About
Customize your guitar learning path based on your musical interests by studying with Aaron at Aaron Makes Music LLC.
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Listen to Aaron's music at AaronMakesMusic.net/about
About Aaron:
Aaron Calabrese's interest in all things musical started with a toddler's curiosity and a record player. His music listening and appreciation includes many genres from classical to rock. Training began with piano and continued with viola, clarinet, alto saxophone, and finally with guitar as a high school freshman. Aaron has a Bachelor of Music degree with a focus in Sound Recording Technology from UMass Lowell. Aaron is passionate about performing and recording music, and is always looking for opportunities to collaborate with other musicians.
After graduating with a degree in music, Aaron worked the next 14 years in hospitality. But when the Covid shutdown happened, he found an opportunity to re-start his musical journey. In August of 2020, Aaron started working in guitars and pro audio sales at Sam Ash Music.
Today, Aaron works full-time for Aaron Makes Music. His business has 3 elements: group and private guitar lessons, live performances, and recording. Aaron's performing includes both acoustic rock music and classical music. Aaron is also working as a songwriter on his first full-length album recording, entitled "Places." One of these original songs, "Arlington", is featured on his Sound Cloud page (see link below): https://soundcloud.com/aaroncalabrese/sets
I am so passionate about the guitar, and I enjoy helping students of all ages and backgrounds work towards achieving their musical goals.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
During our first meeting, I'll ask some questions to gain an understanding of your experience level with music and with the guitar, to learn about your goals for these guitar lessons, and to learn about your musical interests. Together, we'll develop a learning path that is customized just for you. Start playing the music you love today!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Aaron Calabrese's interest in all things musical started with a toddler's curiosity and a record player. His music listening and appreciation includes many genres from classical to rock. Training began with piano and continued with viola, clarinet, alto saxophone, and finally with guitar as a high school freshman. Aaron has a Bachelor of Music degree with a focus in Sound Recording Technology from UMass Lowell. Aaron is passionate about performing and recording music, and is always looking for opportunities to collaborate with other musicians.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30-minute guitar lesson at my place: $20
30-minute guitar lesson via Zoom meeting room: $20
30-minute guitar lesson at your place: $25
60-minute guitar lesson at my place: $40
60-minute guitar lesson via Zoom meeting room: $40
60-minute guitar lesson at your place: $45
I require payment at time of booking, and I have a 24-hour policy for any changes, cancelations or rescheduling.
How did you get started teaching?
I studied music all throughout my childhood education, and I went to college to learn how to be a recording engineer. Who knows what they want to do as an adult when they're only 17? At that time, I thought I wanted to record music.
I studied guitar as my primary instrument at UMass Lowell. Basic piano, ear training, and music theory classes, ensemble (group) performances, and solo recitals were required of all music majors.
I understand that not everyone learns music this way. The key to learning an instrument is practice, and the key to regular practice is inspiration.
I help inspire my students by creating a custom learning path just for them based on their musical interests.
Learning a new skill takes time and patience, whether it's the guitar or some other subject of interest.
In our first meeting, I'll ask you to list your top 3 songs that you want to learn on the guitar. From that info, I'll develop exercises designed to increase your skills that are based on songs that you love.
What types of students have you worked with?
I welcome students of all ages and backgrounds. The majority of my students are younger than 40 years old.
One of my jobs, and joys, as a guitarist is to perform at nursing homes for the elderly. They are sometimes quiet and reserved, but I know they really enjoyed listening to me play by their moaning and groaning while I'm packing up to leave :)
I see myself as a well-rounded professional who can connect with people of any age or background.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I continue to enjoy teaching the guitar because I live off of the energy I get from my students. My students' excited faces are inspirational to me as we together remove obstacles to their playing and understanding of music, and build bridges to help them reach their goals.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Hire a teacher who will take the time to learn where you're at on your musical journey, who understands music and guitar theory, and who can inspire your hunger for knowledge.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
· What is your experience level with music? With the guitar?
· What guitar(s) do you currently have? For example: steel string acoustic (6 or 12 string), nylon string acoustic (classical), solid body electric, hollow or semi-hollow electric…
· What are your goals with the guitar?
· What are the top 3 songs you want to learn?
· What are your musical style preferences? For example: folk, rock, blues, country, classical (one type is Spanish guitar music, and a second type is classical music for piano and orchestra that is adapted for the guitar), jazz, R&B…
· Do you prefer finger style or pick style, or both?
· How do you feel about practicing?
· How can your guitar teacher make learning fun for you?
· Which guitar or musical topics do you find most interesting?
· Which guitar or musical topics do you find least interesting?