Andrew Pfaff

***SORRY, NOT TAKING STUDENTS AT THIS TIME! Please check back in a few months.***

Please write me at
lessons@andrewpfaff.com
or call
to discuss your needs, aspirations
and ability level, or to
schedule an appointment.

I am the "one-man music department" at Bergen County Technical High School
in Teterboro, NJ. For more information, click here.

When my busy schedule permits, I also offer private instruction in:

Electric Bass

and

Music Theory

A message for "Returning adult" students
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Any complex task is made up of several simple tasks.
Good practicing is not about quantity; it's about quality.
Break down your musical objectives into many small, easily attainable goals.
Patience will actually get you there faster!

"Returning adult" students:

    I get a fair number of calls from adults with years of playing experience, whether professional, semi-professional or as a hobby. They are usually highly motivated people and already have a good idea of what they need in order to improve.

    Very often this kind of student does not need the weekly reinforcement and traditional structure of a lesson schedule. They are able to come in for a single lesson, get a lot of material, and then spend an extended period of time digesting and practicing before calling me again.

    If you feel you fall into this category, please contact me by e-mail or phone and describe your situation. I can take time to respond to your particular concerns, and will work with you to find mutually beneficial lesson appointments on a "one-at-a-time" basis.
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Electric Bass
I have been a professional bass player my entire musical career and translate my experience into expert bass instruction at all levels.
For more on my professional experience and credentials see About Andrew Pfaff.

I offer an individualized, one-on-one course of study in electric bass guitar, open to beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Instruction is tailored according to the skill level, aptitude and aspirations of each student. Topics covered include: effective playing technique, reading musical notation, music theory, stylistic interpretations, fretboard knowledge, classical and jazz literature for the bass, important/influential bass players, function of the bass in various playing contexts, effective practicing, and ear training. The curriculum is "spiral" in nature, meaning that several areas may be studied concurrently at the level appropriate for the individual student.

Rates:
Please contact me by e-mail (lessons@andrewpfaff.com)

Policies:
*Payment is due at time of lesson and may be by cash or check.
*Make-up lessons will only be granted if prior notice of absence is given at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled lesson time. No exceptions. Please contact the instructor if you will be unable to attend your scheduled lesson.
*Lessons missed by the instructor will be credited for another lesson.
*Parents/guardians are welcome to stay during their child's lesson.
*Certain instructional materials will be provided by instructor. Beyond the provided materials, students are required to purchase their own textbooks. Textbook requirements vary according to the specific needs and skill level of each student. A list of required and suggested texts is available on request.
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Music Theory
I meet a lot of musicians, especially self-taught guitarists and bassists, who reach a point where they realize they need to learn music theory in order to continue to advance. As a jazz player who has studied and taught harmony, composition and improvisation, I can help.

I offer a jazz-based course of study in music theory. Topics covered include: reading musical notation, chord symbols and nomenclature, ear training through drills and transcription exercises, modes, and improvisation techniques.

Rates:
Please contact me by e-mail (lessons@andrewpfaff.com)

Policies:
*Payment is due at time of lesson and may be by cash or check.
*Make-up lessons will only be granted if prior notice of absence is given at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled lesson time. No exceptions. Please contact the instructor if you will be unable to attend your scheduled lesson.
*Lessons missed by the instructor will be credited for another lesson.
*Parents/guardians are welcome to stay during their child's lesson.
*Certain instructional materials will be provided by instructor. Beyond the provided materials, students are required to purchase their own textbooks. Textbook requirements vary according to the specific needs and skill level of each student. A list of required and suggested texts is available on request.
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