About
Alex is a Boston-based guitarist and educator. He is currently a member of the music extension faculty at Wellesley Public Schools and, since 2016, has toured nationally and internationally as the guitarist for the April Verch Band.
After completing an undergraduate neurobiology degree at Cornell University in 2011, he returned to the vibrant Boston music bluegrass scene, studying privately with Berklee professor John McGann and teaching multiple instruments at Wellesley Public Schools. In 2014, Alex started the folk duo, No Bones About It, which has performed around the northeast, including performances at the Freshgrass Music Festival and Club Passim, as well as completing a country-wide tour of New Zealand. In March 2016, Alex joined the April Verch Band as their full-time guitar player.
Helping a student accomplish a short- or long-term goal is a truly thrilling experience. Whether the task is simply to understand a few key concepts about the guitar or to undertake a long-term study of a particular style or genre, I derive great pleasure from helping to complete it. I have been teaching both children and adults professionally since 2011. I am a firm believer that each student requires an individualized lesson plan, and not a rigid one-size-fits-all approach. I am most interested in helping you reach your personal goals while answering any questions along the way. We will use the things that interest you most as the springboads to learning basic and advanced guitar concepts.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We identify short- and long-term goals so that I can create a personalized lesson plan focused on your own interests. We will attempt to learn some of the basics (or more advanced) techniques of the guitar while working directly towards something you enjoy.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a professional musician and teacher for almost a decade, teaching students of a wide range of ages and skill levels.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Typically, I price at about $1/minute but the price will go down if you book 60-minute lessons or if you book a batch of lessons (5 or 10 for example).
How did you get started teaching?
I have had several truly great teachers as I was learning the guitar and felt it important (and ultimately very worthwhile) to pass on the education they gave me.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught middle- and high-school students (through the Wellesley Public Schools Performing Arts Department) as well as adults of every skill level.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Personally, I find it extremely valuable when a student has identified a short- and long-term goal. For the short-term, a song or a riff or a concept that is pretty easily attainable. For the long-term, something that seems perhaps impossible given their skill level. Generally, we can get close to the long-term goal much faster than students expect.