Jacob M  
Instruments: Guitar, Ukulele, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Latin, Funk, Electronic, Flamenco, Reggae, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Avant-garde

During my time as a graduate teaching assistant for the University of Louisville, I learned the importance of effective and appropriate communication between students and instructors teaching class guitar, guitar ensembles, private instruction, and class ukulele. My guitar pedagogy background allows me to approach each student with a variety of styles and techniques that help streamline student progress and keep the passion of making music thriving. My students are encouraged to compete with and offer recitals of the music we study, whether it be standard repertoire or an original work. I have worked with students between the ages of 6 and 77 years. My drive for and enthusiasm about music and education is what makes my time with students an insightful and enjoyable experience.

I emphasize the method of divide and conquer; the idea that if we are confronted with a complex problem, then we isolate each difficulty in that complex into a collection of simple problems. We master simple situations on the guitar individually until we are performing complex tasks that were once physically impossible. Ultimately, I think a blend of competence in technique, tone, and interpretation with a comprehensive outlook over specific works, studies, and the instrument itself will foster rapid development in a beginner, define the path of an intermediate, and supplement the advanced player.

With children who are just beginning, I use a rote approach similar to the Suzuki Method; e.g., First, I find an appropriate traditional melody that the student knows and loves, then I play it for them, and have them emulate what I am doing. Next, I notate it myself or print the notation, so the student can immediately start learning how to read and write music -through exposure and guided interpretation. Further, I transmit expertise on the elements of music and analysis of music in way that is effective and age appropriate; i.e., specific details about tone, melody, rhythm, harmony, balance, form, performance practice, historical context, and so much more. Slowly, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for a first recital.

With beginner and intermediate adults, I use a variety of traditional methods to expose students to the wealth of guitar styles throughout world history. Aaron Shearer's Learning the Classical Guitar series, Hal Leonard's Guitar School series, and Emilio Pujol's Guitar School series are among my favorites to work with, but I will use the student's aspirations to guide our focus. I begin to slowly introduce appropriate solo repertoire as the student begins to grasp the fundamentals. Recitals and competitions are strongly encouraged as students develop.

For advanced players, we will work on whatever you wish! I specialize in performance, so if you are preparing for a gig, audition, recital, or competition, I can help guide your playing to the next level of focus and refinement. I also offer a wide variety of guitar instruction on specific topics like performance practice, fret-board theory, improvisation, score study, recording, editing, mixing, and many other important topics.