Frequently Asked Questions

What styles of music do you teach?

What are lessons like?

How much do lessons cost?

Do you sell gift certificates?

What is a typical student’s lesson schedule?

I play guitar and/or bass already. Are lessons worth it?

Do you teach beginners?

How is the computer used to enhance lessons?

What kinds of techniques do you teach?

What styles of music do you teach?
That depends upon the student’s interests. Each student is different in terms of goals on guitar, so lessons are  customized to meet a student’s individual needs. I take a flexible approach, and many students become proficient in multiple styles. Excluding sub-genres, the styles I usually teach are as follows:
             Rock    --    Jazz    --    Blues   --   Pop    --    Metal   --   Classical    --    Fingerstyle   --   Funk
 

What are lessons like?
Lessons are very musical in nature, and the foundations of music are explored in depth.  Students learn to play by immediately applying the concepts taught.  This approach makes learning music both fun and rewarding.  It also prepares students for real-life playing situations.  As students absorb the language of music, they are encouraged to explore their own creativity in terms of song-writing and improvisation.

How much do lessons cost?
Lessons are $25 for a 1/2 hour session. Due to a high volume of students, I am currently not able to offer hour-long sessions.

Do you sell gift certificates?
I sell gift certificates, which make great gifts!  Please feel free to call or e-mail me for more details. My contact information is found on the Contact page.

What is a typical student’s lesson schedule?
Lessons are booked for a weekly slot at the same time every week.  If there is a fifth week for your slot in that month, there will be no lesson in the fifth week or it may be used for a make-up session.

I play guitar and/or bass already. Are lessons worth it?
Many guitar and bass players have studied their instrument but lack a complete understanding of music theory.  However, a good foundation in music theory is the key to understanding how music really works. If you decide to take guitar lessons or bass lessons with me, I will teach you music theory and techniques of playing the instruments, which are mentioned below.  If you already have experience playing a guitar or bass, this knowledge can open up worlds of possibilities.

Do you teach beginners?
My goal is to provide quality guitar instruction to students of all levels.  Both new students ready to begin the learning process, as well as students with prior experience, will benefit from individually tailored lessons.  Even the best musicians once started as beginners!

How is the computer used to enhance lessons?
I use a Macbook computer during lessons, which allows me to record programs, backing tracks, MIDI, virtual drum machines, and similar elements. With these tools, it's possible to create the atmosphere of an entire rhythm section so that my students and I can participate in comprehensive jam sessions. The computer also allows me to demonstrate how the home recording process works, providing support for those students who aspire to create their own music.

What kinds of techniques do you teach?

An Overview of Techniques Covered

Arpeggios Improvisation Sight Reading Articulations Intervals Song Forms Alternate Picking Inversions Strumming Bending Legato Concepts Sweep Picking Chord Construction Memory Techniques Slapping (Bass) Chord Progressions Patterns Tablature Dynamics Palm Muting Tapping Ear Training Polyrhythms Theory Economy Picking Rhythm / Groove Tone Feel Scales / Modes Transcribing Fingering Efficiency Sequences Triads Harmonics Songwriting Vibrato Hybrid Picking Software Walking (Bass)