|
All lessons at the Ethan Fiks Guitar Studio
are taught by Ethan himself. Private guitar lessons are Ethan's
specialty.
Because of our practical and responsible approach to music, the
Ethan Fiks Guitar Studio is the foremost place to learn electric
and/or acoustic guitar in New York City. In a field plagued by
amateurs and part-time instructors, EFGS is a full-time music
studio. Focusing on the student’s wants and needs, Ethan
can train you in any desired style, except strict classical, getting
you to where you can play the music you like. With a convenient
midtown Manhattan location and scheduling to fit your busy school
or work life, the Ethan Fiks Guitar Studio is truly the fastest
and most inspiring way to get from point A to B.
In addition to running his own studio, Ethan’s teaching credits
include positions at the National Guitar Summer Workshop (Connecticut
and Nashville campuses), the Learning Annex (New York, NY), the
Teaneck Community Education Center (Teaneck, NJ), the Ramsey Adult
School (Ramsey, NJ), Mill Basin Day Camp (Brooklyn, NY), the O.
DiBella Music School (Bergenfield, NJ), the Tenafly Adult School
(Tenafly, NJ), the Solomon Schechter School (New Milford, NJ),
and the Sam Ash “Get You Started” Program (New York,
NY).
2003: Ethan has received a U.S. patent for a
portable educational musical instrument and accompanying learning
method, which bears some (only some) relation to his guitar method.
To read about Ethan’s music learning system for beginners,
which has some relation to his guitar teaching approach, click
here.
top
Are beginners accepted as students?
Yes. I teach all levels of guitar from beginner to very advanced.
What age groups does Ethan teach?
My students have ranged from five years old to over fifty.
What style of guitar playing does Ethan teach?
I teach all popular styles of guitar: rock, blues, folk, country
and jazz. Classical technique and exercises, but not classical
pieces, are also included in a usual course. Normally, beginning
students start with simple rock, blues and folk tunes and work
their way up to more complex rock and, if desired jazz material.
I choose songs for study which demonstrate recent concepts or
chords learned, or based on student requests.
Should I play electric or acoustic guitar?
My philosophy is that it is fine to learn the guitar on either
electric or acoustic -- they are played in largely the same way.
In general, electrics might be a little easier to play because
the strings are lighter gauge, and thus easier to press down.
Although you can conceivably play any style of music on any guitar,
generally speaking electric lends itself to rock, blues, and jazz,
steel-string acoustic to acoustic rock and blues and folk, and
nylon-string acoustic to classical. Keep in mind that if
you play electric you will probably want an amplifier unless you’re
OK with playing quietly. (People who worry about the electric
disturbing friends or neighbors should consider that an unplugged
electric is actually quieter than an acoustic.) Click
here for more suggestions on instruments.
Does Ethan teach the bass guitar too?
While my expertise focuses on the electric and acoustic guitars,
I have taken on beginning electric bass students with success.
For advanced bass students, I can recommend teachers in the area.
How long does each lesson last?
Generally, 45 minutes-- I believe this is the ideal duration.
However, some students have requested double lessons (one and
a half hours), hour lessons, or thirty minute lessons and have
been accommodated.
top
How often do the lessons take place?
Usually one meeting per week. However, some students have requested
two lessons per week (for example, when school is on break) or
a lesson every other week. These students are accommodated when
possible.
Do I have to bring my guitar to the lesson?
No, but you’ll definitely need an instrument to practice
on at home. You can bring your own instrument if you like, but
there is also one here for your use so you don’t have to
lug your guitar around town.
If you already have a guitar, it is recommended that you bring
it to the first lesson so I can make sure it is in the best playing
condition. If you don’t have a guitar, it is recommended
that you do not buy one before the first lesson, so I can advise
you on which instrument to buy.
What is the cancellation policy?
Give me 48 hours notice by phone and you won’t be charged;
more notice is preferable. Make-up lessons will be scheduled when
possible if the 48 hours notice is given. The student will be
charged and no make-up given if the lesson is cancelled within
48 hours of the lesson time. In addition, the motivated student
will keep his or her cancellations under three per year or school
year.
Which guitar method is used?
A large part of the curriculum comes from me, and is informed
by over a decade of teaching experience and exposure to the world’s
best musicians and teachers. At the first lesson the student will
need a book of blank music paper (spiral-bound, 10 staves per
page is preferred), which is available here. I write out part
of the lesson and also hand out many song and exercise sheets
along the way. Additional instructional and/or song books are
used according to the student’s wants and needs. I I have
a large collection of popular songs to assign for any level of
ability, and can figure out songs from a CD or tape. Transcription
services are available. Many songs can be downloaded as MP3s from
our on-site Roadrunner cable modem for student use.
How much should I practice per week?
It is recommended that you practice a minimum of four times per
week, a half an hour per session. More practice is OK, but overwhelming
yourself can be counterproductive.
How long does it take to get good?
You should start to see substantial progress within a couple of
months. Of course, how quickly and how far you progress will depend
largely on your own effort and motivation.
Can I tape-record the lessons?
Recording the lessons is fine, but optional-- just bring your
own blank tape.
What forms of payment are accepted at the studio?
Cash or check. We hope to accept credit cards
in the future. For equipment rentals, a fully refundable cash
deposit is required for the selling price of the item.
How much do the lessons cost?
Call me at (212) 643-9261 to discuss rates.
Does Ethan teach anything else?
Yes, recording techniques and technology, focusing on music engineering
and
production using Digidesign's Pro Tools hard disk recording system.
There
is a complete recording system on the premises. See
the recording page for
more info.
I teach everyday except Sunday and accept new students throughout
the year, based on available openings. Call me at (212) 643-9261
to discuss your first lesson.
|
