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RON ROTHSCHILD
I've learned more from Dan than I ever thought possible. From playing lead up and down the neck, learning songs by ear, to songwriting and performing, Dan has guided me every step along the way. The combo lessons he offers are an amazing opportunity to learn how to play with other musicians and be part of a musical community. I now play paying gigs all around New York City and host my own open mic!
LOU RITTER
I had written some songs and called Dan to help me record them. In our sessions, Dan not only guides me in how to use the latest recording software, he gives great songwriting suggestions that've helped me strengthen my material. Our ongoing discussions have helped me rekindle and clarify what I want to do musically, and continually encourage me to do it - so now I'm also playing in live music venues around the city and planning my first full length solo show!
Whatever you want to do with guitar and music, Dan is fantastic at helping you develop both the skill set AND the crucial mindset to do it. Thanks Dan!
TED MAYNARD
Dan Smith is turning me into a guitar player. He makes it fun, and he seems to know what it is I need to keep moving forward. After just one year of lessons, Dan had me doing open mics around New York City and performing at solo workshops before other students and family and friends. Dan has created a community among his students, and we enjoy playing at open mics together. Recently, Dan has encouraged me to take part in combo lessons with some of his other students, and some of us have begun performing at open mics together, as duos and trios. That’s a fun, big next step for me, for which I am hugely grateful to Dan. He is adept at sensing what might be holding me back in my guitar playing, physically or emotionally, and then helping me find a way to keep moving forward in my music. I feel enormously fortunate to have Dan as a teacher.
DAVID ACKER
Having never played an instrument before, I was apprehensive to take on such a new endeavor. Dan’s approach has made me feel confident that I can achieve my goal to make music. Dan doesn’t only teach you the chords, but his lessons become full music appreciation experiences in whichever genre you’re most interested. Because of Dan, I am have learned the language of guitar and have established a repertoire of meaningful songs with which I have a strong connection.
HEATHER CULTON
Dan is an amazing teacher. Not only am I a much better guitar player then I ever imagined I would be, but working with Dan has opened up a whole world of creativity that has enhanced my music and my life. If you have the drive and commitment then Dan can take you as far as you want to go.
JANET R.
Working with Dan has led to what I never dreamed possible. The non-inclusive list incorporates technical, performance, and personal achievements. Over the years, I have progressed from plucking strings with one finger and poor tone to different patterns of strumming and finger picking and to actually playing and singing full songs solo – and not just in the privacy of my home but on stage in front of an audience! We work on lead playing, bar chords and other technical skills, and figuring out songs by ear. Dan always knows exactly where to direct the lesson and what I need, especially when I do not know this myself. In addition to the above, working with Dan has changed my frame of self-reference. I now am a person who plays guitar and sings as a regular part of my life – it is part of me and embracing it as such was a feat unto itself. I cannot recommend Dan highly enough as a teacher!
SIERRA LORENZINI
When I work with Dan I feel it’s a very friendly environment and he really has a lot of patience when it comes to teaching. I didn’t know one chord when I first came to him and now I’m playing many songs from beginning to end which is an amazing feeling! I’ve learned so much more than I ever expected to learn. He even records me playing so I hear how far I have come along and shows me what to work on for the future. I definitely recommend Dan for a guitar teacher!
BRIAN ASTROVE
I started playing guitar one year ago and Dan has helped me to the point today where I am writing songs, singing, and playing guitar on stage. I had no prior musical or performance experience. There are many guitar teachers in New York, but what really stands out about Dan is that he is truly a teacher. Each time I struggle with something new (chords, vocals, performing on stage), Dan has seen the pattern before and knows how to guide me through it. He listens, builds the right foundation, then knows when to challenge me further. I highly recommend Dan as someone who is fun to play with and gets the results you deserve.