About
You gotta love what you do. Except that in the case of a musical instrument, there are a number of things one must do first. You need a good technical foundation, tone, rhythm, and a grasp and understanding of the music (to know is to love) in order to develop a good interpretation. You will also develop good practice and sight-reading habits. I hope to involve you in ensemble playing at some stage. You need a large amount of patience and a commitment to practice diligently for about an hour a day. Only then can these skills grow (one of my teachers used to say that Rome wasn't built in a day). And once these skills are there, you will have such fun imparting pieces to any audience in your performances, and, of course, listening to yourself while you play and enjoying what you hear. Then you also learn to appreciate the subtleties of your favorite artists' playing more and more... I want to teach you everything I know from the beginning to the advanced stages of classical guitar, and renaissance and baroque lute.
I can also be of help with the rudiments of folk guitar playing - you will learn all about progressions, strumming, finger-picking, bar chords, the works! If you come for individual lessons, you can bring a CD of your favorite artist and I will teach you to play in that style. And in Theory, getting you to listen for and understand harmonic progressions.
I rent out guitars and lutes for my private lessons and classes. Lutes are usually custom-made and have waiting lists...but one can do quite well tuning the g-string to f# for the beginning and learning tablature and some wonderful pieces that way.
My individual lessons are $40 for 30 minutes, $60 for 45 minutes, and $80 for 60 minutes.
I speak Polish, German, English, French and Italian.
Excellence, diligence, patience, versatility, knowledge, perseverance, humor.
I love music, it's my life. Love it when pupils catch the bug. Love seeing them get better, catch on, the glint in their eye, hearing, feeling, seeing the difference. All ages.
Highlights
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Reviews
sara S.
Heather H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to find out exactly what the pupil wants to learn and then teach them accordingly. But at the beginning, I do need to lay quite an emphasis on getting a good technique that they can then use in any style of guitar they will later play.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Richard Strauss Conservatory, Munich, Germany classical guitar teaching and performing
Royal Academy of Music, London Classical Guitar Division V With Merit Renaissance Lute Div. V With Distinction Aural Training, Harmony Div.V
Many master classes
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
A dollar a minute. $60/60 minutes, $45/45 $30/30 weekly best
Like to be paid at the beginning of the month for as many lessons as there are in the month (=4 or 5) once you decide after the first (paid) lesson. Then cancel lessons one month in advance. I'm very flexible with make up lessons.
How did you get started teaching?
I started at age 16 while studying with Barbara Polasek in Munich. Have taught ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
Besides classical of all ages, youngest 5 oldest 73. I have taught a lot of beginning guitar at rec centers, for adults (finger picking, strumming, chords, bar chords, good practice habits, the works) teens (same + Rock +reading music) kids (reading music, melody playing, chords strumming and finger picking...)
Can help with all styles of guitar playing and all questions related to music.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
LA Guitar Quartet Nov.19. Spectacular! Great program, great playing, so glad they are together again!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find somebody very knowledgeable, patient, flexible. Come armed with questions, even if you haven't had enough time to practice. You'll be surprised how much you learn.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They need to find the time to practice. They should commit to as much time daily as the duration of their lesson. If they need to skip a day,make up the time in the following days. Definitely practice within the first 24 hours of a lesson when things are still fresh in their minds!