Jeff Lee Pike, Guitarist

I teach most levels and styles,  but my specialty is taking intermediate players to the next level -- especially in the acoustic finger style or rock/alternative genres.  The following is a little bit about my teaching methods:

• Custom Program - I interview each student in-depth and track their progress.  I don't believe in a one-size fits all approach.  A huge part of the value I add as a teacher is creating a custom program to help each student reach their goals.  Every student comes to me with a different set of skills, abilities, and interests.  I meet each student where they are and we work forward from there.  We will revisit and refine your goals as you progress. 
  

• Efficiency - In my custom tailored programs we find any weakness you have and make it a strength. We focus on so many facets that there is little chance of getting bored.  Each element we work on will bring you closer to your goals.  When it gets really fun is when that killer song you never thought you'd be able to play starts sounding good. 
  

• Balance - We spend time building on the strengths you already have as well as addressing weaknesses.   We work on many different areas including: flat picking technique, strum patterns, finger picking technique, chord changes, dexterity exercise, freeboard theory/knowledge, music theory, muting, sweep-picking, two handing tapping, etc..  With a balanced mix of exercises, songs, and theory progress increases exponentially when compared to focusing on just one area.
  

• Extras - I offer many extras.  For example --  If you're learning to play lead, and you want to jam over a favorite chord progression, we can record your rhythm track to practice with.  If you want to learn a particular song, of course I will help you learn it.  I'm also available between sessions to answer questions via e-mail. 
  

• Experience - Everyone learns differently.  My experience gives me the ability to explain things in unique ways so that each student 'gets it'. 

• Fun! - We do have fun.  We will gear almost everything we do to meet your goals.  Want to play a song by your favorite artist?  We will learn it!
  

I am a Berklee College of Music alumni from 1987 and also studied briefly with Michael Fath in the early 90s and with Tommy Emmanuel in 2012.