Chris Kuklis

Want to play for your own enjoyment, as a relaxing escape from the hectic Brooklyn rat race?
We can do that.

Want to be in a band & rock like a pro?
We can do that too.

Hi, my name is Chris Kuklis and I'm a musician. I went to the New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music; although some people at the school really like to play Jazz, I was there for the Contemporary Music. During my time at the school, I studied with amazing musicians, some whose impact was the greatest: Gerry Hemingway, William Parker, Amir Ziv and Mary Halvorson.

My primary instrument is the electric guitar, though I often use it more as a sound tool than a conventional instrument. Textures & timbres fascinate me, and I use a lot of effects to broaden the possibilities. Other sound sources include: Casio keyboards (VL-tone & Casiotone), iPod, & whatever else happens to be nearby.

I've played at: The Stone, Birdland, Goodbye Blue Monday, Dizzy's Club, Unnameable Books, Southpaw, Death by Audio, Asterisk, a communist bookstore, Cake Shop, a Masonic temple, basements in New Jersey, the Khyber in Philly, & others. All of these venues are wonderful & interesting in their own distinct ways, although it is important to remember that the sounds made matter much more than the place.

In my life, I’ve always been inspired by analysis, problem solving, and the quest for understanding and these characteristics greatly influence my teaching style. At the same time, I believe that meaningful learning happens best in an environment of kindness and compassion, allowing a student to truly grow as a musician.

BEGINNER STUDENTS

Many of my students are picking up a guitar for the first time and it's always fun to share in the early explorations of the instrument. Rather than using a set-in-stone method, I tailor my approach to the unique goals of each student.

Most beginner lessons involve learning songs which emphasize particular rhythm guitar techniques (e.g. chords, strumming, picking, fingerstyle) and, depending on the student's interests, lead guitar techniques (e.g. alternate picking, bends, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs). We work together to build a solid foundation which will allow the student to play songs in many different styles.

INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED STUDENTS

I have a variety of specialty subject areas which can be covered individually or in combination, including:

Applied Theory

Have you ever wondered how your favorite player builds that awesome solo you love to listen to on repeat? Or why you can't seem to get a particular chord progression out of your head?  With an understanding of music theory, you can answer those questions and many more. Starting from the ground up, we'll examine the building blocks of sound and learn how music works from the inside out, and how it all applies to the guitar. This subject area is especially broad, and contains: scales, modes, arpeggios, chord construction, harmonic progressions and more.

Fretboard Navigation

Over the years I've developed a unique approach to fretboard navigation & have a particular strategy to help students unlock the mysteries of the guitar neck. Through various exercises we explore different ways of looking at and thinking about scales and how they inhabit the fretboard, leading to greater fluidity and better knowledge of the guitar as a whole.

Technique Analysis & Redirection

In life, I enjoy observing and analyzing the things around me, noticing how the minutia comprises the whole. As a result I am able to effectively assess technical obstacles in a student's playing and offer immediate solutions to help them grow and improve. If you've ever wondered why your vibrato doesn't sound like your favorite guitarist, why your wrist never feels comfortable, or why you can't ever seem to get that picking pattern right, I can help you find the solution.

Rhythmic Approach

Rhythm is the foundation of all popular music, from indie rock to salsa, and a solid understanding of rhythm will help your playing and writing grow. Starting from the most basic rhythmic units, we'll explore the way rhythms are constructed, how they apply to strumming patterns and riffs, and how they can be manipulated for particular effects. Emphases include rhythmic grids in common time signatures (4/4, 3/4), odd meter playing and subdivisions (in both contemporary and traditional Middle Eastern musics), and polyrhythms as they relate to African and contemporary musics.

Soloing & Improvisation

Focus on specific techniques and strategies for developing effective solos that capture people's attention. We can work on building your technical facility (left hand speed, vibrato, bends & articulations, picking speed & accuracy, right/left synchronization) while simultaneously developing your ear for melodic creation and motivic development. For those seeking a departure from the norm, I also have an extensive background in free-improvised music and can help you to see the path and learn ways to explore it.

Effects & Electronics

Much of the music I make involves intelligent use of effects and electronics to create and manipulate sounds and textures. My approach to this subject involves treating each pedal as a distinct instrument whose techniques and vocabulary require practice and understanding. Specific sub-topics include: looping, building a personal timbral palette, and strategies for exploration/development.

Get Started with BML to set up a lesson with Chris.