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23 Years
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Teachers in Network
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Guitar lessons in Aurora . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
My methods vary according to the student. If the student is less than 12 years old, I like to use the Hal Leonard Method 1 book. If the student is 12 or older, I may still use the Hal Leonard book, but I assess the students goals, and find out what they would like to learn. Whatever style of music the student is interested in learning, I believe in teaching proper posture and sound technique. For anyone interested in learning classical guitar, I recommend a book titled Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant. Read More
Instruments: Guitar
I am a passionate and encouraging music instructor specializing in guitar, music theory, and songwriting. I graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2013 with a Bachelor of Music in Songwriting Guitar Performance. I have gigged extensively in the Boston area and Midwest as a singer/songwriter, performed on various studio sessions, co-written songs in several genres, and played guitar for other musicians. My music has been featured on college radios and online blogs, and I have been fortunate enough to play the Berklee Performance Center, Faneuil Hall, and Harvard Square. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums
I have loved music from a very early age and I have been fortunate to study a variety of instruments and musical styles. I grew up studying the drums, piano, guitar, voice, and songwriting. I have been in a cover bands, original bands, jazz bands, choirs, a country band, a steel drum band, marching band, opera, a pop orchestra, a hip hop ensemble, and musical theatre productions. In college I took my studies further by learning music theory and aural skills while still performing in ensembles and writing lots of music. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
I will begin by finding out what the student wants to accomplish. My style and methods are tailored to the individual. I have performed with many cover bands and can show you how to play many songs and can also show how to learn songs using sheet music or just by ear. I can also help develop more advanced students with techniques, tricks and theory to expand your musical horizons and performing abilities. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar
My style of tutelage differs from many other teachers in that I place as much emphasis improvisation as on fundamental techniques. Etudes are fun and all (really, they are), but nothing beats having the ability to ... This, of course, entails important theory elements and special techniques, when needed. I have taught students since high school, and all throughout college was a guitar teacher; even TAing for special guitar courses over the summer. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
For me, the most important thing is that the student and I have fun together. If the student is not having fun, I am also not having fun. It does not matter the age of the student, if anyone in general sees a lesson as a chore, it is doomed to fail. So, my main focus is that I am able to cater my lessons to the interests of the student, making sure that they are engaged and entertained the whole time. Read More
Instruments: Guitar
I think my job as a teacher is to help my students find ways to make their day better through music. Music is a language. And in any language, the right words can make anybody smile! With the overwhelming amount of music that the world has to offer; becoming fluent can become a daunting task. By helping students reach realistic goals, exposing them to music they otherwise wouldn't discover, and encouraging them to find ways to practice that they enjoy; Read More
Instruments: Trumpet
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
My number one book that I use in lessons is the Arbans Method for trumpet. Within the trumpet community, this book is known as "The Trumpet Bible". It starts with exercises for beginners, focused on improving fingerings, scales, and sound. It moves on to sections that are meant to be played by intermediate/advanced players, focusing on flexibility, articulation, and interval practice. In addition, this book has a wide variety of duets that I play with my students to help them improve on their group playing. This is a book that EVERY trumpet player should own! I use many other books when I teach, but those are mostly tailored towards the specific student.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
My favorite style/genre changes alot because I play so many different types of music. Currently, my favorite style of music to play is salsa! The music in general is super fun, uplifting, and it brings people together. It is also a great type of music to dance to, and if you haven't tried I highly recommend! I went to Colombia to play with Joe Bataan recently, and it was one of the most fun performances I have ever played! Everyone was just there enjoying the music for what it was, dancing along and having an amazing time. Salsa music is some of the happiest music that I have ever heard.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If they show an interest in music, or in a specific instrument, then you should expose them to it!
When will I start to see results?
I tell this to every student, but it is on THEM to see results. All I can do is provide them with the information, knowledge, and insight necessary for improvement. Improvements are made when you practice. You will begin to see improvements once you take what I give you and apply it to your own playing, through steady practice and hard work. With my students, I usually see improvement within the first month or two of lessons, and I always see greater improvement from students who seem to genuinely want to absorb and learn.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest thing to master on trumpet is to obtain a good sound. Trumpet is much more technically challenging than other instruments, because you can't physically see what you are doing. Additionally, you are utilizing muscles that you don't use in daily life-- your lips. This is why beginner trumpet players can often become easily frustrated. Your lip muscles need time to develop, and even once they do you need years of solid practice to develop a sound that is pleasing. However, the harder you work and the more you practice, the easier this process is!
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
In a normal practice session, I ALWAYS start with a warm-up (unless I have already played that day). My warm-up will consist of lip-buzzing, mouthpiece playing, and then long tones and simple flexibility exercises that I take from Laurie Frink's teachings. My warm-up will usually last 30-45 minutes. Once I feel that I am sufficiently warmed up, I will move on to whatever I want to work on for the day. Usually I will set a goal for myself for the day. If I have a certain song I need to work on for a band, I will work on that. Otherwise, I will work on one of the many facets of trumpet playing, including articulation, flexibility, sound, ect.
All in all my practice sessions end up being anywhere from 1 hour-3 hours long depending on how much time I have.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
When practicing something such as a new etude or exercise, try to find a SLOW speed or tempo that you can comfortably play it at. Once you can play it well at that speed, increase the speed slowly over time until you can play it at the tempo that it is supposed to be played! One of the biggest mistakes that I see students make is to rush through their practice sessions. Take things slowly, and REALLY listen to yourself play. This is what leads to REAL improvement. For all brass players (not just trumpet), I advise doing long tones every day to improve your sound.
23 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Guitar lessons in Aurora to students of all ages and abilities.
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troy
I'm a self taught intermediate guitarist wanting to improve. I want to be assigned challenging and fun homework. would also like some voice lessons...
Robert
I have recently received a guitar as a gift because I've always wanted to know how to play. Definitely a beginner who hasn't picked one up before now.
Lissette
I am looking for someone to teach my daughter how to play guitar. She was given one as a Christmas present and really wants to learn how to play it well.