Guitar Lessons in Windsor Locks, CT

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 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 Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

A practical level of playing is always achievable, keeping in mind one's (typically busy) schedule. So small increments of self practice are necessary, gradually increasing stamina and confidence. Time on instrument is most important, for whatever one plays. Improvisation (playing on the fly) is a part of music that I have always enjoyed and appreciated, especially in a collective setting. It can be simple or highly involved improvisation, but I believe it is an important skill, and can be seen as a stepping stone. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I begin my students with the fundamentals of music and the instrument. As we expand our musical knowledge, we also broaden our understanding of technique, because I strongly believe that every musician, no matter the genre they ultimately play, needs a strong foundation of musical knowledge and technical proficiency on the instrument. All the while I take into consideration what style the student is interested in. I try my best to incorporate the students interests from the beginning, and as the student reaches a higher and higher level, we work more concentrated in the direction of their interests.  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

I have played in many venues with many groups in Connecticut, Boston, New York City, and Portland, Oregon. Genres I enjoy include jazz, bossanova, classic rock, blues and pop. Genres I enjoy teaching include most anything that the student wants to learn. If students would like to perform a song in front of other peers, I offer opportunities for that as well in local venues; however, there's no pressure to perform in front of people unless the student wishes to! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

From my experiences teaching in classroom settings, I have come to realize the importance of setting short and longer term learning goals for my students and adjusting these goals together with them as we work towards reaching these objectives. Sometimes the goals are very specific, like mastering a particular concept, or practicing towards a specific audition, and some, more general, like developing certain techniques which then need to be further explored and practiced by the student. Read More