Guitar Lessons in West End, MA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar

I have found, especially for beginner and younger students (I.E. friends and family members I have taught), it is best to first see where they are in ability to play the instrument. From there, we work on correcting bad habits that develop from being self taught, things such as poor picking technique, finger placement, hand placement, minimal understanding of rhythm and basic theory concepts. Then we discuss what the student would like to learn, and after a solid foundation of basic concepts has been developed, I can create more personalized lessons from there! 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

I began taking lessons and eventually studied music at the University of Vermont and took my first lesson with a well-known jazz instructor, Steve Blair at UVM. Learning jazz techniques and the Berkley Guitar Method allowed me to understand complex music, making rock, blues, and folk fairly easy to grasp. After 20 plus years of playing guitar and performing live, I continue to study with a private teacher, which helps me stay focused and on track! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar

I've had students use the FJH Young Beginner Guitar Method and Hal Leonard Guitar Method books for learning how to read music notation. I've also used Hal Leonard Guitar TAB Method for learning chords and riffs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica

My methods for teaching are directly linked to the desires of the student and what they hope to achieve by learning how to play an instrument. If a student is particularly interested in songwriting and composition, I'd be more inclined to emphasize the principles or harmony, counterpoint, structure and written music, whereas if a student is more interested in becoming an instrumentalist for a band etc., I'd be more inclined to emphasize rudiments, scale exercises and a jamming mentality. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

ive began teaching three years ago to my little cousins. after a couple weeks their abilities improved significantly. my aunt,impressed at their progress, refered me to some of her friends, and i began teaching adults as well as children. when a student is learning, i like to focus on exactly what is interesting to them, and show themthe concept to the point of understanding. if the student isnt having fun,then nobody wins! i really enjoy seeing mystudents compose their own original songs and eventually gain the confidence to perform. im always looking for any students who wish to better their understanding of music regardless of ability or age. Read More

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

For piano students, I like to use Alfred's piano methods. I find that their methods for both kids and adults not only covers the basic fundamentals of music, but they are also able to make everything comprehensive and enjoyable. For guitar, I like to use Hal Leonard's basic guitar book for students focusing on popular music and basic guitar, and for classical guitar I like to use the Christopher Parkening Method. Read More