Guitar Lessons in Petersham, MA

Instruments: Guitar

I like the Hal Leonard Guitar Method series, for guitar. I also use scales, picks, fingerstyle methods, and backing tracks to help get the students up to speed on a song or a riff they'd like to learn. It's important to understand the background of music, so I tend to also teach students the structure of a 12-bar blues progression and relate it to songs of yesterday and today. This enables students to get a well-rounded introduction to understanding timing, tempo, basic theory/progressions, improvisational ideas, and more! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am not only teaching, but I am also constantly learning. When I started teaching, I used a variety of beginner guitar methods and I taught as I was taught. Over time I realized that the beginner books that I had been using were not the best way to learn guitar and that the way I have been taught guitar was also not the best way to learn the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I approach teaching by working closely with each student to figure out their goals and interests. I introduce concepts gradually, building upon the foundation we have built in past lessons. I set realistic practice goals, understanding that we all have busy schedules. I usually assign 1-3 concepts for students to work on at home, at their own pace. Watching students grow is wonderful and immensely gratifying. I always make sure remind students of their growth and accomplishments while urging them to believe in their potential to take on new challenges. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Viola Banjo Ukulele

 Stephen is a graduate of Columbia University. A composer of more than fifty pieces, his music has been performed by both chamber groups and orchestras in the US and abroad. The most notable performers of his compositions include the Gregg Smith Singers, Stitching Combinatie van Utrechtse Muziekbelangen, New Calliope Singers, Group for Contemporary Music, and the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble. Stephen continues to work as a freelance guitarist and conductor, performing in various national venues with the Gregg Smith Singers, the Group for Contemporary Music, the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, and the Composers Ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

I have a deep and passionate love for all things music, whether it's teaching, performing, writing, or listening, and I love being able to share that with my students. I did my undergrad program at UMass Lowell and have achieved my Bachelors degree in Music Studies. I currently still attend the University, where I am striving to get my Masters degree in Music Teaching. Outside of school I enjoy writing and recording my own music, and I occasionally play live shows when I can. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

So I consider myself more of a guide who can understand a lot of the pitfalls a newer player (who I will surely learn from) will run into and show the way around and why. My main goal if for the student to be self directed and for practicing and playing to never feel like work. I also feel the song based approach is the way to go so we can work on whatever song from whatever genre you prefer. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've been teaching guitar for around two years now. The main thing when teaching a student is to have patience. organization is another important aspect of lessons. I stress the importance of practicing as well as having fun with what is going on. If it's not fun, it's not worth doing. I love teaching guitar to students and I love to see the progression of a student's learning experience. That in itself is very rewarding to me. Read More