Todd Patnaude At Skip Azzalina's Music Instruction
About
One of the things I've been able to do over the years is to provide a solid music education while tailoring the lessons to the interests of the students. I make it fun and educational at the same time. Due to my extensive background in playing music, I can also teach the student different styles to give them a balanced and thorough insight into the instrument.
I love to teach and watch a student grow. One student I had started out wanting to learn modern pop music. By the time she left me, 10 years later, she was learning Duke Ellington and other jazz standards. I get the impression from many of my students that they love learning the instrument. Many of them stay with me for 10 years or more. I also try to let their creative side out by helping them write and arrange songs and teach them how to improvise.
Specialties
Instrument(s)
Experience level
Students age
Interest(s)
Lesson length
Photos and videos
Reviews
steve R.
claire F.
john E.
Jim L.
katelyn M.
jesseq W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
A student will reach out to me and we will talk about what the student wants to accomplish. We then come up with a plan and nail down lesson times and days. We then discuss price.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have taken lessons for many years (about 7-8) and played in many types of bands, including Bluegrass, Rock, Jazz, Classical, Blues, and Theater orchestras. I have also taught guitar for over 35 years at various music stores and privately.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I typically charge $35 a half hour if I have to go to the student. I charge $30 a half hour if they come to me (I do work out of a music lesson studio in Easton called Skip Azzalina's Music Studio).
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching in college privately in 1996 while attending Bloomsburg University.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with all types of students. I can teach as young as 4 to 80 years old (I currently have a student out of a nursing home). I have also worked with students with Autism. I am also very good with beginning students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently put on a music recital at another store I teach at called Dylagio Music. We had an enormous showing of parents and students who were excited to be a part of a performance. Our students were amazing! One student performed the entire exact guitar parts to Freebird!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure that the teacher can teach you ALL aspects of guitar, including reading notation and tabs, music theory, how to play chords and strums patterns, how to read notation up the neck, ear training, improvisation and scales, arranging, composition, and have a good handle on teaching various guitar styles.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I would ask students "Tell me about what inspires you about the guitar" or "What made you want to learn the instrument in the first place?".