Guitar Lessons in Boston, MA

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
For me personally I like to break my practice into 2 separates ideas if you will. I spend at least 15 mins per session working on something that is new to me so I can continue to expand my technique and understanding of song structure. The rest of the time I spend playing complete songs that I have learned and possibly adding a new song. This can last for 15 mins - many hrs. If it turns into many hours I bounced back between instrumental noodling and possibly learning a song I already know in a new chord voicing. Practice has to be fun or I find a person won't do it and the guitar becomes a choir instead of a love.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
I believe your child is ready to start lessons as soon as they show an interest in learning an instrument. It is best if your child has picked the guitar and that is their instrument of choice so they will be more likely to stick with their lessons and learning a new instrument. Like learning a language or many other things, the younger a student starts the faster they typically learn. The student will need the ability to stay focused for the majority of the lesson and I will work to keep them engaged so the time goes fast and they remain interested.

When will I start to see results?
When you will see results is dependent on how often and the quality of your practice sessions. Like learning any new skill there are times that you really seem to be progressing and you can readily see the results, and there are times when you feel like your playing hasn't improved as much as you like.... For me, the key is to make sure you learn just at least 1 thing on any new lesson. All of these little victories end up adding up and over time you will definitely see results. I will guide you in your learning, but it is ultimately the students job to practice to continue your learning journey.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud that I have learned to play complete songs, even write one of my own on a handmade acoustic guitar. My journey is not complete, my goal is not to master, but I have masters who I strive to sound like so I will recognize that sound I am searching for when I get to my destination.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I do play several instruments and my first instrument was the trumpet. I started learning to play the trumpet in 4th grade and played it all the way through high school. I also can play a little on the piano and drums. I also do play electric bass guitar. My main second instrument is the guitar. My reason for switching from trumpet was because I wanted to learn an instrument that can stand on its own for singing and playing. Also, after spending so many years learning to read music (classical and jazz band mostly), I wanted to rely on my ear versus my eyes so I took a totally different approach to the guitar and dropped the theory and just focused on songs.

Read More