About
Hello Bonjour,
I'm Ben and have been playing guitar for about 20 years now and am pretty comfortable around an acoustic and electric. I also really enjoy guitar fx and strange noises! Along the way I've had some excellent guitar teachers, and even though Youtube totally rocks for learning how to fix your toilet and play a van halen solo, I still see the value in the one-one lessons.
FYI: I am not the flashiest guitar player on the block, but have played on many records and am happy to share helpful tips from those experiences, how to prepare, and the techniques I find most helpful as a session player.
Audio technology has also been a passion of mine, and for the past 7 years a full time profession. I teach an introductory music production class at ministry school in Grantville PA and run a recording studio where I've recorded/mixed/produced many a record. I'll leave a link to a soundcloud account where you can have a listen.
If you're looking to hone in on your recording or guitar chops (whether you're just starting out or looking for some new ideas) please feel free to contact me via email. Due to my schedule, I'm only looking for a select, small number of clients.
Thank you Kindly,
Ben
Reviews
Jordan W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I really like to have an initial 30min session and figure out what exactly would work best for the individual student. I come up with a plan (either on the spot or afterward) for 5-7 lessons. It's then up to the student to review/agree/disagree/make changes and then decide whether or not to move forward.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
* 20 years experience as a guitar player
* 10 + years of touring
* 5 years of teaching introductory music technology
* 10 + years as a session player (guitar)
* 10 + years as a recording/mixing tech/producer
* certfication in pro tools (Avid 200M level)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
* first lesson (lesson planning) free
* 30 min lesson - $30
* 60 min lesson - $60
* pdfs of lessons included.
How did you get started teaching?
* I had folks who kept asking me to teach them.
What types of students have you worked with?
All levels. From beginners learning to hold a pick, to senior axe masters who could play me under the table but still needed a little guidance.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I just finished producing (and playing guitar) for a track that my favorite singer in the world (my wife) sang on. It's meant to be a bit of a throw back, and is quite a bit different from the genres I usually find myself working in. Check it out! google "Kate Hughes Precious Lord"
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
See if you can get an introductory lesson on the books and make sure you get along and enjoy it. It makes a huge difference!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Big vision and small vision. Big vision: what's the goal, down the road what would like to play/sound like?
Small vision: Are there different styles you're interested in? Different sounds/techniques you'd like to learn more about? Is there some particular elements of your playing that bother you? That you enjoy and would like to improve? Do you own a metronome!!! LOL