Chris Montgomery - Guitar, Bass, Theory Lessons

Chris Montgomery - Guitar, Bass, Theory Lessons

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Offers online services
New
Offers online services

About

My teaching approach: I approach teaching music holistically. I prefer to not simply teach people solos lifted off of recordings. I have two degrees in music and prefer to teach 'music' vs. simply being a technician on the guitar. I help musicians find their musical voice.

My influences are: Very wide influences. Great music excites me - from early music to Bach to Mahler to Gorecki; from Louis Armstrong to Miles to Wes Montgomery to Pat Metheny; from Beatles to Zepplin. If it's good, I'm interested.

My guitar lessons take place in: The teacher's studio Guitar Lessons with me take place in the following areas: North County San Diego - Encinitas, CA Guitar Techniques: Guidance In Equipment Selection, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing, Recording and Production, Rhythm guitar, Open tuning, Fingerstyle, Vocal Accompaniment, Performance, Improvisation, Lead guitar Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following: I like to assess a students technique and understand why they like/love to play their instrument. I also want to know about the student, their family, their background. This helps me to understand where the student currently is and then strategize on how to take them to the next level.

A guitar lesson with me might entail the following: I like to first speak with the student and possibly the parent to understand where they are at and where they think they want to go. Setting realistic objectives is key. Lessons are usually a mixture of technique, harmony, esthetics and discussion of music. The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: Motivated, inquisitive and open minded.

I love seeing people have epiphanies and 'light bulb' moments when learning.


Highlights

Serves Encinitas , CA
Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Venmo, Paypal, Zelle

Social media


Details

Musical styles

Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Classical, Recommendations available

Guitar style

Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Recommendations available

Has instrument

Student who have a guitar

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience

Able to read music

Students who can read music staff, Students who can read guitar tabs, Students who cannot read music

Lesson length

60 minutes

Student's age

14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Photos and videos


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    Frequently asked questions

    I like to create a safe, trusted, and comfortable enviroment.

    I like to understand the student's goals.

    I evaluate where they are in their musical journey.

    Set out a clear plan with them, to achieve their goals.

    I have two degrees in music (University of Toronto and Univeristy of Western Ontario).

    I have also worked in the music industry for over 25 years.  This includes nearly every area of the industry: recording, marketing, distribution, digital delivery, and education.

    Key highlights are:

    CEO, MP3.com Europe/Universal; Head of EMI Classics; EVP Royal Conservatory of Music; BMG Entertainment, Sony, and Universal.

    I am a producer as well as a studio musician and have mentored many artists over the past 30 years.

    In short, I eat, drink, and sleep music :)

    Because I travel frequently and tend to work with students who also need/appreciate some flexibility, I charge on a per-lesson basis.

    I have a music education degree and have taught music privately as well as with the Toronto Board of Education.  I am also a visiting professor (business) at the University of Edinburgh (UK)

    Passion for music and learning are paramount.  I prefer students over the age of 20, in part because I travel and flexibility often works well.

    But I have taught music to those from 10-70 years old.

    I have a student who is a successful business person.  He is also academically very successful.  He paid me the compliment that I was the best teacher he has ever had (of any subject) in his life.  He appreciates my ability to convey ideas, encourage him and also be frank and honest.

    Make sure there is good chemisty between you and the teacher.  Trust and comfort and equally as important as respect for the teacher's musical ability.  There are many ways to get to a destination and it is often a long road.  So it is important to have 'travel mate' so to speak that you really like and appreciate.

    1) Why do I want to take music lessons?  What are my goals - short, medium, long term.

    2) Will I really be able to commit the time to achieve my goals.

    3) Is studying an instrument a means to an end or will it make me a better person in the long run?


    Services offered

    Guitar
    Bass Guitar
    Audio Production