Jeremy Kiracofe Guitar Lessons

My teaching approach:

I take a very experiential approach to teaching the guitar. In learning an instrument, you must indulge in music and all of its facets. Becoming a professional guitarist first requires coming a musician. I have been studying music theory and classical and jazz composition for eight years. I attended Bennington College were I got my BA in Sculpture and Music Composition. My musical focus is in jazz and classical guitar, music theory and composition along with studies in West African, Eastern European, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Native American and Delta Blues musics.

My influences are:

Django Reinhardt, Charley Patton, Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Lenny Breau, Joscho Stephan, Joao Gilberto, Chet Baker, Godspeed You! Black Emporer, Dimitri Shostakovich, Alfred Schnittke, Steve Reich, Tom Waits, Jonathon Richmond, Baden Powell, Louis Armstrong, Joe Pass, Elizabeth Cotten, Tal Farlow, Meredith Monk, Bud Powell, Colleen, The Cramps, Shannon and the Clams, James Brown, Bootsy Collins, Fats Waller, Aphex Twin, The Bad Plus,

My guitar lessons take place in:

The student's home

Guitar lessons typically take place on these days and hours:

I am willing to teach any hour of the day and any hour of the week!

Guitar Techniques:

Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Fingerstyle, 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:

Introductory lessons begin with discussions. This is how I learn the students music endeavors and tastes, but also their musical history and skill level. Sometimes this launches into improvising some with the student.

A guitar lesson with me might entail the following:

My lessons always start with listening and discussing sessions. I allow my students ear to guide the practices. Training the ear is one of the most important aspects of becoming a great musician. Lessons proceed in technical studies along with studies in music theory and composition. Although I recommend compositional studies, I do not require them. Improvisation practice is a must. Homework is a large portion of my lessons. Weekly listening assignments are required. Practicing fingerings, scales, chord inversions and picking patterns are required, but based on the students interests

The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following:

An open minded student who is interested in music, not just the guitar. An engaged and dedicated student who wants to learn and develope creatively.