About
My past engagements have included a live on-air performance on 102.5 KZOK FM, in-concert performances at the Seattle Arts in Nature Festival, the Northwest Faerie Festival, and the Seattle Museum of the Mysteries, and weekly performances at the 4th & Madison Building in downtown Seattle for over four years. I have more than 25 years of experience, a BA in Classical Guitar from Western Washington University, and have studied in master classes with the Falla Guitar Trio and Larry Coryell. I am also a member of the American Federation of Musicians.
As a teacher, I strive to be patient and encouraging and help all my students realize their musical goals by emphasizing technical and musical fundamentals which allow them to excel at any style of music. Students from all levels of ability--beginner to advanced--are welcome! Lessons are available for classical, acoustic steel-string, electric and bass guitar. The exact focus varies depending upon the musical interests of the student.
Please read below for specifics on what you will learn.
Classical Guitar
Classical guitar is the most technically demanding style of guitar playing, but the most rewarding because of the musical and tonal beauty it can express. Sometimes referred to as 'Spanish Guitar', it is strung with nylon strings and used in the playing of music by classical composers like Bach, Beethoven, and Debussy. Classical guitar students learn classical playing position, how to read music, how to effectively use gravity and arm weight to their advantage, the shaping and use of fingernails for tone production, studies and exercises for technical development, and graduated repertoire. Emphasis is placed on musicality, imitating the human voice, and individual expression and communication rather than strict academic interpretation.
Acoustic Steel-String Guitar
Sometimes referred to as 'folk guitar', the acoustic guitar is strung with steel strings. It can be played with the right hand fingers (or finger picks), or with a flatpick. Fingerstyle players are given the option of learning how to use fingernails for increased projection and superior tone. Flatpicking students learn picking technique that produces a round, full tone, assists in the playing of well articulated phrases, and is ergonomically effective. Both learn fundamentals of left hand technique that produce superior articulation, accuracy, and intonation. Some students want to learn how to improvise, some just want to learn to strum their favorite songs. The focus varies depending upon the musical interests of the student. Steel-string students are also given the option of learning to read music.
Electric Guitar
The student learns healthy left hand technique that is ergonomically superior and creates better tone, accuracy, and articulation as well as effective right hand picking technique that minimizes unnecessary motion and effectively damps strings for a cleaner sound. The student studies the style of music that he/she is interested in. As with acoustic steel-string players, the student is given the choice of learning to read music or not, but it is recommended for those who want to become well rounded musicians that will have the ability to traverse styles.
Bass Guitar
Emphasis is placed on sound left and right hand technical fundamentals, learning bass lines, understanding the function of a bass line in a musical structure, note reading, improvising from a chart, and more!
I love to help my students set and reach their own musical goals. When a child's eyes light up because he played a simple exercise correctly, or an adult reaches a musical milestone he's dreamed about since he was little, I know I've made a difference. Music is a language and by teaching people how to play an instrument I'm teaching them a new way to communicate!
Reviews
Mike B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I customize the lessons depending upon the musical interests of the student. Some want to study classical music and learn classical repertoire while some just want to learn their favorite songs. Depending upon the student's objectives, lessons may include:
-Technique
-Sight-reading
-Ear training
-Improvisation
-Composition
-Playing with other musicians
-Overcoming performance anxiety
...and more!
For more information please see the entry at the top of the page under the 'About' heading, or visit my website at https://briantlally.com
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've studied classical, electric, and acoustic guitar and was part of a university classical guitar program at Western Washington University from which I graduated with a B.A. in music. I've also studied in master classes with the Falla Guitar Trio and jazz icon Larry Coryell. I've been playing for over twenty-five years and teaching for twenty years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons are $99.00 for four, weekly half hour lessons, or $199.00 for four, weekly one hour lessons at my West Seattle home studio. In home-lessons are available for an additional fee. Inquire for details. Gift certificates available. Want to try me out first without committing? Contact me for a free 30 minute trial lesson!
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching in Bellingham, WA while I was working on my music degree.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've taught students of all ages and at all levels of ability. I can offer important technical and musical guidance to advanced students, and am more than happy to start beginners off on the right foot!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Every week I feel proud and fulfilled watching my students meet and surpass their musical goals!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
In order to make progress, have fun, and reach your goals, I recommend studying with an experienced, knowledgeable teacher you feel comfortable working with. Ask a few teachers you're considering if you can receive a free 20-30 minute consultation or trial lesson. Until you meet in person it can be difficult to determine if it's a good match. If possible visit a few until you find one that's a good fit! See the next section for suggestions on what to ask when you visit!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
First, ask yourself:
--What type of music/instrument do I want to learn?
--Do I want to travel to the instructor, or do I want in home lessons?
--How much do I want to pay? (Hint: if you want to save money consider taking thirty minute lessons rather than hour long lessons. You can also take lessons every other week rather than every week, or ask prospective instructors if they'll give you a discount for paying further in advance.)
--(If the lessons are for your child): Am I committed to making sure he/she practices regularly?
Now that you know what you're looking for, here are a few questions you can pose to a prospective teacher. Like it states in the previous section, consider asking if you can receive a free 20-30 minute consultation or trial lesson to help you make your decision:
--How long have you been playing and what styles are you familiar with?
--How long have you been teaching?
--How did you learn? Who did you study with?
--What teaching method or book(s) do you use to teach with?
--Can you read music and teach note reading?
--Have you done any performing? If so, where have you performed?
--What are your rates?
--Where do you teach?