Guitar Lessons in Derby, CT

Instruments: Guitar

I started my musical journey at the age of 15 when I was introduced to the guitar by my high school music teacher. Since that day, I have been unable to put the guitar down. I am currently one of very few people in the world to major in a B.F.A of Finger-style guitar. I have performed and attended master classes with renowned guitarists Antoine Dufour, Billy McLaughlin and Pino Forasterie. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I typically start by teaching them the parts of the guitar how to hold a guitar and all the physical fundamentals including fretting notes properly etc... then I ask them what their goals are as a player if they’re interested in learning a lot of theory or just want to sing and play with their friends etc.… Then I teach them the names of the strings and tell them to memorize them as well as the dot markers on the fretboard and then I have them learn some strumming patterns and a few simple chords to get them started and then begin learning the names of the notes from open position to 12th and then learning The major scale up the neck one string at a time… And I also incorporate the use of a Metronome which I find is hugely important… Then we incorporate a simple song that they can play with four chords from there onto learning how to harmonize the major scale and then incorporate more theory… All the while assessing their needs and fixing any trouble spots they’re having… Then on to scales and more theory and More Metronome work...And every couple of lessons I teach them a new song of their choosing to make sure that they’re having fun fun fun Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

Teaching has been my profession since before my college days, when I begun by teaching guitar lessons to classmates. Since college, it has been my primary occupation. I lead by example as a musician, and I encourage regular quality practice and cultivate an attitude of discipline and a drive to greatness. A cross-discipline in music is my primary approach to teaching, and I make a point of educating my students in how to communicate with other musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I typically start violinists with the Suzuki method books and I start my piano and guitar students with the Alfred and Essential Elements books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp on fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first performance. However, if a student isn't learning effectively from the book they were originally given, I either change the method book or compose my own exercises that I think the student would benefit from. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have experience teaching on both a private lesson and public school environment. I started to teach private lessons shortly after my undergrad career and during my grad school career. During my grad school program I had the opportunity to teach both at a elementary and high school level in General Music and in Strings. I during these placements in the public school I wrote out lessons plans and taught music theory and instruments to the students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

On guitar I use the Hal Leonard method and then move into learning blues scales and pentatonic scales for soloing and then move into repertoire they are interested in. On drums, I will teach them rudiments to use when playing as well as play different drum charts to songs they enjoy. With voice, I will go through standard warm-ups and then find repertoire that the students are generally interested in whether it is classical, jazz, musical theater, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

A student will always learn technique and theory on a much deeper level when it is taught in conjunction to music that they like, rather than as a separate academic study. This method maintains a students interest as well.With regards to advanced players, I find that the problem is rarely how to play, but rather what to play, or what NOT to play. This is usually best solved by helping a player to re-examine his or her approach to applying what they already know. Read More