Robert Bussey Guitar Instruction
About
I love Modern Progressive Rock and Metal particulaly bands that also fall into the Djent category as well. Think TesseracT, Haken, Sky Harbor, The Contortionist, Monuments, Aviations, Evergrey, Earthside, Vola, as well as shredders like Intervals, Arch Echo, Plini, Thrailkill. I'm now putting my 30 plus years of teaching experience behind guiding students on that path. My Life On 7 Strings course, however, is showcased the most in the music I write and record.
My Life On 7 Strings and associated Life On 6 Strings course is accellerated and designed to have you playing some serious chops within a year's time. I enjoy practicing this material myself and it's really a musical pathway forward for me as well. As I continue to forge ahead, I'm encouraging you to come along.
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I specialize in extended range guitar instruction (7 and 8 string) and the musical styles that typify those instruments such as Progressive Metal and Djent. I have put together my own course caleed Life On 7 Strings and a 6 string version, Life On 6 Strings which is based on the same methodology as LO7S. This is available through my instructional website and I offer a free primer to get you started and prepare you for the main course
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Career guitar teacher for over 30 years. Former member of The Elite Guitar Teachers Inner Circle which included mentorship training for guitar teachers.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My Life On 7 Strings (LO7S) Online Course and Life On 6 Strings (LO6S) variant, available through my website, are currently my main modes of teaching. The 8 String version is not yet available. There are currently 10 lesson modules available either in a bundle or ala carte. Each module contains 3 PDFs, 3 .gpx (Guitar Pro) and 3 videos. It will take you approxamately a year to master these intitial lessons and more lessons are in the pipeline. Each module is $5.00 and I am currently offering a 10 module bundle for $25 at a 50% discount.
How did you get started teaching?
My first teaching job was at Picker’s Supply in Fredericksburg, VA. They also ran a concert hall in the upstairs where by band used to play. One day the owner called me and said he was in in need of a guitar teacher and would I be interested. That was in 1991 and the rest is history.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught hundreds of students of all ages and musical preferences, but my specialty is in Rock and Metal. The lack of meaningful 7 string lesson material created a vacuum whenever a student would show up for lessons with a new 7 string guitar. This is what prompted me to create a dedicated 7 string guitar course.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The release of my latest album "I Dug A Well" available on all of the streaming sites. This particular album showcases my own 7 string playing and many of the solos are based upon the lesson content presented in LO7S.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't let any teacher try to steer you away from your particular goals with the guitar. That doesn't make them a bad teacher, just not a match for you. If your favorite bands are chugging away on 7 strings and that's what you want to start with, then go for it and find a teacher that will facilitate that. Also don't let any teacher downplay or discourage your dreams! You CAN have a music career, but it will take a LOT of work so be ready ready for that. It will also probably turn out a lot different than you envision, but that's okay. You will also encounter a lot of naysayers so your guitar teacher should be your one ally.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Am I willing to put in the necessary work? Your progress will be measured in weeks and months over days but there will also be those days where you have big break throughs and shining victories. Understand this up front. If a teacher is making it sound all easy and fun then he's not giving you the full accurate picture. You will get sore fingertips at first for example. Ladies you will have to trim your nails... sorry, not sorry. Also take into consideration the other activities and responsibilities that are a part of your life. How will the guitar fit in? Are you willing to carve out a dedicated guitar time into your daily life rather than have it be this nebulous thing that you'll get around to? Most likely it will fall by the wayside if not given a definitive priority.