Fretboard Theory

We first get together and talk about what the student listens to that inspires them to want to play.  I'd want to know how much time per week the student has to practice.  I give them the information to access me 24/7.  When the student is comfortable with me, I'll hear the student play. We discuss goals; and evaluate how much does the student know about the subject of music. From there I can put together a curriculum that will align with their musical goals and determine how much and which theory is introduced concurrently with the lessons.  My program is designed for 1 lesson per week for 1 hour.  15 minutes review and adjustment from previous lesson, 15 minutes theory of new material + demonstration of new material, 15 minutes- Student tries out new material. 15 minutes- I describe the lesson that I will email to them within 24 hours complete with notation, tablature, audio and even fretboard diagrams where appropriate if necessary. The lecture to be attatched to the lesson will be written on the personal e-mail with each and every student for each lesson. Every one is a customized application and advancement. 

Leon Rodriguez Biographaphy - 

I will recieve $50/hour. I prefer that the month be paid in advance if at all possible. I schedule each lesson as a two way contract in order to manage my living. Since the time slot cannot be refilled without at least a month's notice, no-shows or late starts are a missed opportunity through no fault of my own and cannot be refunded. (I don't have much problem with this since my students can't wait to get back)  

I began teaching Guitar at The Horn Shop in Corpus Christi Texas in 1969 origianlly because I wanted to work off a new guitar in barter. I was about 18 but had been playing for over 10 years by then.  My students talked me into staying and keeping the job after school.  Half a century later it's just part of my every day thought process. I really want my students to excel. I'm confident that I know the straightest line between two points so to speak. The subject is music and the tool is guitar. And what a tool it is! 

I've worked with every kind of student available. Young, retirees, military families, teens and middle of life adults.  One of my favorite type of student is the adult who has learned bits and pieces throughout their youth and has some time to add the music education to their guitar playing.  They seem to get a lot of joy as the little light bulbs go off from week to week connecting what they know with why it works.   Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, country, you name it. When you understand how music works, the analysis is the same.  Music is a language, a science and an art. it is very logical, properly taught. 

I've just been given the honor of teaching my method on the international e-magazine, " Jazz Guitar Today". As a guitar teacher, I can only think of how many muscicians i can contribute to internationally.  I am very humbled and excited to rise to the challenge.  My students are how I spend my time so they are important to me.     https://jazzguitartoday.com/2020/08/music-theory-specifically%e2%80%8b-for-guitarists/ 

Know things that the teacher will want to know, like how many hours a week you can practice, what guitarists do you enjoy listening to, If there is a guitarist's style you would like to model. that kind of thing.  Remember he has to design a curriculum for your personal needs to get you where you want to go.  You will get a straighter path to achiving your goal. 

How many hours a week can I practice is a good one.  One question overlooked often is: How fast are looking to improve? For many of my student, learning guitar is a relaxing pastime. Some of my students want to gain proficiency ASAP to jam with better musicians or because they are in a band and want to shine.  That helps your teacher plan your curriculum.