Guitar Lessons in Arlington, MA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo Keyboard

From 2002 to present I have taught private lessons and ensembles here at Filedheacht Music School [East Bridgewater, MA] which I own and operate. I have taught throughout my career as time and schedule have permitted since 1983. Consistent practice habits and structure that are responsive to the student's abilites, goals and schedule are the core of my approach. I endeavor to Inspire, Educate and Achieve: in that order! Listening to the student, assessing their abilities, hopes, and possibilities is the first order of business when beginning with me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I start of my lessons by asking how much the student practiced for the week. Then I ask them if there was anything that was confusing for them so we can work on that first. I let the student pick what they want to start with first and then I will pick the next exercise. I finish with giving them a homework assignment and making sure they understand what to practice for next week. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Mandolin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners, especially younger players, I believe it is best to start with simple pieces to build security. For this I usually try to pick fairly well known melodies that the student likely has in their head already, such as 'Ode to Joy' or 'Jingle-Bells'. By starting with tunes the student already knows, I believe that the learning process becomes much more intuitive. For teens/adults I encourage the student to find out what the students interests/goals are and adjust my lesson accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have found that the basics are the most important part of music. Even issues in more advanced players can be addressed by filling the gaps in a students knowledge of the fundamentals. I also strongly emphasise a student's ear training as that really opens up the instrument to them, allowing for more intuitive playing and improved creativity. I tend to cater to the students needs, and can also create simple backing tracks for students to practice the concepts that have been covered in the lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have developed a method for guitar students of all ages to quickly learn chords and scales so that they can not only learn the chord progression to songs, they can also find the correct scale to "solo" and improvise over them. Once the chord structure and scale are learned I accompany the student, playing along with them so that they can practice playing with another musician and soloing. I have also developed a full curriculum for teaching bass guitar to all ages and skill levels. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a goal setter and overachiever so I like to work with the student to set goals that will not be discouraging. I believe that learning how to play an instrument/sing with others in an ensemble setting helps reinforce what we work on in the lesson. As a multi-instrumentalist, I enjoy finding songs we can eventually play together while implementing technique and structure. I’ve done everything from covers, to song writing, to singing operatic repertoire in 5 different languages. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have been teaching Private Lessons since 2008. I began in California (where I am from), teaching guitar and electric bass to younger kids in the high school and middle school I went to. Then in 2010 I went to Berklee to focus on my studies, developing my skills in performance and in education, while always performing and teaching privately on the side. Since Berklee, I have given clinics and masterclasses in numerous countries, and deepened my love for teaching and my methods. Read More