Guitar Lessons in Benson, MD

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have been teaching since 1977, and I am as passionate about teaching as I was on my first day! I have taught students of all ages and levels, and learned to customize lessons to fit their stated musical goals. A number of my former students now work in the music field, from music instructors at Towson State University to local freelance musicians. I currently hold the rank if Sergeant in the Maryland Defense Force Band, serving as a percussionist/drummer. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin

I use several different method books for teaching. I try to use the method that best matches the goals of the student or the parents of the student. I currently use: Alfred's, Bastien, Piano Adventures andProgressive methods primarily. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching method depends on what the student wants to learn, if they prefer to start learning songs first that is fine but I will still make sure to cover basic music principles in early lessons and incorporate them into the lessons. I can also start with method books but I have found that students don't always want to start there. For students that want a well rounded approach I will combine one of the common method books with simple songs and chords that the student can get going on right away. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Children often encounter obstacles with regard to motor-skill development issues (i.e., usually their hands don't work well enough under the age of ten to develop many of the skills required to play the guitar) so a more general musical exploration is often called for. This can involve singing when the child is open to that. With teenagers and adults, I like to discover what their interests and goals are and tailor the lesson in accordance. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am inspired by passing along enthuiasm and inspiration to my students. I customize every lesson to each student and their learning style. I set up 'check lists' or 'battle plans' to keep track of goals, progess and to help the student remember what they may need to review. I will help the student in whatever way I can to achive their musical goals. I make myself availble for any student question at any time by email. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

For Piano I teach from the Faber Faber series. I used Primer and level 1 one for children and a level 1 version for late teens and adults. For Guitar/Bass I use Hal Leonard Guitar Method Series. For all my students I determine what they are interested in learning and we focus on that music while still practicing the fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Firstly, I teach the student the anatomy of the guitar and how to tune it, along with how to hold a pick. After that, I start teaching students how to identify notes on the fretboard. When they have a good grasp on that, I start to teach the basic modes, such as the major, minor, pentatonic, blues, lydian, mixolydian, and dorian modes, and while they are learning these, I give them exercises that use these modes to increase the student's mechanical skill, such as going up and down the scales in patterns of three/four/etc. Read More