About
My teaching approach: I have been teaching Beginner & Intermediate Guitar for Seniors at a local senior center for the past 10 years. Previously I taught private lessons at a local music store.
My influences are: Phil Keaggy, Muriel Anderson, Craig Chaquico, George Harrison, etc
My guitar lessons take place in: the teacher's studio or home. Guitar lessons typically take place on these days and hours: Wed or Thurs afternoons.
Guitar Techniques: Rhythm guitar, Fingerstyle, Performance, Reading Guitar TAB, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing
Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following: check their dexterity, ability to listen and implement my teaching tips, their own sense of purpose or how determined or passionate they are to learn the guitar.
A guitar lesson with me might entail the following: By interviewing the student, finding out his/her purpose or goals in taking guitar lessons, what music styles they prefer or listen to, and what kinds of songs, also what they plan to do with their guitar skills (perform, etc).
The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: One that comes to lessons each week noticeably well practiced and ready to learn, eager to listen and take in new knowledge, tips and techniques.
It's both fun and challenging at the same time. I love getting to know my students and watch them develop their skills and passion for learning the guitar. It's exciting and stimulating. It's great to be able to pass on my knowledge and see my students over time become better and better players.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Mary M.
Mary M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Find out their strengths and weaknesses, plus their preferences for learning and types of music, etc. If a beginner, we start from square one, learn to tune, how to hold a guitar and pick, how to play notes, then on to playing chords and how to strum.
If someone who's not brand new, then watch them play, and see how I can help them improve their playing. Learn more chords and advanced techniques and skills, and encourage them to develop their playing and make goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've played for 45+ years and taught for about 10 of those years. I'm self taught, which means I've had very few (4 to 5) formal lessons, but I've read and watched many guitarists and teaching books and videos. I also realize that I may have become a lot better a lot sooner with a good teacher.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Basically, $20 for a half hour lesson, and $35 for an hour. There are usually four (4) lessons per month. Payment is monthly. I'll do a half hour for $75/mo. and hour for $125/mo.
How did you get started teaching?
Ive always taught part-time, so it's never been 100% of my income or work. I taught private guitar in a music shop in the 90's. In 2010, I was unemployed and found an opportunity teaching seniors in a guitar class at a local senior center. I've taught over 100 students.
What types of students have you worked with?
Anyone from young children (10 years & up) to seniors (50+ years old). Some have great mental capacity to learn, and physical skills to match. I've also taught students who were slow learners, and also those with some type of physical disabilities (arthritis, motor skills, etc). This requires more patience and creativity to work around or through their problems.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My senior guitar class has had numerous opportunities to go and perform for other seniors who are older or sometimes disabled. We do a special Christmas show each year. It's a joy to prepare songs and programs and participate with them in these shows. Many people in our community look forward to the programs and appreciate them.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Match your skills and interests to your teacher. Many teachers are better players than they are teachers. I'm probably the opposite. I'm better at teaching than I am playing. Don't take lessons from an electric player if youre wanting to learn acoustic, and vice versa. Make sure you can understand your teacher, be on the same "page" as far as the goals, and also like them personally. You won't learn much from someone who you genuinely do not like as a person. You want a guitar teacher to be both knowledgeable and friendly, challenging but encouraging at the same time.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do you want to Learn? How good a player do you wish to become? How much time and effort are you willing and able to devote to practice?
Are there any things that will make learning guitar difficult for you? Learning and physical skills? Desire? Work ethic? Scheduling and time conflicts? Try to get rid of all or as many hindrances to learning as you can before starting your lessons.