Guitar Lessons in West End, MA

Instruments: Guitar

I started my musical journey at the age of 15 when I was introduced to the guitar by my high school music teacher. Since that day, I have been unable to put the guitar down. I am currently one of very few people in the world to major in a B.F.A of Finger-style guitar. I have performed and attended master classes with renowned guitarists Antoine Dufour, Billy McLaughlin and Pino Forasterie. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I tend to emphasize basics and fundamentals, as most teachers do. Developing facility, dexterity, and muscle memory is very important. I use simple exercises at first. In turn with various other exercises, confidence will gradually develop. Learning to play chords (rhythm guitar), and transitions between them is vital, to almost every style of guitar. Rhythm and awareness of the tempo and meter (beat) is also important, especially if the student will play music with others. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I use the Hal Leonard Basic or Kids Guitar Method because it is such a good introduction to the instrument. For bass and ukulele I also use the beginner Hal Leonard Method books. For more advanced students, I first get a sense for what they want to learn and where they want to go, by asking them some questions about their previous education, what songs they like to listen to, and any problems with practicing or grasping the material, that they may have experienced. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Viola Banjo Ukulele

My students cover a wide range, from bluegrass to concert classical. The correct technique is, in my experience, the one that will be able to underlay any musical style. For example, if the left hand is flexible and well-formed, then blues, Bach and flamenco all will come more easily. This core is essential, because even at the most beginning stages, the student should be able to play with musical expression. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I always ask the students what their goals are. I include the parents as well in this conversation for the younger students, as I find that some parents want their children to learn how to read beginning at a young age. Other parents may specify that their child may simply want to learn how to play their favorite songs. For adults, I go with what they'd like to learn and take if from there. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar

My name is Joshua, I am new to teaching, but am very passionate about the guitar! I have been playing for the better part of a decade, have performed in ensemble groups, jazz bands, as well as local rock and metal groups! I do NOT possess a formal degree in music. I did however take music theory, as well as AP theory in high school, so I have a solid enough understanding of music to teach you or your child how to understand basic concepts! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start out with an introduction to the fretboard and tuning the guitar. We then move on to basic chords, strumming and one-line melodies. Intermediate students will move on to more complex riffs, fingerpicking and arpeggios, as well as learning how to improvise using chord inversions and scales. For me it's important that we work on proper technique and musical concepts, but to do so while learning songs by artists that you like. Read More