Lesson Center
Schedule a Lesson Using Our New Student Application
Whether you are a budding bluegrasser, an advanced classical or jazz player, or just starting out on an instrument, we have the right teacher to help you attain your goals and advance as a musician.
To schedule a lesson, please complete our online application. We will follow up with you shortly after it has been submitted. Feel free to call 781.860.0049 or email: lessons@themusicemporium.com with questions.
Teaching staff
A seasoned musician, Audie Bridges has played and taught for many years. He currently teaches jazz, classical and blues guitar, specializing in theory, improvisation and arranging for solo guitar. Audie has a Bachelor's degree in Composition from Berklee College of Music and a Master's degree in Jazz Studies from The New England Conservatory. In addition, he has studied jazz with Charlie Banacos, Mick Goodrick, Pat Martino and Lenny Breau. Advanced studies in classical guitar include work with Robert Sullivan and David Leisner.
As a practicing professional musician, Audie is a master of all styles of guitar. He currently plays in a flute-guitar duo with Steve Tapper. They have released three recordings and have a fourth in production. Audie teaches adults, all levels.
Audie is here Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
A long-time teacher with experience in programs throughout the greater Boston area, Danny is a knowledgeable and capable instructor. Danny has performed for years in and around the Boston rock scene, most prominently in the band Zug Zug. He is our resident rock guitar expert, with a wide knowledge of everything from classic rock styles to the most modern and challenging shredders of today. He has built a reputation for keeping his students excited as they progress, and always receives glowing reviews. Teaching everyone from our youngest to seasoned adults, and beginners to advanced players, we are proud to have him on our team!
Danny is here Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Ian Goldstein teaches celtic/ bluegrass/ folk/ blues/ jazz mandolin to learners at all levels of experience and ability. Emphasizing an encouraging, individualistic approach, lessons are highly practical, using songs as tools to achieve ergonomic form, boost listening skills, understand theory and begin to improvise. Students learn chords and melodies en route to a full understanding of the instrument and how to play in solo and ensemble contexts.
Ian has been performing for years on mandolin, guitar and lap slide in his own groups, with other Boston-based folk/rock groups and supporting singer-songwriters. He has played venues throughout the eastern U.S. & the San Francisco Bay area, and has appeared on National Public Radio (WPLN Nashville NPR).
Ian studied mandolin privately with John McGann (Berklee College of Music), Michael Kerry, and guitar with Armand Qualliotine (Brandeis Univ. and Berklee). He currently plays oud in the Tufts Arabic Music Ensemble under the direction of Kareem Roustom. Ian received his B.A. from Brandeis University, and is currently working towards his M.A. in Music at Tufts, with a focus in ethnomusicology.
Ian teaches at The Music Emporium on Thursdays; other days possible by appointment
A professional guitarist from the age of 16, Raymond has performed in styles from classical to jazz, blues and folk to rock, traveling extensively from California to New England. Raymond has a Bachelor’s degree in Composition and Theory from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music, and a Master's degree in Composition from the New England Conservatory of Music. As a guitarist he specializes in composition, open and obscure tunings, jazz arrangements and the gamut of classical repertoire.
He has written and produced six acclaimed albums of original songs and solo guitar pieces, including his most recent release, “tunes from the blue fish.” In addition to his career as a top fingerstyle guitarist, Raymond also continues to compose and perform in the classical and modern music arenas, recently premiering a piece for guitar and flute at the first University of Massachusetts - Boston Faculty Composer's Forum, where he is a professor.
His services as a teacher are very much in demand. All levels are welcome.
Raymond is at the Emporium Monday and Thursday.
Mike joined The Music Emporium staff in 1992. He has been teaching here full-time for years, specializing in bebop jazz and blues. Versatile as a player and teacher, Mike has students ages eight to sixty-eight. Evenings you will find Mike out around the New England jazz hotspots, playing with the Ken Clark Organ Trio, the Rusty Scott Group, and others. He has toured the U.S. and Europe, has recorded several records, and even some television spots. Mike graduated Berklee class of 1990, student of Jon Damian, Garrison Fewell and Charlie Banacas. All levels welcome.
Mike is here Monday through Thursday, and Saturdays.
The 2002 and 2003 New England 5-string banjo champion, and a six-time bluegrass banjo contest winner at the Lowell Banjo and Fiddle Championships, Rich is a tour de force on the banjo. A tasteful player and composer, Rich adapts a variety of musical genre to the five-string, preserving the melodic heart of the music while retaining an unmistakable "banjoistic" flavor. When he isn't teaching or working professionally outside music, Rich performs with traditional bluegrass bands here in Boston.
Rich is here Saturdays with other days available.
Bob is most known for his intricate acoustic blues and slide work, but over his long career he has also played and sung in many blues, jug, zydeco and folk bands. He has recorded one solo CD, and done a great deal of session work during his years in Cambridge MA and in the Seacoast area. He studied with Rev. Gary Davis, and has performed with many notable musicians.
Bob is here every Wednesday.
Howie Tarnower is a multi-instrumentalist and well known veteran of the Bluegrass and Folk world. He has recorded and toured extensively with many bands and has performed with many of Bluegrass' finest musical talents; Tony Trischka, Peter Wernick, Don Stover, Chris Jones, Hazel Dickens, and Rose Maddox to name a few. He has played on dozens of recordings, soundtracks and broadcasts from Prairie Home Companion to Car Talk. Since settling in Boston he has taught at many area music schools and arts programs and continues to perform with many local artists as well as his own bands; Boston City Limits and The Blue Suede Boppers. Absolutely indefatigable, he will make your head spin with his energy and enthusiasm, not to mention exceptional technique and musicianship. Beginners through advanced students are welcome.
Howie is here every Monday.
A potent multi-instrumentalist, Larry has been with us longer than any other instructor. A musician of great taste and ability, he is a patient and inspiring teacher. He has recorded several records, and toured extensively as an accompanist and in group settings. Larry's specialty as a teacher here is in old-time banjo, an instrument on which he truly excels. All levels are welcome. Larry is here on Tuesdays.