Guitar Lessons in Waterbury, CT

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I use several different method books for teaching. The books I typically use are Alfred's Basic Guitar, Mel Bay's beginner books as well as Hal Leonard's melody books. I teach beginner students the basics of how to properly hold their guitar, hand and finger placement, and simple note reading and chords. For more advanced students I teach theory and how they can apply it in order to be more creative. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Guitar has a bit of a steep learning curve at first, so I work on the basics of forming a good sound and producing clean notes and chords. Once that's established, I try to inspire students by showing just how much music can be made with as little as three chords. I'll help students learn their favorite songs and use those as an avenue for learning more technique. The best way to learn is by doing something interesting, so I use drills to help reinforce the songs students actually want to learn how to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

Nothing makes me happier than having the opportunity to share my love of music and guitar. Upon graduating from Skidmore College in 2000, I was accepted to Florida State University to the classical guitar program under the study of Bruce Holzman. I feel my decision to simultaneously work towards two masters degrees speaks clearly for my motivation and passion towards music. While I focused on music theory/composition for my PhD studies at Louisiana State University, I continued performing newly composed works by graduate composers for the instrument. Read More

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

I began teaching 11 years ago during my senior year of high school. At the time I had been playing for many years. During this time I had five students. One of my students was a friend who had been envious of my playing for a while when he decided to ask for lessons. It was truly amazing and rewarding to see him advance to a level where he could play along with other people and write songs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I approach teaching with patience. When a student learns concepts and techniques for the first time, it might take a while to really get it down. By having a patient and calm aura, it helps the student to not get frustrated. In addition, each student learns at their own pace. Some might get it quicker that others and that's fine. It is important to be patient with them so that they can learn comfortably. 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: Piano Guitar Voice

I cater the lessons towards what the student wants while emphasizing the importance of fundamentals and theory. I incorporate songwriting and improvisation into my lessons, as well as songs the student wants to learn. I believe all students should be encouraged to be creative, while still maintaining a strong emphasis on fundamentals, thus leading to the creation of their unique musical style. 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