Teaching Experience
Arthur, who holds NYS Certification in Music K–12, has taught privately and in classroom situations at every grade level. He has taught guitar, bass, piano, solfeggio, theory, music appreciation, and other related subjects. He has over fifteen years of teaching experience at places including The Institute for Schools of the Future, Stamford Project Music, Palomba Music, SUNY Purchase, The Abbott School, and The UFSD of the Tarrytowns. Arthur is now concentrating on private music instruction. He has extensive experience as a performer and teacher of jazz, rock, classical, blues, pop, country, folk, and world styles.

Common Areas of Study
Beginning Guitar — Get a great start by learning the basics of single-note and chordal playing. Includes reading, technique, and repertoire.

Teaching Philosophy
First of all, anyone can play music. Arthur has had thousands of students and never one without talent, never one who was “tone deaf,” etc. As with any art, dedication on the part of the student and teacher is most important for success. While many of us will never be Mozarts or Coltranes or Claptons, we can all make music, often at a level we never dreamed possible.

Results are based on a combination of three points:

1. Student’s Talent
We are all born with certain talents or gifts—we can’t do anything to change this—which makes this the least important of the three points. The greatest artists might be born with tremendous talents, true, but they become artists through hard work and self-cultivation.

2. Student’s Practice
As students we can practice diligently, with a proper focus, and reach remarkable levels. Practice can make up for any lack of talent. In fact, much of what people call “talent” is really just the result of intense practice. Many “great talents” rest on their laurels and never develop, while less gifted students practice diligently and become consummate professionals. We can control our practice and hence what level we eventually reach. Logic dictates the basic idea: You get good at what you practice, so see #3.

3. Teacher’s Quality
A good teacher knows what works and can guide students on the right path. The best teachers supply the right method, give encouragement, and point the way toward improvement. We can choose our teachers and hence what level we eventually reach.

Publishing Experience
Arthur has worked for many years as an author and music editor. His books have sold thousands of copies and have been translated into many languages.

Selected Instructional Titles by Arthur Rotfeld
from Cherry Lane Music
Jazz Guitar Voicings and Progressions
Classical Melodies for Guitar
Brian Setzer Legendary Licks
The Art of Kirk Hammett
The Art of Joe Satriani
The Art of James Hetfield
Soundgarden—Riff by Riff
Dave Matthews Band—Just the Riffs
Bush—Just the Riffs

Selected Instructional Titles Edited by Arthur Rotfeld
from Cherry Lane Music
The Guitar Reference Guide Series
The Essential Skills Series
The Pocket Guide Series

From Hal Leonard
Albert King Signature Licks
Z.Z. Top Signature Licks
Joe Pass Signature Licks
The Police Signature Licks
Django Reinhardt Signature Licks
Basic Jazz Chords
Blues Rock Soloing