interests, and supported by knowledge I’ve gained from over 15 years of performing, composing, producing, and teaching. We’ll sharpen concrete skills in your chosen area(s) of study, with a broader eye towards your holistic, long-term growth as a musician.
About Me:
I’m a composer and guitarist based in Brooklyn, NY. I’ve been teaching for over 15 years and have taught at Yale, Saint David's School, and CO-OP Arts High School, among others. I’ve performed around the world in rock bands, orchestras, opera pits, and experimental groups; composed award-winning orchestra pieces, critically-acclaimed rock albums, and film/TV soundtracks. I have a Masters’ degree from the Yale School of Music.
My students have performed with Bruce Springsteen and in feature films, presented their music at The Kennedy Center, successfully auditioned for music schools, written their first songs (and their first symphonies), composed and released albums of electronic music, put their first band together, found artist management, put on classical guitar salons for their friends, and learned their first chord. No matter the student’s level, age, or goals, I consider it a privilege to be part of their musical journey.
My biggest joys as a teacher are the moments where long-term progress becomes clear: where a student realizes they can easily perform a song that only months ago seemed impossible, or finally writes down the music that’s been in their head for years. I am also experienced working with students with diverse learning styles and backgrounds, and I enjoy the process of finding the learning style that works best for each student.
Rates:
$55 / 30m
$65 / 45m
$80 / 60m
Rates above apply to online lessons. Travel adds $40 to the base price. I travel only within a limited area in Brooklyn and Manhattan only - contact me if you’re interested in in-home lessons and we’ll figure out if it’s feasible.
Scheduling:
I have slots available Wednesdays.
Reviews:
“Brendon is an awesome teacher. I have learned a plethora of music theory and composition techniques from him that are extremely valuable. He is very patient, knowledgeable and has given me a lot of practice materials that has enhanced my learning experience.”
“Nothing but good things to say about Brendon. Aside from his insane talent as a composer and musician, he was phenom with our son Max. Max came away inspired - for classical guitar but also for music in general. Max’s skills grew throughout, and he never resisted practicing; he looked forward to the lessons and the chance to talk about some guitar-related thing with Brendon. ”
“Brendon is an amazing teacher. He creates a supportive atmosphere and after the lesson I am always reinvigorated to practice more.”
“Brendon helped me get started writing songs / producing music. Brendon was very helpful getting past anxieties with getting started and feeling overwhelmed by all the possible ways you can go about making music. Each week he had suggestions on how to improve the structure of my music. Also, he was willing to go wherever my interests were at.”
“Brendon always has fresh ideas and his incredible skill and experience always brings something valuable and original to each lesson. His abilities are astounding and is always highly in tune with my specific strengths and weaknesses. Thanks so much Brendon!”
“I have been working with Brendon for about 2 years now. He is not only incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of guitar (composition, scales, classical pieces, finger-strengthening exercises, etc.), he is also an incredibly patient and dedicated instructor who really listens to the student’s needs and helps fill them. His repertoire of songs, exercises, and general guitar knowledge have helped me understand the instrument in a multitude of different ways. I have had many guitar instructors before, but never someone who was so incredibly flexible and patient and willing to help when it comes to someone who has a busy schedule who is still interested in learning a complex instrument. He’s definitely the best instructor I’ve ever had, and I look forward to continuing to work with him for a long time.”
“Brendon is a great instructor. He has quickly learned my son’s skill level and adapted his teaching to it, finding practice material that is beneficial as well as enjoyable for him. Oliver is really enjoying his weekly lessons with Brendon.”