James Baird Guitar Lessons
About
My teaching approach: Classical Guitar Technique, Music Theory and Reading Standard Music Notation Beginning or experienced, private lessons with a professional will accelerate your development and deepen understanding of the music you play. A structured and balanced program of technique and music theory builds a firm foundation. Develop effective practice habits, overcoming technical limitations. My influences are: Andres Segovia, John Williams, Julian Bream, Glenn Gould, Johann Sebastian Bach, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Antonio Lauro, John Dowland, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, John Fahey My guitar lessons take place in: The teacher's studio Guitar lessons typically take place on these days and hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Saturday - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Guitar Techniques: Fingerstyle, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following: Assess current levels, previous experience, reading skills and quality of guitar. Inquire about musical goals. Assign appropriate exercises for each/both hands and, if applicable, begin learning to read standard music notation and perhaps a new piece of music. A guitar lesson with me might entail the following: Initial warm up with assigned technical exercises. Discussion of repertoire piece(s) with to ways to overcome difficult passages and suggestions for interpretation and performance. Read some duets. The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: Someone who loves guitar music, has an open mind and devotes time to quality practice.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Learning to play a musical instrument includes a combination of skills. Hearing and understanding the music involves interpreting the melody, rhythm and harmon; plus developing exercises to use and synchronize both hands. I incorporate both technique and interesting musical selections.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My college degree is in guitar performance. For 35 years I have been working as a performer and teacher, professionally and in school systems.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing is $50 per hour, $35 per half hour.
How did you get started teaching?
Teaching grew from a need to make a living, to a passion and joy seeing people grow in ability and understanding of music and emotional expression.
What types of students have you worked with?
Age range of students spans 6 years to 80 years of age. Most want to learn to read music and play chords. Some are beginners, others have 20+ years playing guitar.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently my students performed in recital at the Stratford Public Library for a full house. The audience enjoyed it immensely and my students all enjoyed a good musical experience.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone with a compatible personality, with real musical training and experience in teaching using an established method.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals? What music do you like to listen to?