Guitar Lessons in Falls Village, CT

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone

A principle that I have lived by in the 45 plus years that I have taught, is that I am teaching the STUDENT as an individual with a particular personality, learning style, level of patience, tolerance for making mistakes and openness to trying new things. I do not teach MUSIC; I use it as the vehicle for learning. When a teacher really understands the nature of the student and shows his/her commitment to making every lesson a successful and happy experience for him/her, then the process of learning to play an instrument becomes a mutual and fulfilling experience. Read More

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 Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I find it is incredibly important to spend the time early on making sure your technique and form is sound and strong. This will start you off with a solid foundation that will help you play what ever musical styles you wish. I like to start students off with simple scales and melodies that will build up your dexterity, muscle memory and general ability to play the instrument. Once you can work your way around the instrument you can start learning more lessons about reading music, ear training and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

My methods are customized to each student's individual needs, skills, and interests. Before each lesson a student and I will go over what their goals are. During the lesson we will discuss their strengths and weaknesses, what they can do and what they need to improve upon and practice what they've chosen to learn. At the end of the lesson we will review what we've gone over and plan accordingly for the following lesson. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar

I have found, especially for beginner and younger students (I.E. friends and family members I have taught), it is best to first see where they are in ability to play the instrument. From there, we work on correcting bad habits that develop from being self taught, things such as poor picking technique, finger placement, hand placement, minimal understanding of rhythm and basic theory concepts. Then we discuss what the student would like to learn, and after a solid foundation of basic concepts has been developed, I can create more personalized lessons from there! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have a relaxed teaching style that encourages musical and creative growth. I strive to constantly expand my students' musical horizons. As well as giving them new techniques to practice and new songs to learn, I will often give them new music to listen to. It is my belief that, above all, learning music should be a joyful experience; one which allows students to gain access to new ideas and gain insight into different traditions and cultures. Read More