Song And Guitar Lessons
About
Hi, my name is Paul. I have been playing guitar for 30+ years and have been teaching guitar to beginning guitarists over the last 10 years. I enjoy teaching beginners because the first few months of learning guitar, you need someone who is very patient, who will walk you through everything at your pace (not the teacher's pace), and who always provides a positive experience. I provide those things and my students have always been very appreciative of my approach.
I will teach you about chords, finger exercises to improve coordination, how to make rhythms, how to practice, getting familiar with the fretboard, learn a few songs, and how to set reasonable expectations for becoming a decent guitarist.
If you are looking for someone who will work with you and not just throw things at you, I can provide that kind of experience. If this approach interests you, reach out to me so we can get a schedule going.
Whether is covering your favorite songs or creating your own, it's a great feeling to be able to play guitar.
I personally enjoy playing guitar so when I get to teach beginners, I see the excitement as they become better players and expand their guitar skills. I remember all the times I've spent practicing too - so I enjoy seeing students become more excited about playing - and also seeing their creativity on the guitar come out.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My typical process for working with a new student is to first determine how much they already know about playing the guitar. Are they already familiar with a few chords or have they never played before. If they know a few chords, we would start going through the chord families and fill in any gaps. We would also focus on how to generate rhythms with chords. Eventually we would work on fretboard positions, notes recognition, and songs. If they have never played before, we would start from scratch - how to tune a guitar, identify strings and notes, start learning a few basic chords/rhythms. I listen to what a student is interested in and try to gear lessons towards those interests.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been playing guitar for 30+ years. In my 20's, I was in a few rock bands. These days, I divide my time between giving beginner guitar lessons, working on music in my home studio, and from time to time I work with songwriters to assist them with song structures or timing or new ideas.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My rate is normally $45/hr. I can negotiate a lower price for a longer lessons commitment if it is paid upfront.
How did you get started teaching?
I have 3 kids and started teaching them guitar. My daughter plays guitar and drums. My 2 sons know some guitar but their main interests lie with other hobbies.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with all types of students - from around 10 years old to mature adults. Currently, my students are all younger - probably from 14 to 20 years old - but that changes as new students come in.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent event that I enjoyed was teaching a beginner student who had no guitar knowledge and a fairly flat emotional approach. Learning how to tune a guitar was frustrating him because we weren't getting to playing - which was what he wanted. With continued encouragement that we would get there, he finally got to where he could tune his guitar and once we started learning chords/rhythms, his flat emotion slowly changed into excitement. He was finally connecting.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Learning guitar always requires patience in the beginning. Fingers get sore, chord positions can be hard to finger stretch, the fretboard can be a bit overwhelming. I try to help a student learn a few things at a time while also learning how to create - whether it's using one string or one chord or multiples, the point of learning is to get the basics down and then find the ways you want to express yourself with the guitar.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Probably what you hope to accomplish by taking lessons. I always ask that of my students so I can gear lessons towards their goals. Also, commitment - students need to go into lessons understanding that they won't become good guitarists in a matter of a few lessons. It takes time, knowledge, and practice to be a decent guitarist.