Chris Montgomery - Guitar, Bass, Theory Lessons
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.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
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.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
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 :)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Because I travel frequently and tend to work with students who also need/appreciate some flexibility, I charge on a per-lesson basis.
How did you get started teaching?
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)
What types of students have you worked with?
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.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
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.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
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.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
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?