Eric M
Instruments: Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Mandolin, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Gospel
Eric M
Instruments: Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Mandolin, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Gospel
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Bachelor Degree: Brandeis University
I'm a singer and multi-instrumentalist (specializing in guitar) with over 20 years of experience as a performing songwriter, band member, and choir director. I graduated from Brandeis University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. I have played a wide variety of musical styles on guitar (acoustic and electric), mandolin, piano, ukulele, and percussion. I have toured in more than 30 states in musical acts performing for both adults and children. As a teacher, one of my favorite thing is the "a-ha" moment: when a student grasps a new concept or technique, or when they really hear themselves making music they like, and their world expands.
I began teaching guitar lessons informally in college. I learned then that I had a knack for helping people understand concepts and techniques on the guitar. I have had more regular students since my early twenties, from young children to senior citizens. I have taught singers who simply wanted to be able to strum chords; folk and blues fingerpickers; and the occasional lead guitarist in rock, pop or blues styles. I have also taught basic ukulele, singing and ear training. With every instrument and musical style, the love of music is a constant! I encourage building on the initial love of music with regular practice to expand the student's abilities. Soon they're hearing themselves make music they love!
My approach to teaching is personal, flexible, and student-centered. I will start by finding out what the student knows already, and what the student wants to know. What kinds of music do they want to play, and why? (For instance: for fun; accompanying themselves singing; performing in front of people; becoming professional.) If the student can play some samples of songs they would like to learn, all the better. Along the way, some basics will surely be covered (chords, scales, basic music theory, various instrumental techniques). However, I find it best - and most engaging for the student - if the journey is guided by the student's own interests and reasons for wanting to play.
My teaching style is rooted in my love of music and people. It is a joy to get to know students as we meet regularly for lessons, and an even bigger joy to help them reach their own musical goals! Along the way, we can talk about a practice schedule that can get the student truly on their way to developing as a musician (considering both their musical goals and their other commitments). I believe in celebrating even small achievements that mean a student's abilities are growing, while keeping an eye on the big picture of what skills are needed to perform at the level the student would like. Above all, I want the experience to be personal and fun. The last thing I'd want to do is make rules or goals that get in the way of the student's interest in making music. It's called "playing" music for a reason!
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