Bass Lessons in Athol, MA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica

My methods for teaching are directly linked to the desires of the student and what they hope to achieve by learning how to play an instrument. If a student is particularly interested in songwriting and composition, I'd be more inclined to emphasize the principles or harmony, counterpoint, structure and written music, whereas if a student is more interested in becoming an instrumentalist for a band etc., I'd be more inclined to emphasize rudiments, scale exercises and a jamming mentality. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

After relocating to Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, I went on to play in various bands, ranging from all cover/variety bands, to all original bands, and everything in between, with range in many styles including blues, rock, country, folk, jazz, classical, and reggae. I have toured regionally around Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana, and have been on two European trips to play. I recently relocated back to western MA (in 2021), and am again pursuing teaching and playing guitar. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Fiddle Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always start with what the student is interested in. I find that learning music comes much more naturally when the student is inspired and entertained by what they are trying to learn. I come from a long tradition of learning music by ear. I believe this is the best way to develop true musicality. While I very much see the value in sheet music, I believe that reading music without being about to play it by ear is like being about to write and write but not speak and understand English. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In my lessons, my highest priority is meeting students at their level and making sure that our work is helping them to progress towards theirs goals as a musician/instrumentalist. With a combination of focus on musicality, technique, and developing a musical vocabulary, students will both improve their fundamental skills on their instrument, while also expanding their more general musical understanding, all within a safe, supportive, fun, and encouraging learning environment. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I strongly believe that everyone is very different.  Learning styles and musical goals are very much a part of this.  Some find reading from a book helps them, so for most students I begin by recommending "A Modern Method For Guitar" from the Berklee Press, however for others a book is not as helpful as listening to some music and watching someone play.  I like to introduce as much theory as is desired from the student because theory is a very important part of the musical process, but if the student prefers to get playing first and understand the “why” later then we can work something out in that regard.  Depending on musical interest, we can work with different genre's and pieces to promote specific techniques and practice routines. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

Depending on the level of the student and what they are looking to achieve through the lessons I would use a few different methods. I like to use guitar books if at all possible for beginners because its a great place to start. The fundamentals are where you have to start to build a scaffolding and practice books are great for doing this. I also like to use songs and tunes as a way of teaching different concepts. Read More