Brian M
Instruments: Guitar, Music, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Reggae, Soul, Punk
Brian M
Instruments: Guitar, Music, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Reggae, Soul, Punk
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-80
Bachelor Degree: Berklee College of Music
Hey there! I’m Brian, guitar instructor and Berklee graduate with a degree in composition for film. My goal as an instructor is to teach what my students are passionate about in a manner tailored on an individual level. Essentially, I want to make learning guitar as happy an experience as possible for every student. Want to learn how to improvise? Great! Trying to get your chops up for fast or complex music? Let's GO! Want to learn songs from your favorite artist for your cover band? I gotchu! I've been playing guitar for 17 years and have training in the genres of metal, blues, jazz, acoustic, R and B, pop, funk, alternative rock, punk, hip-hop, and electronic music. I have 2 years' teaching experience, and I can provide the following lesson materials: audio backing tracks, songs and exercises in tablature or sheet music format, video recordings of practice exercises, music theory worksheets, and probably anything else my students are likely to need. I’m offering in-home lessons in the New Hampshire/Maine area. Lessons in my home can be discussed, but would likely require the student to bring some gear with them (e.g. cable, amp, guitar). Give me a shout if you want to explore the passion and joy that comes with learning guitar!
I began taking guitar lessons in 2005 (age 15). When my instructor left to attend Berklee, he told me that I had the ability to teach all of his students, and that I should take his job. So from 2006–2008 I taught students ages 3–65 in all the genres listed above. I offered private lessons to some friends and classmates while I went to Berklee. I find that teaching is the best way to help me internalize musical concepts myself, and I get a lot of personal gratification from helping someone overcome their music and creative obstacles.
My methods and teaching style vary from student to student. My objective is to select and/or develop methods that fit the student individually in respect to their identity and learning style. Here's a rundown of subjects and methods I feel benefit students' development as a guitarist and musician: - Ear Training: listen to songs the student is interested in and transcribe the guitar part along with the student; identify notes and intervals by ear; learn to sing a melody accurately - Music Theory: teach the students about relationships between notes and harmonic structures; explain concepts of harmonic travel and resolution; review different keys on the guitar and how to identify/use them - Improvisation: I provide backing tracks and music theory context, then trade off improvised solos based on the provided key, scale, and genre - Technical Proficiency: use specialized written exercises and metronomic training to increase speed and accuracy; use chord charts, tablature, and sheet music to internalize chord shapes and changes; written and aural exercises on sight reading sheet music and/or tablature - Songwriting: suggest and explain song structures, the purpose of various sections and how they fit together; suggest various approaches to composing a piece of music
I want students to have a relaxed, casual, productive, and enjoyable time in every one of our lessons. My objective is to create a friendly and encouraging environment to ignite my students' passion for guitar and for music. I've had experience with teachers whose style produced "practice anxiety" and left me feeling discouraged about my aptitude on guitar. Having had these experiences showed me what NOT to do in my lessons. My lessons are ALL about the student: how they learn, what they WANT to learn, and what will help them have as much fun as possible with the guitar.
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