Mike Goodspeed Guitar And Bass Lessons

Mike Goodspeed Guitar And Bass Lessons

4.9Exceptional(10 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

Hello! I have been teaching private guitar and bass lessons to students of all ages and abilities for 25 years. I also have taught ensembles as well as individual and group lessons in public and private schools. My students receive instruction about what they "need to know" as well as what they "want to know". Striking a balance between these is my goal. Whether you need to nail that solo for your garage band or master an audition piece for college, I can help you achieve your musical goals.

I currently maintain a semi-active performing schedule and a very active schedule composing, recording, and releasing my original music.

I enjoy private teaching because I get to customize the curriculum for every student. Each student improves at his or her own pace. I have experience teaching most ages and ability levels.


Highlights

Hired 1 time
26 years in business
Serves Bellingham , MA
Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Venmo, Paypal, Zelle

Social media


Specialties

Instrument

Students who have an instrument, Students who are planning to purchase an instrument

Able to read music

Student can read music staff, Student can read guitar tabs, Student cannot read music

Musical styles

I can make recommendations, Classical, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Folk, Country

Lesson length

30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes

Students age

10 - 13 years old, 14 - 17 years old, 18 - 25 years old, 26 - 44 years old, 45 - 64 years old, 65 or older

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 - 2 years of formal training, 2 - 4 years of formal training, 4+ years of formal training

Photos and videos

  • The lesson room!

  • Reviews

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    PL

    Penny L.

    My son has been taking guitar with Mike for over 3 yrs and it has been a great experience. Mike teaches at their speed, and ensures they master the basics before moving on to challenges which may cause frustration. I am very happy with his lesson services for my son.
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    January 13, 2017

    GF

    Gail F.

    Mike is a fantastic teacher. I took lessons from him for about 4 years and I learned so much. He tailored each lesson to my goals and I enjoyed every second of it. Im currently studying contemporary music and songwriting at a college in Nashville, TN and Mike was a great help whil I prepared for my auditions. Not only did he help me with the songs I had to prepare but also taught me Music Theory and Eartraining which have put me ahead of the game when I entered school this past fall. I would recommend him to anyone.
    ... Show more
    January 12, 2017

    AS

    Arjun S.

    I have been with Mike for the past 6 years since I was in elementary school and have enjoyed learning to play guitar and read music. Apart from teaching guitar he has exposed me to variety of music styles and has always been encouraging me to improve myself. He has been my favorite teacher because he was always willing to listen to my interests and tune his teachings accordingly.
    ... Show more
    January 11, 2017

    PC

    Pat C.

    I am an adult student. Mike is an uncommon guitar teacher in that he combines a very friendly and effective teaching style with real music educations. You can learn songs on the internet, but you need a real teacher to deliver the building blocks of melody, rhythm, scales, chords, and songs, and to teach you the language of music.
    One of the great joys of music is to play with other musicians. Mike can give you the tools to do this. Added bonus: Student Concerts! They are a blast!
    ... Show more
    January 09, 2017

    BT

    Ben T.

    Mike was by far the best teacher I had when I began taking guitar seriously. He was attentive, knowledgable and easy to speak with. He creates a relaxed environment and motivated myself and other students I knew to make great improvement during our time with him. I would recommend him to any beginning or intermediate player looking to learn and improve.
    ... Show more
    January 09, 2017

    LM

    Luke M.

    I took bass lessons with Mike through middle and high school. Mike was always a very kind and approachable teacher, a great personality for both kids and adults. I am in college as a music major now and have always had an edge on my peers because of theory, improvisation and ear training skills I learned with mike. I mostly worked on jazz in my lessons during highschool but in middle school Mike made sure to keep me interested by helping me learn anything I was interested in, from Iron Maiden to motown funk! Mike is a very flexible teacher with great understanding of music as a whole so he will be excited to help you make music whether its learning you or your kids favorite songs or reading classical duets. Highly recommended for both guitar and bass students!
    ... Show more
    January 09, 2017

    Frequently asked questions

    Prior to the first lesson, I try to get a sense of a student's previous musical experience. I encourage students to bring materials from any previous lessons. In our first lesson we will decide on short and long term goals.

    I have a bachelor of music degree in performance from UMass Lowell, and post baccalaureate certification in music education from Bridgewater State University which allowed me to become licensed to teach music in Massachusetts public schools.

    I charge $27 per half hour lesson per week. Students forfeit lessons that are cancelled same-day; all other missed lessons can be made up at a mutually convenient time. Longer lessons are available for intermediate and advanced students.

    I started teaching privately after graduating from college. It was a building process, but within a couple of years my schedule was full.

    I have worked with students from ages 7 to 80. Some of my students have gone on to major in music in college and become professional musicians. I have worked with students on the autism spectrum. I have a lot of experience teaching adults. 

    I had an adult student who was terrified of performing in front of an audience. With encouragement she agreed to play at our student concert. She played very well and is now asking when the next concert will be!

    I would encourage students to be wary of who they hire to teach them. Many guitar and bass instructors teach only by the "riff a week" method, thinking that will make the student happy. It might, for a little while. Typically though, those types of "teaching" methods don't get students any closer to understanding music or their instruments. It's helpful to take lessons with someone who either has a lot of private teaching experience and/or music education background. Many instructors can play very well but have no idea about how to structure their lessons.

    Students should consider why they want to take lessons. Sometimes this can be difficult to articulate. Being honest with the potential teacher will help the teacher structure the lessons appropriately.


    Services offered

    Guitar
    Bass Guitar