John Gray
About
John Gray has been teaching since 2011, privately and in public and private schools throughout the New York Tri-state area and online. John teaches private lessons on bass (upright and electric), guitar, piano, ukulele, voice, and ensemble music classes.
John is a passionate music educator who works hard to tailor lessons to students of all ages and abilities. His main goal with any student is to help foster and support a lifelong love of music, through teaching students important musical skills and helping them explore repertoire that excites them.
As a performer, John is of the most versatile and in-demand bassists in New York City. John Gray brings years of experience and training to whatever professional musical situation he finds himself in. Whether it's playing classical and jazz bass backing up world-renowned pianist Xiayin Wang in a performance at WQXR, or playing funk and R&B bass backing up Broadway legend Vivian Reed, or leading his band John Gray and The Jazz Thieves at the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, John brings a focused, passionate creativity and a sharp sense of professionalism.
John is a graduate of the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, having graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2009.
I have been teaching Guitar, Piano, Bass (Upright & Electric), and Ukulele since 2011 in New York City and online. My most important goal, whether a student is a younger beginner, an adult who has some experience, or a more advanced student, is to instill a love of music that inspires students to practice and pursue their musical goals. I teach students how to read notes, rhythms, and tablature (on guitar), and try to find songs students connect with and have them play them. I do work out of method books for younger beginning students, but I always will try and supplement with songs the student feels a connection to.
I also make sure to have students work on scales and other music theory fundamentals as soon as they are able to.
Bachelors of Music, Manhattan School of Music, 2009