Mathew Birmingham Guitar Lessons
About
My focus as a teacher is to help students become MUSICIANS, not just guitarists. In order to do that I stress creating a strong musical foundation that will allow students to not only play the guitar, but understand how it works. This becomes extremelly important when we start getting into song writing, improvisation, sight reading, and advanced chords. The other aspect that is an extremely important part of my lessons, and music in general, is having fun! I always strive to create an environment that makes my students want to learn, so that they practice and make meaningful progress.
Lessons take place in either my private teaching studio in Millburn, or at the student's home.
Guitar Techniques: Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Fingerstyle, Vocal Accompaniment, Performance, Improvisation, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing, Recording and Production, Guidance In Equipment Selection
Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following: I ask a student (if they can) to perform something that they are extremely comfortable with. Assessing a students strengths and weaknesses immediately are of vital importance to making meaningful progress. I also take the time to learn what the student hopes to get out of the lessons so that expectations may be set appropriately. Absolute beginners are taught proper posture, picking techniques, chord/scale fingerings etc. A guitar lesson with me might entail the following:
My lessons focus around the following areas: performance techniques, music theory, building repertoire, improvisation, accompaniment, composition, sight reading, and vocal accompaniment. Not all of these topics can be addressed in each lesson, but they are all continually recurring topics of discussion and learning.
The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: Anyone who continuously strives to improve and has a deep love of music
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Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
B.A. in Jazz Studies with a concentration in Jazz Guitar Performance from the University of Vermont.
I also spent 10 years studying classical guitar, including while at University.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons taken at my studio in Millburn:
1 Hr. = $70
What types of students have you worked with?
Beginner - advanced, young - "seasoned"