About
First of all, I believe music study should be fun. I'm a touring musician and composer, singer-songwriter, so I have years of first-hand experience with communicating to the audience and how we can express ourselves in music. I love all kinds of music and try to meet students where they are with what they like to do. With a classical background and jazz experience (as well as rock, folk and other genres), I'm ready to help with any styles of guitar playing, finger-style, pick and electric styles, etc.. I think I can particularly help students explore the classical guitar. I have developed materials I (including a published book) that can help the advanced student really progress in understanding music theory, etc. though I also enjoy the process of helping young players. At every step I try to make music fulfilling and rewarding, it should make us feel better.
I love to help students of all ages find the joy of making music and get in touch with their creativity. I'm also fascinated with methods of development for young players. I've created diverse materials, including my own beginning method book and a technique book "All Scales in All Positions" that's published by a major publisher (Hal Leonard). Beyond the technical though, at every step I try to make music fulfilling and rewarding.
As a composer, I have my own personal insights into harmony for modern music and for Jazz improvisation. I have studied both classical Music Theory at Eastman School of Music and Jazz Theory/Harmony at Berklee College. The two schools of thought are quite different. I enjoy sharing this with players looking for a deeper knowledge of music theory. I feel I have a particular talent for showing students of all levels of experience how to understand music - both what they are learning to play and how to create their own music. As a songwriter, I also pay attention to poetry and can help an aspiring songwriter be prolific as well.
Highlights
Reviews
Bruce K.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to offer one meeting before charging for lessons to see what the student already knows about music or guitar. We talk about what the students goals are. I show some material that I think would take the student to the next step and we decide what course would be best, a half-hour or hour lesson and what we'll work on. I of course recommend that we put together basic technique, chords and scales, and I try to make the next step include something the student will be motivated to practice.