Kevin Collins Guitar Studio
About
I started as a folksinger in the 60's and my fingerstyle led to a degree in classical guitar. For many years, I toured and performed with symphony orchestras. These days, I have my own school and I teach lots of different styles, acoustic and electric. I like to teach music theory using songs, and I am constantly doing new stuff for my students. I used to teach at UMass, and my old website there is still up. The studio is at http://redbarnmusic.com
I like the variety, meeting new people, and seeing how happy people are playing even the simplest songs on the guitar. Just a little knowledge opens the door, I love seeing that. We get to play music together, from day one. That's cool.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to start from where you are. I find that when you know one thing, no matter how simple, you also know many other things. I like to show you what you know, no matter how simple, and then how to expand on that.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BMus from The Hartt School of Music, West Hartford, CT; studied Theory & Composition at Queens College/CUNY, Flushing, NY; nine summers at the Aspen Music School & Festival studying classical guitar.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I am part of the Amherst Red Barn Music School. For children's after-school lessons, we offer a 17-week semester with 2 weeks of make-ups. Adults are by the month, in advance, unless other arrangements have been made. For college students, ask about our student discount.
How did you get started teaching?
My mother likes to tell the story of how I tried to teach my cousins guitar when I was seven :-)) I started teaching full-time in Amherst in 1969 and I haven't stopped since. I love this job.
What types of students have you worked with?
Over the years, I have had the priviledge of sharing my love of the guitar with people from every age-group, in groups, classes, and private lessons. I teach beginners and professional musicians and everyone in-between. It is all fundamentals.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We had an open house recently where two families came in with their two boys who are growing up as brothers. And these two little boys, ages six and seven, just picked instruments and starting going at it, playing music together. You can't teach that, it just happens and you are grateful to be part of it. Now, my job is to give them the skills they need to keep going.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
There are lots of good teachers. Find someone who you connect with, and get them to teach you. A good student makes a good teacher. I have been lucky, all my students are good students.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do you want out of guitar lessons? Do you want to learn fundamentals of music and expand your horizons? Do you just want to play some songs for yourself? Do you want to get good enough to play in front of other people? Once your priorities are set, the steps will follow, my teacher says.