Guitar Lessons in West End, MA

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a very dedicated and patient teacher who will go above and beyond to make sure my students succeed. I've learned a lot about teaching through my own teachers and mentors including Alex Skolnick (Testament, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Mike Kevetoes, Jim Martin etc... I've always had a deep passion for music and I love helping people discover their own passion for music and playing guitar. This lead me to getting a more formal education to improve my skills so I could help even more students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My approach to teaching emphasizes creative expression, technical proficiency and musical exploration. I pay close attention to the goals of a given student and shape my curriculum based around their needs. If a student aspires to become a professional jazz guitarist, I teach them jazz chords, improvisational techniques and necessary reading skills. If a student aspires to write and perform their own songs, I teach them about writing guitar accompaniments, writing lyrics and crafting melodies. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been a player, performer, and student of the guitar for over 35 years. Growing up in Western Massachusetts, I began learning a solid classic rock/pop base of guitar music (along with the obligatory heavy metal years as a teen, and playing in garage bands), taking lessons in school and privately. I was later exposed to classical and jazz music, through lessons with Berklee alum Robert Ferrier, and went on to study at Holyoke Community College and Westfield State College, earning degrees in Jazz Studies and Performance. 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: Piano Guitar Trombone

I believe that aside from developing a sense of accomplishment and pride in my students, as they improve on their instrument, it is essential that from the beginning they learn to sight read, and this is especially true on the piano. The joy that they derive in their later years, when the lessons stop, when they are able to pick up a piece of music and play it, is invaluable. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

As I mentioned, I believe creativity should be encouraged. I am okay with any pace the student goes at, however I will still hold them to a high standard in terms of effort put in. I try and make each lesson fun and enjoyable, as well as a creative experience that still focuses on theory and fundamentals. 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

Instruments: Guitar

My methods vary depending on age and ability level, but my ultimate goal is for the student to have a pleasant and engaging experience with music. I want my students to enjoy the process of improving their ability, which I consider a huge role to the overall effectiveness of their time commitment to practice. Read More