
About
Dave's strengths as an instructor are rooted in over 40 years of guitar experience, over 19 years teaching, and the fact that he is patient, encouraging, flexible, and loves many styles of music. He offers custom-designed guitar lessons to fit his students' needs and interests from beginner to advanced, acoustic or electric, music theory or those just wanting to learn to play their favorite songs. Dave is also very good at filling in the gaps and organizing information students gather from YouTube and the internet. This saves time and frustration. He teaches ages 5 to adult.
Influences:
"I am all about he song. Most of the guitar we hear in music is not flashy and acrobatic. I like well constructed parts that contribute to the song as a whole. Well written songs and performances from past and current artists are my main influences."
What Dave offers:
Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Fingerstyle, Vocal Accompaniment, Performance, Improvisation, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Chord Theory, Scales and Exercises, Songwriting, Recording and Production, Guidance In Equipment Selection.
Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following:
I will assess the student's current skill level, and general music knowledge. We then may talk about how to pick out the right guitar, if the student doesn't have one yet. We also discuss the student's goals, my teaching styles/options, and a plan for reaching the goals of the student.
A guitar lesson with me might entail the following:
We usually go over the previous week's assignment to check on progress. I offer suggestions on technique, and answer any questions. Then I suggest exercises or songs to practice for the next week, and go over anything that is new. Lessons will vary depending on the focus... theory, chord progressions, improvisation, site reading, songwriting, etc.
The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following:
A teacher always loves students who are enthusiastic about their instrument and learning, but I have taught students with varying degrees of interest and practice habits. I enjoy teaching guitar to anyone who is interested. I have yet to find a student who wasn't able to learn to play.
People decide to learn to play an instrument because they want to be closer to what they love... music. My job is to help breakdown the mystery of music and the guitar, so the student can be a participant in making music as well as being a listener. It's as rewarding for me to help a student play for his or her own enjoyment, as it is helping a more advanced student discover a new approach or technique. To see music and the guitar become a bigger part of somebody's life is what I enjoy most.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Initially I assess the student's current musical skills... music background, ability to read music, other instruments played, etc. I then want to know what types of music the student likes, what he or she would like to do with the guitar, and what sounds the student likes from the guitar. Do you want to play professionally, learn music theory, improve songwriting skills, improvise guitar solos, or just strum chords to popular songs? Lessons include suggestions and ideas to improve technique and skill, but I also like to spend some time on understanding music and the guitar as an instrument to play music. The more I can “demystify” the guitar and music the better the student will be able to achieve his or her goals. Students have weekly assignments and goals, as well as medium and long term assignments and goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been playing guitar for over 35 years, and teaching for over 15 years. I've played in several cover and original bands, and continue to perform solo and with a band (acoustic and electric). I studied music in college, but my major was in Sociology. I have a BA degree and I'm a former social worker, which I believe contributes to my ability to teach a wide range of students. I also have years of experience in songwriting, recording, and working in studios. I have 3 albums out that I wrote and recorded under the name Paledave.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Regular monthly tuition is usually $140/month ($35/lesson). The amount due is the prorated amount for the upcoming month. Longer session rates are $50 for 40-45 minutes, and $70 for 55-60 minutes. Lessons are prepaid 1 month in advance (during last lesson of each month).
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching lessons around the time I left social work. I worked part time at a music store and began teaching when some customers asked about lessons from me. I was encouraged to get into teaching from one of my former guitar instructors.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have students at all skill levels and ages. I have taught many students as young as 5 years old, and also students in their 70s. My students have been professional musicians wanting to improve their guitar playing, songwriters looking for ways to break out of a rut, beginners, and everyone in between. Some students practice a lot and advance quickly, while others practice little and achieve their goals at a slower pace. I'm patient, flexible, and work with the student at their pace.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have a student who started with me at age 8, and continued lessons with me through high school. Over the years his musical interests changed, but he never cared to become a great guitarist or professional. He did, however, love music and liked being able to play music. As a teenager he began writing songs, performed solo acoustic shows, and put together a rock band in high school... all just for fun. When he went off to college he started meeting other students and making friends immediately by getting together with them to play music... just for fun. Music and the guitar will always be a part of his life, and it's been a way for him to meet and socialize with others. I am as proud of this student as those that play professionally. There is nothing more satisfying for me, as a teacher, than to hear about a student making music a part of his or her life.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be sure to find a teacher who really cares about teaching... not just a musician who uses it just to make some extra money. Also don't settle for a teacher who is discouraging... keep looking. I've heard too many people tell me they quit playing an instrument because of their teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are my goals? They can be short term or long term. Be sure to develop some short term goals as you get into lessons. They keep you from becoming discouraged. What triggers my emotions when listening to music? Do I like the sound of an acoustic guitar strummed, an electric guitar during a guitar solo, an electric guitar playing chords, etc.? This will help your instructor move you in the right direction.