Alan Skowron Guitar & Music Lessons
About
My teaching approach:
I have two main teaching methods for guitar. In teaching beginning classical guitar, I use a combination of method books which include Shearer, Duncan, and Noad. I also include methods by Carcassi and Sor, as well as Brouwer and Aguado, depending on the needs of the student. In combination with etudes (musical studies), the student will learn other short pieces emphasizing certain musical ideas or techniques. Students which are more advanced, will work on longer works (sonatas, fugues etc.). I also teach electric guitar. Students will work on improvisation, technique, style, chording etc.
My influences are:
Andre Segovia, Julian Bream, Christopher Parkening, Steve Hackett, Eddie Van Halen, Wes Montgomery etc.
My guitar lessons take place in:
The teacher's studio or the student's home
Guitar Lessons with me take place in the following areas:
Loveland Music in Loveland, CO Boomer Music in Fort Collins, CO Instructor's house in Loveland, CO
Guitar Techniques:
Vocal Accompaniment, Performance, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing, Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Fingerstyle
Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following:
I ask the student questions and if they have played before, I hear them play something. I start the first lesson tailored to where the student is at, where their interests lie and what I believe will get them on the right path while making it fun.
A guitar lesson with me might entail the following:
We would work on a chord progression to a song or learn a fingering in a classical guitar arrangement for example. The lesson would tailor around what the student is doing well at and build on that as well as work on areas that need development for further improvement of playing a song for example. The goal of a lesson is not just to learn a song, however. Goals are more long term.
The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following:
Practices hard and follows their assignment that I gave them from the prior week.
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Teach the basics such as posture, hand position, basic techniques. Work on learning to play something musical right away. Also, incorporate any of the student's experiences, interests and goals into the music lesson plan.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Masters Degree in Music Performance, graduated from Colorado State University in 1999.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$90 per month for (4) half hour lessons
$170 per month for (4) hour lessons
$55 per month for (2) half hour lessons
Pay for the first month (at least 4 lessons) and receive an extra lesson free!
How did you get started teaching?
Started teaching at a local music store in Loveland, Colorado while attending college.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with kids as young as 4 all the way up to an 88 year old retiree. I have also worked with music major college students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am fond of a recent event when I discovered a recent high school graduate being accepted into a music program at an university with my guidance and help.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for credentials, education and any reviews or recommendations.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are my main goals for learning my instrument?
What do I see myself doing with music and my instrument in 1 year, 5 years, 10 years?
How much am I willing to practice? Do I understand the difference between playing and noodling around versus real music practice?
Am I going to be commited to music lessons and take it seriously?