Guitar Lessons in Watertown, CT

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I began teaching in High School once my skill on guitar and bass had surpassed my band teacher; I was tasked with teaching the 3 bass students and 2 guitar students in the program and preparing them for the end-of-year performance. From there I began an odyssey spanning two decades working with students from 7 - 60+ and from beginners to advanced players. I have taught bass and guitar as a way to keep myself engaged and playing/learning even after retiring from touring, and have been lucky enough to have some of the greatest students a teacher could ask for! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I love to have fun in my lessons. No single student understands the same thing the same way so I take the time to listen/understand them as a person and as a musician. While it would be wonderful if all of my students became virtuosi musicians, I understand that sometimes math class may be at the forefront of their attention. That said, practice is still required. Like a doctor, I prescribe solutions to students to help them achieve their goals and will do everything I can to help them to succeed but if they dont take the remedy, success is can be quite slow. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe that a passion for music is something to be celebrated and nurtured. It's my job to help it grow. I still remember the first time I was able to play my favorite song on guitar. That feeling never leaves you. Instruments are hard, but with consistent practice and enough inspiration, I believe every student can achieve a level of proficiency. I follow the students in the directions they are inspired to go. Read More

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 Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I typically start by teaching them the parts of the guitar how to hold a guitar and all the physical fundamentals including fretting notes properly etc... then I ask them what their goals are as a player if they’re interested in learning a lot of theory or just want to sing and play with their friends etc.… Then I teach them the names of the strings and tell them to memorize them as well as the dot markers on the fretboard and then I have them learn some strumming patterns and a few simple chords to get them started and then begin learning the names of the notes from open position to 12th and then learning The major scale up the neck one string at a time… And I also incorporate the use of a Metronome which I find is hugely important… Then we incorporate a simple song that they can play with four chords from there onto learning how to harmonize the major scale and then incorporate more theory… All the while assessing their needs and fixing any trouble spots they’re having… Then on to scales and more theory and More Metronome work...And every couple of lessons I teach them a new song of their choosing to make sure that they’re having fun fun fun Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a composer and music educator originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. At a young age I admired classic rock and by high school found a passion for heavy metal music. My love for music lead to my decision to study music in college and make it into my career. After earning my Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music from California State University, East Bay I relocated to Hartford, Connecticut to work on a doctoral degree in music composition. Read More

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

Proper technique, learning the notes, and learning how to practice effectively is a great place to start. Even ten minutes a day is better than not practicing. Making lessons fun and giving students tools to bring home is very important to me. An example is learning some excersises to get the notes under your fingers, and some chords and scales to practice at home. The excersises will create and maintain proper technique. Read More