Matthew O. TakeLessons Instructor music, Guitar Astoria, NY

Born and raised in New York City, Matthew “Matt” is an accomplished and respected musician. Matt has been playing guitar for over 20 years and is currently involved in several projects including three bands which have performed in some of NYC’s hottest venues including but not limited to CBGB”s, The Bitter End, Crash Mansion, and Kenny’s Castaways. Currently Matt is a finalist for an international music competition for Indie acts where he showcases his guitar and vocal abilities. Matt was formerly educated at Queensborough College. He is competent in multiple areas such as theory, technique, sight reading, ear training, and recording engineering. He has studied under noted instructors such as George Bien and Tom Cipriani. In addition to his education and training Matt has had the benefit of living and having been reared in one of the richest and most diverse musical scenes in the country, NYC. This enables Matt to teach and perform in a broad range from the traditional classical guitar to experimental. As an educator, Matt is different from other teachers in his ability to inspire and motivate. Learning to play and master an instrument is challenging and can be a very frustrating experience. Matthew has techniques proven student after student to be successful in overcoming learning obstacles so that the student is able to meet his/her individualized goals. This ability has helped Matthew become a teacher with over 10 years experience.

Lessons are provided in a private studio in Astoria, NY or your home. Once, a location is established I work with each student to identify his or her goals and objectives both musically and personally. Students are assessed to determine where their individual ability is at the time of assessment. From there, I work in partnership with the student as we begin mastering the guitar in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you are interested in learning to play the blues, classical or jazz guitar or any other genre, I can help. If you are a beginner, don’t worry it won’t all be scales. In fact I guarantee you will be playing a song within your first lesson. If you are an advanced or intermediate student, I can help you master your skills. We (you and I) will revisit proper right and left hand techniques; utilize exercises to improve your speed and accuracy. You will learn new methods to strengthen your improvisation abilities. In short, you and I will make sure to build on your strengths and undo any bad habits that are hindering your ability to grow as a guitarist.

I begin with meeting the student where they are in relation to their musical experience. After establishing trust, through encouragement I empower students to recognize their potential with out pre-determined expectations or limits. I am comfortable in various genres from classical to punk.

music, Guitar