About
My teaching approach: I teach all students the same primary fundamentals of proper technique, reading music, ear training, scales, chords, and repertoire development.
Music Styles: Reggae Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Ethnic Guitar, Christian/Gospel Guitar, Bluegrass Guitar, Classical Guitar, Pop Guitar, Alternative Guitar, R & B Guitar, Metal Guitar, Rock Guitar, Blues Guitar, Folk Guitar, Country Guitar
Instrument Types: Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Classical guitar, Electric bass
My influences are: Joe Pass, Christopher Parkening, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Lincoln Brewster, Segovia, J.S. Bach, Beethoven, the Beatles, & many more.
The number of years I've given guitar lessons: 12 Year(s)
Guitar Techniques: Guidance In Equipment Selection, Song Writing, Scales and Exercises, Music Theory, Reading Music, Jamming Skills, Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Open tuning, Fingerstyle, Vocal Accompaniment, Performance, Improvisation
Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following: I have the student memorize the names of the guitar strings, learn some basic chords and notes in the first position. To assess the student's playing ability I usually ask the student to play something for me. From there I can determine where the strengths and weaknesses are and go from there.
A guitar lesson with me might entail the following: Each guitar lesson is primarily focused on helping the student achieve their musical goals. Very often conversation flows freely in the lesson, but the intent is to solve some musical problems that the student is dealing with. For this reason, we spend the majority of the time working on resolving those musical issues, including that of technique, interpretation, nuance, articulation, etc.
The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: One who loves to explore guitar music and music in general, such that practicing isn't a chore, but something they look forward on a regular basis.
Specialties
Instrument
Able to read music
Musical styles
Lesson length
Students age
Years experience
Photos and videos
Reviews
jon W.
riley F.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I begin by finding out what they know about the guitar or playing guitar already. Then I start either from the beginning of what they need to know, or start filling in the gaps.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance - Guitar
Master's Degree in Worship Studies
Studied with Casey Mallow - Berklee Grad
Studied with Mark Burin - Berklee Grad
Studied with Hugh Douglass
Studied with Matthew Slotkin - Eastman School of Music Grad
Played in masterclasses with various Classical Guitar experts
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$30 for 1/2 hour lesson
$45 for 45 min.
$60 for an hour
How did you get started teaching?
I worked for a music store. I expressed an interest in teaching guitar. The owner started with with a few students, to see how I would do.
What types of students have you worked with?
Young to Old (5-75)
Beginner to Advanced
Folk fingerstyle to Rock - Electric, Jazz, Classical Guitar, Other styles too including Pop, Country, Bluegrass, World Music.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Playing with small orchestra and choir for 50th anniversary of the flood of 1972 in Elmira, NY.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher you connect with, that your comfortable with, that understands what you want to learn and knows how to help you get there.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What songs/ styles/ artists would I like to learn? What do I know already? What questions do I have?