» Matthew E.

New York City-based Music Teachers. Private Online Music Lessons Anywhere. New York City: In-Home and Online. Any Instrument. Most popular: Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Singing.

Matthew E.

Matthew E.

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What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in tapping into each student’s specific interests and strengths. People learn best through a unique set of modalities, and so I aim to pinpoint each student’s best and most comfortable means of learning. I have found this approach to be very effective. I want a music lesson to feel like we are EXPLORING rather than CHORING. 

In your opinion, what is the right way to teach and what do you do in your lessons that makes you a good teacher?

The “right way to teach,” at least the way I see it, is to develop a curriculum that is best suited for the particular student. I always aim to familiarize myself with the music that a student is passionate about  —that helps me understand his or her interests and goals. If the student and I are “on the  same page,” then the learning process will be smooth and enjoyable.

How many years have you been teaching music lessons?

I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY in 2007, but have been giving music lessons for two years.  That’s because I wanted to gain experience as a musician before imparting my love of music to others.

What are you most proud of in your musical career?

A major highlight of my musical career was performing on David Letterman’s show with my longtime band, The So So Glos. I enjoyed that moment very much, and it made me realize that I had accomplished quite a bit as a musician.

What’s the best compliment you have ever gotten as a music teacher?

Very early on in our lessons,  one of my student’s moms texted me a video of my student playing her guitar and urging me to come over right away so we could continue  together. I was tickled by her enthusiasm and eagerness! For a teacher, that is a truly wonderful experience!

What country have you travelled to that you like the most and why?

I have been fortunate to play music all over Europe (France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, etc.). What I liked most about visiting these countries is how eager they are to overfeed visiting artists. Seriously though, we tend to think of Europe as one homogeneous region, but I was amazed to find out that each of these countries has its own fascinating traditions, customs, and culture.

What languages do you speak?

So far only English. But since I like to travel, I am hoping to learn at least one other language. I haven’t decided yet which.

If you could perform with any musician (alive or dead), who would it be and why?

I love Fiona Apple. I believe she is one of the finest pianists, songwriters and performers of our time. I would just like to be close to the magic she generates.

Do you have any interesting or unusual hobbies? If so, tell us about it.

I love generating comprehensive playlists of songs that are all in the same key. I know it is unusual, but I am enjoy doing this — after all, it is another form of music. 

What are you currently listening to on the radio, iPod, iTunes, Spotify, etc.?

I have been listening a lot to The Kinks, Héctor Lavoe, Selena Gomez, and the defunct Australian punk band, Eddy Current Suppression Ring. One would be hard-pressed to introduce me to music that doesn’t pique my interest in one way or another!