Guitar Lessons in Barkhamsted, CT

Instruments: Guitar

I began taking lessons and eventually studied music at the University of Vermont and took my first lesson with a well-known jazz instructor, Steve Blair at UVM. Learning jazz techniques and the Berkley Guitar Method allowed me to understand complex music, making rock, blues, and folk fairly easy to grasp. After 20 plus years of playing guitar and performing live, I continue to study with a private teacher, which helps me stay focused and on track! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I typically start violinists with the Suzuki method books and I start my piano and guitar students with the Alfred and Essential Elements books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp on fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first performance. However, if a student isn't learning effectively from the book they were originally given, I either change the method book or compose my own exercises that I think the student would benefit from. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Technique as well as theory are equally important. It is also important to have fun while learning. I like to use the Hal Leonard lesson books combined with excersises that I have created. I can also teach songs requested by students and explain and demonstrate how theory and technique apply to the tune. Improvising and playing along with other musicians in songs or jams is highly recomended. Understanding what each student wants to get out of the lesson is important. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I began providing private instruction back in early 2009 with local friends and family for free. In 2011 I started to take teaching more seriously and had several students over Skype and in my own studio. I am currently an educator at a music school in Litchfield County and teach in-home private lessons throughout the Hartford area. I fell in love for teaching while attending the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee after being offered a teaching assistant position for a beginner level class of 120+ students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Viola Banjo Ukulele

My students cover a wide range, from bluegrass to concert classical. The correct technique is, in my experience, the one that will be able to underlay any musical style. For example, if the left hand is flexible and well-formed, then blues, Bach and flamenco all will come more easily. This core is essential, because even at the most beginning stages, the student should be able to play with musical expression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've actually written and produced my own music theory book that was in all Borders stores before they closed down. I've learned a few methods and I try to incorporate them all unless the student or parents wants something specific. My method is a method where I can teach 1 thing countless ways. I love my students to learn theory because it is a very important backbone to music. Some people can play instruments without ever really kwoing what they are playing or understand the theory behind it, and I think it holds them back from truely being creative and understanding of music.    With my methods students will be able to play from any genre, any book, and hopefully will be able to create their own music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

As I mentioned, I believe creativity should be encouraged. I am okay with any pace the student goes at, however I will still hold them to a high standard in terms of effort put in. I try and make each lesson fun and enjoyable, as well as a creative experience that still focuses on theory and fundamentals. I generally tend to split the lessons up into warm up techniques, repertoire, sight reading, listening/dictation, discussing music the student likes/wants to learn, and improvisation and songwriting. Read More