Christopher “Mal” Malinowski – Guitar Instructor
Education: Bachelor of Science in Cinema and Photography – Ithaca
College, Ithaca, NY
Gracefully thrown into teaching at the age of eleven by his father Mal (owner
of Mal’s Music – 1979-2003), guitar instruction has been an integral part of
Chris’s existence since 1981. The methodology that Chris utilizes is one
that was passed down to him by Mal and one in which he trusts implicitly.
All of Chris’s students are given a similar (and very thorough) lesson
structure, which includes: technique exercises (fingering and picking),
chord studies (basic and advanced), scale work (primary, intermediate, and
professional), music reading and theory (all of his students read or will
read), genre studies (Rock, Blues, Metal, Jazz, Folk, Country, Avant-Garde,
Classical – this is the student’s choice), improvisation and solo composition,
and, ultimately, a guide through the process of crafting ORIGINAL MATERIAL,
including vocal work and performance preparation. After the student
progresses somewhat, she/he may begin to bring in a song of her/his choice to
learn every fourth week of lessons, with the understanding that the student
will return to the coursework the next week or the week following.
The aforementioned coursework is given at a leisurely pace, with a sense of
humor intact and without condescension. Chris views all of his students as
EQUALS and FRIENDS. He does not believe in talent, only dedication to the
instrument. Chris’s goal is to demystify the instrument for the student,
enabling her/him to play comfortably and beyond and, additionally, to encourage
the individual to honor her/his eccentricities regarding playing style and
songwriting capability.
Chris is the guitarist/singer for the band THE COLLINGWOOD (myspace.com/thecollingwood,
reverbnation.com/thecollingwood,
youtube.com/thecollingwood).
He is also a still photographer, a filmmaker, and a competitive runner.
Find him on Facebook for performance dates, installation information, and
film screenings.
