As a teacher, I help students find creativity and purpose in making music.

I have taught students ages 15 to 75 to explore their musical imagination as an instrumentalist, as composer/producers, or both.

My studio offerings include Logic Pro-focused group music production classes, and production-focused private lessons on guitar, bass (upright & electric), and piano.

In lessons, students learn to follow their own stylistic compass, becoming independent music creators capable of collaborating with friends old and new.

Students of mine have won scholarships to prestigious colleges like Berklee and Manhattan School of Music, have performed professionally, and have collaborated interdisciplinarily with creatives in theater, film and game design.

I create customized practice plans for each individual to ensure they are moving in the direction of their musical dreams.

I've worked with Grammy award winning and Tony nominated, multi-platinum artists as a performer, teacher and consultant. I use all my professional experience in my teaching to ignite a passion for learning and music in my students.

 Students of mine have been accepted to the following programs:

Music Camps

Camp MSM

New England Music Camp

Aspire: Berklee 5 Week Summer Program (received scholarship)

Music Schools

LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

Lagond Music School (received scholarship)

Jazz at Lincoln Center High School Jazz Academy

Juilliard MAP Program

Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School

Colleges

Manhattan School of Music (received scholarship)

The New School (received scholarship)

Berklee College of Music (received scholarship)

University of Miami (received scholarship)

City College of New York

Testimonials

John is a talented musician and educator. My son learned advanced music theory and group playing skills with John for four years as part of the Contemporary Music Ensemble in John’s Homeschool Music Academy. John is flexible and delivers a comprehensive music education while responding to the needs of the group by working with students to explore their interests. My son loved playing with the ensemble every week.

John…provide[d] excellent learning opportunities via Zoom, especially in composition and ear training. I appreciate John’s dedication to his students."

Deborah — homeschooling mother of three (18, 21, 27)

John Gray taught me how to play jazz, music theory, and how to perform with a band. I had a fantastic experience playing with our band, Animals in the City. Loved rehearsing and performing in concerts with these guys! Playing with Animals in the City was like playing with a professional band. John taught us coordination, listening, and other vital elements when it comes to ensemble performing.

Jesse — former student

John Gray is the kind of teacher you will always remember and hope to find: engaging and supportive and above all, inspiring and encouraging.  My boy has grown so much as a musician with John’s guidance, and he remembers his time and experience with John as a highlight of his learning experience.  We should all be so lucky as to meet a teacher like John!

Ava — homeschooling mother

My Teaching Philosophy

The first thing I want to know is what inspires you. We’ll make a plan together based on what you’re interested in and where you want to go.

I expect through our work together that you will reach your full potential. I will be both kind and honest about your progress.

You’re going to make the best progress if you practice and make music consistently.

Studying music teaches resilience as well as reward; Our work is all about fostering a positive mindset to help overcome obstacles in music and also in life.