About
My teaching approach: He tailor-makes his lessons to the goals, needs and vision of each individual student and strives to create a friendly learning environment for all his students. Rick studied classical guitar under Mary Akerman and Jazz guitar from Rick Denton at Kennesaw State University. In addition to his studies at KSU, Rick has also performed in masterclasses with Christopher Parkening, Oscar Ghiglia, Roland Dyens, Ricardo Cobo, Michael Chapdelaine and Adam Holzman to name a few. Rick has played guitar in local Americana and bluegrass bands for 15 years.
Music Styles: Rock Guitar, Blues Guitar, Folk Guitar, Country Guitar, Alternative Guitar, R & B Guitar, Metal Guitar, Bluegrass Guitar, Classical Guitar, Flamenco Guitar, HipHop Guitar, Pop Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Ragtime Guitar, Ethnic Guitar, Christian/Gospel Guitar, Reggae Guitar
Instrument Types: Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar
My influences are: Michael Hedges, John McLaughlin, Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Garcia, Trey Anastasio, Jimmy Herring, Derek Trucks,Tony Rice, Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, Andres Segovia, Agustin Barrios, Roland Dyens, Mike Stern, John Scofield, Steve Howe, David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Neil Young
The number of years I've given guitar lessons: 18 Year(s)
Guitar Techniques: Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Open tuning, Fingerstyle, Slide Guitar, Performance, Improvisation, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing, Guidance In Equipment Selection
Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following: I assess the students previous music experience, if any, at the beginning of the 1st lesson. I ask the student what their musical interest are in terms of genre and artist. I ask them what do they see themselves doing with music. I then assess the students skill level if they have had previous musical experience. I always get beginners to play an easy song by the end of the first lesson.
A guitar lesson with me might entail the following: Rick’s lessons emphasize proper technique and a strong musical foundation, which free the student to be able to play any style or artist that interests them. His friendly approach to lessons is great for younger students as well as professionals.
The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: A student who has fun and has a desire to play music and is willing to put in the practice time needed to attain their musical goals.