About
Hi, thank you for considering me as your teacher. I've been playing for 40 years and teaching for 25. I love teaching the basics of playing guitar just as much as digging into your favorite songs and figuring out how they do what they do, so I work well with beginners and advanced students. Acoustic singer songwriter stuff is my specialty. I teach at Union Music in Worcester, Massachusetts, and I have a rented space at Faith Church in Auburn, also I teach from my home in Barre, Massachusetts or the student's home. I even teach online, via FaceTime or Skype.
For me to teach you effectively I need to know some things about you, like what kind of music you listen to, what role does, or will, playing the guitar have in your life? Or, if you've been playing a while, I might ask you to play something that you are comfortable with, part of a song, a riff or some chords you like. I would like to know where you are and where you wish to go. Then make a plan on how to get there.
I love being part of someone elses journey of discovering the guitar and the workings of music itself. I truly have the greatest job in the world. I would love to have the opportunity to help you grow as a musician. Feel free to contact me and set up a trial lesson to see if you like my teaching style. Thanks for your time and consideration.
Peace,
Bill Roy
Details
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Rebecca F.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to talk to the student and find out what kind of music he or she likes to listen to. Also what they would like to do with the guitar in the future. Accompany themselves while they sing, or play electric guitar in a band… whatever it may be I want to structure a plan to get them there. So we will start with short term and long term goals. Some students want to learn how to read music, some students just want to learn how to listen to a song and figure out how to play it on their own ( I think it's best to know both ways ).
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My uncle gave me my first guitar lessons when I was 15 years old ( 35 years ago ). I've taken lessons through the years privately from several other guitar teachers. One being Joe D'Angelo in Worcester. I still love reading through books and watching instructional guitar videos to continue to learn more about the instrument. I have played professionally in bands and as a solo artist for about 25 years now. I have taught guitar professionally for the past 20 years. I'm proud to say that I have been a full-time professional/self-employed musician for 20 years now.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
At my home studio in North Oxford or on Skype $25/30 minutes.
At your home within a 10 mile radius add $10
I also teach at union music in Worcester Massachusetts $25/30 minutes $50/60 minutes
How did you get started teaching?
I taught elementary music at a charter school in Worcester and had people ask if I would give them guitar lessons. I ended up loving it and devoted more and more time to it until I could support myself financially performing and teaching professionally.
What types of students have you worked with?
My youngest student was two years old, although he only took three lessons. Typically I start teaching around seven years old. My oldest student is 75 years old. My students have had various interests in styles of music and different roles for their guitar playing. Whether it be accompanying themselves while singing, playing rhythm guitar in a band, or playing lead guitar in a band. I've had students interested in Bluegrass, folk, classic rock, contemporary Christian, jazz, finger style, and everybody gets a little music theory along the way.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My specialty is singer-songwriter types. If you want to sing and play the guitar together, and do it well, I'm your guy. Also if you're just starting out it's important to know how to practice effectively. How to get the most out of each time you sit down to practice. I can help you develop an effective practice routine.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
- what kind of music do you like the sound of when it comes to guitar.
- what role would you like the guitar to play in your life.
- how much time do you realistically have to devote to practice each day.
- what would you like to be able to do with the guitar in a year.
- when you are looking for a teacher does the teacher have similar musical interests, abilities and influences to you .