About
My teaching approach:
I studied at University of Maimi Shool of Music, graduate of Musician's Institute in Hollywood Ca. and also have a BA in music from UNCA where I have been on the music faculty since 1995. I have also been on the music faculty at ASU. First I evaluate the student and find out what musical background and experience they have, I also like to know what musical styles they have a affinity for. I like to incorporate the music they love along with musical styles the student my have never been exposed to in order to try to mold them into the most well rounded musician/guitarist they can be.
My influences are:
Too many and too varied to list but a few that come to mind are; John McLaughlin, Michael Hedges, Jeff Beck, Andres Segovia, Leo Kottke, John Scofield, Duane Allman, the 3 Kings (Albert, BB, Freddie), Jimmy Page, Oz Noy, Joe Pass, Johnny Smith, Ry Cooder, Pat Metheny, Jimi Hendrix, Tal Farlow, Jim Hall, Eddie Van Halen, Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, Chet Atkins, Steve Morse, Django Reinhardt, Yes..
My guitar lessons take place online using the zoom meetings platform.
Lessons include Guidance In Equipment Selection, Recording and Production, Song Writing, Scales and Exercises, Music Theory, Reading Music, Jamming Skills, Performance, Vocal Accompaniment, Slide Guitar, Fingerstyle, Open tuning, Rhythm guitar, Lead guitar
Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following:
Evaluate what scales, chords, theory background, techniques, and reading skills they already have if any. I also find out what musical styles they are familiar with and try to fill in the gaps that many guitar players have when it comes to the fundamentals of music and basic musicianship.A guitar lesson with me might entail the following:
I evaluate which styles or method books would work best on a one to one basis. Each student is different and you have to try a variety of teaching methods to find out which one is best for each student. I think it is important for any student of the guitar to learn to read real music not just tablature even though it is extremely popular due to all the Internet sites. Music theory is also an important part of my teaching style.
The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following:
One who is open to all styles of music and is willing to put the practice time in daily ! A good student must make an honest commitment and not give up ! A good student will not avoid playing things that are challenging. A good student will have dedication, focus, perseverance, inspiration and an open mind.