Music Lessons in Clinton, MA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I also start my students with memorization of the fret board, starting from the low string down to the high string. After working through these fundamentals, I will have my student tell me a song they like, and I write out a sort of chart or diagram that gives the student the opportunity to play the whole song, which develops the endurance of guitar playing as well as the long term memory needed to play full length songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar French Horn

My dad employed a very competitive method on me and my siblings when teaching us piano. And although it worked on me, it caused my brother to quit piano. I have learned through my teaching experience that some students need a push and some need a pull. Every student is unique. I admit that I am the most successful with a competitive method. The "I bet you can't play that right" method. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I'm not opposed in principle to using any particular series of method books, and I can understand the advantages of using, say, the Bastien Piano Basics series to introduce music fundamentals. That said, I haven't found any pre-made lesson plans or materials that work for everybody. It seems like it's best to gauge what book, repertoire, and approach is best for each student based on the first few lessons, and customize the experience from that point on. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I aim to teach technique to students as a tool for musical expression. I emphasize the fundamentals of comfortable, natural playing posture so that each student can produce a beautiful tone with confidence and ease. I use our lessons as a safe space to learn the art of practicing, allowing students to progress individually between lessons. I teach students to listen to themselves critically - to actively reflect on what they are pleased with and what they want to improve in their playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Hi there! Im Matt H., a guitar and piano teacher in Watertown, Massachusetts. I was mostly self-taught growing up, playing around on instruments and making music on my computer, before formally studying music at Bennington College where I focused on composition and earned scholarships as a top music student. Since then Ive played guitar, piano, and even a little mandolin in various bands and projects in the Boston area. After a few years I started to focus more on teaching while starting a family and spending some time as a stay-at-home dad. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Music

My approach to doing lessons tends to be high enthusiasm and high standards. I am a firm believer in the idea of using focused practice and developing healthy self-criticism skills to build character. Creating lofty (but achievable) goals, setting standards, and persevering through challenges, is not only a great way to become a better musician, but is also a great way to become a better person. It is with this concept that I approach my lessons. Read More

Instruments: Drums Recorder Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music

I've had a lot of opportunities to sort my teaching out. I realize that if the student doesn't get it, it may be that I'm not putting it across effectively. So I had better try to slow things down or speed them up, model rather than explain, or vice versa! And always try smarter before trying harder, even though harder may be the right approach. Because in addition to teaching music I'm teaching approaches to learning. Read More