Firebeard Music

I try to understand a student's musical interests, motivations, and goals. Once I have a basic idea of where they want to go, I begin working on a plan to help them get there. There is no one approach that works with everyone,  so I try to stay flexible. As a student progresses, their goals become more clearly defined, and we can adjust accordingly. My teaching style is always about the student, not the teacher.

I have no formal music degree, but music has been my life for as long as I can remember. Mom got her music degree from Yale, and taught piano at home. I learned some basics, but I was one of her worst students. Still,  she instilled a love of classic melody and musical depth in me, and she is still my theory guru. I played cornet for four years in Middle and High School, and took lessons from some renowned trumpet teachers in the area - again, I was a lousy student. I picked up guitar at age 13, however, and after that there was no other instrument for me. Though my academic degrees are in other fields, I did take music courses at the college and graduate levels.

My real education has been in playing thousands of gigs as both a solo and ensemble performer, and as a teacher for hundreds of children and adults over the past 45+ years. I've had the privelege of playing with some amazing musicians, and they've all added to my understanding and experience. Likewise, each one of my students has contributed to making me a better teacher. 

My lesson pricing is based on a semester model, with options for 30 or 45 minute lessons. I will give one hour lessons if requested. Monthly and single lesson pricing options are available. My tuition rates can be seen at the website listed above.

At this time, I accept payment  in the form of credit and debit cards, and PayPal.

As I mentioned before, my mother was a piano teacher . I was not one of her best students, but I was immersed in the world of music lessons at home. When I excelled on guitar, Mom encouraged me to consider teaching. At age 17, I began teaching the younger brother of one of her star piano students. As the years went by, I had more oppurtunities. In my late thirties, I began pursuing music as a career, and by the time I quit my day job at a local music store, I was teaching guitar four days a week, in addition to a growing performance schedule. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner!

I have worked with children and adults. I prefer children to be at least 10 years old to start. My experience over the years is that those are the ages when their attention spans and fine motor skills are really ready for the challenge of navigating a fretboard and forming (and changing)basic chords. 

I tell adults that its never too late to start playing. Its a great hobby for retirement, and a few of my adults have even gone out and picked up coffeehouse and bar gigs! 

Most of my early students were intermediate level players, who either heard me at a gig, or demo-ing a guitar at a music store, and wanted to do what they heard me do. Since I've been teaching full time, I've worked with complete beginners, others with experience in other instruments, regular players breaking into a new genre, and pro level players wanting to learn or hone specific skills. 

I have coached some of my students in songwriting and composition when their interests have developed in that direction.

One former student, who I had encouraged to pursue teaching, texted me recently to tel me she was doing exactly that. She is a gifted musician and a wonderful person, and I spent some of our last lessons having her teach me beginning guitar to get her thinking about it.

It was gratifying to see her using her talents, and a privelege to have had a part in her journey, and to watch her go from student to colleague.

Look for a teacher who will listen to you, and who is willing to work with you in achieving your goals. You want someone with skills and experience, whose advice and leadership you trust, but find a teacher who teaches individuals, not methods. There is no one approach that works for everyone.

I believe that every person who takes up an instrument - especially guitar - has an idea in their mind of what  they want. Try to get in touch with that idea..that vision in your head. That will help guide you towards the type of teacher you want. Don't be shy in communicating what you want. That will help a potential teacher know how best to guide you where you want to go.