Dave Nielsen Guitar Lessons
About
My teaching approach: Lead guitarist for the US Navy Band. Former middle school band director and Director of Fine Art for the Memphis Catholic board of education assisting 17 schools. Former member of many top 40 rock and pop bands as well as blues and dance bands in the Memphis, TN area and around the country. I utilize a Fender Stratcaster electric, a Charvelle cutaway acoustic electric, and a Gibson ES-335 semi hollowbody for jazz and blues work. I approach teaching with a rounded method of learning. The student may expect to learn to read music, tab, ear training, improvisation, chordal harmony, and much more. My influences are: Herb Ellis, Joe Pass, Baeney Kessel, Pat Metheny, Ritchie blacmore, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray vaughn, George Benson, and many, many more... My guitar lessons take place in: The teacher's studio or the student's home or via Skype.Guitar Lessons with me take place in the following areas: Zephyrhills, Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lakeland, New Port Richie, Clermont, etc. Guitar Techniques: Guidance In Equipment Selection, Recording and Production, Song Writing, Scales and Exercises, Music Theory, Reading Music, Jamming Skills, Improvisation, Performance, Vocal Accompaniment, Slide Guitar, Fingerstyle, Open tuning, Rhythm guitar, Lead guitar
I've always enjoyed playing guitar since I was young. Playing, performing and touring brought much satisfaction but when I started teaching and working with others to learn to play guitar, I found a deeper calling and a profound worth to myself. Evidently it has also worked for my students as well.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to meet my new students either in person, via phone or on Skype. Once we speak a little, I then ask questions about any musical likes they might have (favorite songs, artists, style of music, etc.). Then I like to discuss what guitar they have and any equipment they might have. I usually speak about their general or specific knowledge of their instrument and then I play a little bit for them. Slowly we approach their learning to play after I get a feel for what might be a comfortable learning process for them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Berkley School of Music Boston, MA
Armed Forces School of Music, Little Creek, VA
US Navy Band, Lead Guitarist 1976 - 1990
Band Director, St. Ann and St. Michael Catholic Schools Memphis, TN
Director of Fine Arts, Catholic Schools (17) of Memphis, TN
Private Music Teacher
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
It's always more expensive to drive to a sudents residence to give lessons because of time involved which lessens the amount of students I can teach on any given day. Also, my mileage on my personal vehicle get included in the price.
A standard lesson fee is given for those who come to me for four lessons at a time.
Using the internet, Skype in this instance, is the least expensive way to take lessons from me. It works very well and the student is in the comfort of their own home.
Most students ask for an hour lesson, I like to build up to an hour with students who are brand new to the guitar because of the amount of material given in just a 30 minute lesson can be overwhelming at first. Gradually, as the student comprehends more and masters a few necessary techniques, then we can move to a longer lesson format.
How did you get started teaching?
After touring the country and most of the world from 1976 -1990 with the Navy Band, I decided that I would try teaching privated guitar lessons to earn a little extra money. I enjoyed teaching all ages of people and it quickly turned into over 60 privated students a week. A full time job! So I kept it going when I came out of the Navy. Eventually I was recruited by a local principal to teach band at her school and then my second career in music began. I've always kept some privated students though because of the joy of seeing someone learn the instrument.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with all types of students. From beginner, intermediate, to advanced and also from ages 10 to 80, male and female, I've taught a wide variety of students from all walks of life in just about every style of music.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
No matter what syle of music that you wish to play, you must be aware that their are Basics on the guitar that are the same for every person. You must learn these basics first before you can play any song. If a teach starts off by trying to teach you a song that you like, that is incorrect teaching. Look for teachers that build your playing with a strong foundation. Ask questions!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How long have you been teaching?
What's your background/education level?
Do you read music?
How long have you been playing guitar?
Can I hear and see you play?