Reviews

“I want to give a shout out to Ronnie Nissinboim for creating the Brooklyn Guitar Method (BGM). I've been using this new resource in my classroom for the past two weeks, and it has brought so much joy to my students and me.
Ronnie focuses on single-string tablature in this method book. My students responded so quickly to this; I didn't realize that in my attempts to teach simple chords, they weren't really understanding how the fretboard works, or how to get the best tone. BGM breaks down guitar technique so that my elementary students can find success within a few moments. I got to see that lightbulb moment at least 6 times a day as they found the "sweet spot" and learned how to change the pitch of a string.
We have a 4th grade teacher who had to leave us because our 20-day count was low. Yesterday was her last day, and her students were able to prepare a mini-concert of "Chopped Cheese Buns" (a fun adaptation of Hot Cross Buns) in her honor. The play-along video that is embedded in the digital book made that possible--even the class troublemaker asked if he could sing the lyrics for the presentation. As I'm writing this, the magnitude of that is finally hitting me. Here's a kid that I have had trouble with for two years, and he's singing an updated version of Hot Cross Buns? Incredible.
All along my trips down hallways, through the cafeteria, and on the bus ramp, I get hugs and fist bumps followed by "When are we playing guitars again?"
Here's the other amazing thing: Ronnie has made himself open to feedback. I asked him about making a few changes to the format of the digital book to make it easier to present in my classroom, and I couldn't believe how quickly he made those changes happen. I feel like I've gained a friend and mentor in addition to a well-planned method book.
If you are just getting starting with Modern Band, or you're looking for another approach to guitar, I highly recommend checking out Brooklyn Guitar Method. Ronnie just published a ukulele version, which is so wonderful for my 3rd graders, who are too small to handle the big guitars at the moment. I love the embedded backing tracks and play-along videos.
Happy music-ing!”

—Rebecca Flaherty, M.M.

Music Teacher, Andrea B. Williams Elementary, Savannah Georgia

“Brooklyn Guitar Method: Volume One is a unique approach focused on playing while developing the essential techniques most other method books lack. Whether you have been teaching guitar for years or you are just starting your first beginning guitar class, this book is a must have. It breaks down beginning guitar in a chronological way that's understandable for both teachers and students. I can't wait for Volume Two.”

— Eric Kurimski

Latin Grammy nominated performer/Educator

“I've been teaching guitar for over 20 years, and I've never found a method book that really worked for me and my students. I've always had to cobble together bits and pieces from different methods, or write my own. Ronnie Nissinboim has created the strongest, most forward thinking method book I've ever read. I was familiar with some of his methods after observing him teach and instantly incorporated them into my own teaching. He does an excellent job of breaking down different components into well laid out segments, and progressing through them in a well thought out way. I will be using this revolutionary method with my students next year and I'm extremely excited to see the results.”

— David Love

NYC DOE music teacher and professional guitarist

“Ronnie really nailed it with this course for the beginner player. Starting with playing in the “sweet spot,” single string melodies and an abundance of charts and backing tracks suited to get children having fun on the guitar! Love his pictures in playing position, Warm ups and games that will make learning the guitar fun and engaging!”

— Sean Salant

Guitarist of Adequate fur/Awaken the Shadow and guitar teacher at The Dalton School

“I am really excited to use the “Brooklyn Guitar Method” book with my beginning students. What a great way to become familiar with the guitar, string by string and fret by fret. The graphics are easy to understand and Ronnie offers so many ways for teachers to scaffold and differentiate. I love the backing tracks and the way that Ronnie makes it so simple for students to learn at their own pace. I also love that this book is completely online - this makes it so easy to teach the whole class - projecting the book on the screen and for the students to work in small groups or individually on laptops or tablets. The original tunes are fun - what a great way to encourage students to begin writing their own simple melodies. Even teachers who have no experience playing the guitar can feel successful by using the Brooklyn Guitar Method.”

— Lauren Schwartz

Middle School Music Teacher, San Francisco

“I purchased the Ukulele Method to use with my general music classes for teaching Uke! I was pleasantly pleased with the visuals, information, and the musical play-alongs including tracking videos for playing along to the music. There is a wide range of songs and levels. Great material!”

—Christine Smith

Music Teacher, Eastern York Middle School, York, PA

“Being a vocalist by trade, walking into teaching a guitar class started out really rough for me. My classes were a mess, I was a mess. It was a really frustrating experience. Brooklyn Guitar method has completely changed that. The method has made the material very accessible to my students and I, and I LOVE that it also comes in Google slide form so that I can put it up on my projector. It’s a win in my book.”

—Amber Rigot

Music Teacher, Doral Academy-Fire Mesa, Las Vegas, NV