About
Guitar lessons for students who are just starting out or for those seasoned musicians looking to up their game. I've been playing for a long time; so, I enjoy getting deep into the subject matter. But, I also really enjoy getting down to the fundamentals and love seeing the spark in that first-time player who is just initially learning. It's just as enjoying discussing and teaching rhythm and basic chord structure as it is with complex harmonic ideas and improv soloing.
I love teaching. I love seeing improvements in others and in myself. Giving a lesson to someone means first having a full understanding of the material; so, I love the fact that it makes me ensure my own understanding first. And, uncovering unique ways to explain something is beneficial to the instructor as much as it is the student.
Reviews
Anthony J.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1. Discuss desired style and skill level
2. Assess current ability/knowledge
3. Go over basic instrument components
4. How to "handle" the instrument - Basic left and right hand technique.
4. "Three chords and the truth" - simple three chord songs to get started having fun and the importance of the "I, IV, V"
5. Scale Degrees, alterd chords and how chords get their names
6. Rhythm patterns
7. Songs with more than 3 chords.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Have played guitar in a variety of settings for over 20 years, playing solo shows, small bands, and large ensemble orchestras. And, I've been giving private lessons on and off over this period of time for students of various skill level.
Studied jazz ensemble as an undergraduate and composed original music for the Walters State Jazz band.
Was an apprentice of late local legend, Bob Orr for several years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Typically, lessons are $40 per hour. Will do a 30-min lesson for $20 as needed.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching in a local guitar shop at the age of 18 when I started college and began studying more complex material myself. Then, when not performing, I began giving private lessons in my home.
What types of students have you worked with?
Students from as young as 5 to as old as 65 from all walks of life and skill levels. I enjoy working with beginners and seasoned players.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Seeing one of my students grasp the concept of alternate picking and instantly improve their core timing was a great moment.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone with examples of their own playing. Examin their timing. Timing is everything - well, not everything, but timing is a key pillar to success. Timing and cleanliness are everything. Examine that teacher as a player and decide if they seem to have a good grasp on timing (Check them against a metronome if needed) and clean playing. Then, decide if their style "speaks" to you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. Do I have the time to devote to practice.
2. Do I know what style/styles I'm really interested in learning.
3. What kind of player do I want to be (Texas Blues "slinger", Metal "Thrasher", Bluegrass "Picker", Fingerstyle guru)?