Margaret Slovak: CD's/Prints/Lessons

Margaret's newest CD, "For the Moment", features seven of her original instrumental jazz quartet compositions and one solo guitar piece, and was originally recorded in New York City in November, 1989; it was recently released for the first time on the Slovak Music label. The Margaret Slovak Quartet consists of Margaret Slovak on electric guitar, Grammy nominee Fred Hersch on piano, Michael Formanek on acoustic bass, and Michael Sarin on drums.

Margaret's long-awaited second CD, which contains eleven of her jazz/classical solo and duo compositions, along with a jazz ballad (In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning) and a piece by Brazilian musician Egberto Gismonti (Memoria E Fado). The eight duets pair Margaret's nylon-string and electric guitars with acoustic bassist Dave Captein, steel-string guitarist Doug Smith, and pianist George Mitchell.

Margaret's first CD of solo guitar compositions; contains twelve original jazz/classical pieces, plus a jazz ballad (Blue in Green) and a bossa nova selection (Manha de Carnaval).

A high-quality Giclee art print of Margaret's painting from the cover of her first CD, Undying Hope. This limited edition, signed and numbered print measures 25” x 20.5”, and is available unframed for $250.00.

A high-quality Giclee art print of Margaret's painting from the cover of her second CD, "New Wings". This limited edition, signed and numbered print measures 21" x 28" and is available unframed for $250.00.

Guitarist Margaret Slovak is available for: solo, duo, trio and quartet performances featuring her original music, as well as jazz standards and bossa novas; performances featuring her music and the display of her corresponding paintings; therapeutic music in hospital, hospice, healthcare and private home settings; workshops & clinics; private guitar lessons. Margaret also specializes in teaching musicians with injuries and/or disabilities.

Patient and informative guitar lessons taught by professional jazz/classical guitarist, composer and recording artist Margaret Slovak. I have 20 years of teaching experience, 25 years of experience as a professional musician, and was an adjunct music professor at several colleges and universities in Portland, Oregon. I earned a B.F.A. in Music from the Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington (Magna Cum Laude).

I teach children, teenagers, and adults; I also have experience teaching students with injuries and/or disabilities. I specialize in jazz (fingerstyle and plectrum) and classically influenced jazz; I can also teach basic classical, blues and folk styles. Lessons include instruction on guitar technique, reading music, music theory, improvisation, repertoire development and composition. All levels accepted.

I am a patient, caring and organized teacher; my goal is to help you find your own "voice" on the guitar.

Private lesson rates:

30-minute lessons: $30.00
45-minute lessons: $40.00
60-minute lessons: $50.00

Lessons may be taken weekly or every other week. Teaching studio is located in Hastings-On-Hudson, New York. Lessons can also be taught in your home in Westchester, Manhattan, Yonkers or the Bronx for an additional charge of $5.00 - $10.00 per lesson, depending upon location.

A recent quote from a former student, Dr. S. Murphy: "I studied jazz guitar with Margaret Slovak in 2007 and 2008 in Portland, Oregon. She is a very knowledgeable and skilled teacher and musician who presented the lessons in an organized and progressive manner. I found her to be clear, patient, supportive, and encouraging. She has tremendous skill as a guitarist. Her depth of music knowledge and understanding of theory was extremely beneficial to me during the time I was her student. It was a great loss for me to lose her as a teacher when she moved back to New York. I would highly recommend her as a guitar teacher no matter what your level of skill."

A recent quote from Tito Mijares, current student in Brooklyn, NY: "Margaret was incredibly sensitivity to my needs. Signing up for jazz guitar lessons, I didn't think she'd put together a comprehensive program that involved lessons "away from the instrument"-- rhythm practice, sight reading, listening and composing that I came away not just a better guitar player but also a better musician. In short, Margaret doesn't just teach you to play the guitar, she lets you get *inside* the music!"

You can license Margaret Slovak's music for commercial use for film, television, and advertising through Pump Audio, Inc.
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License this music for commercial use through Pump Audio