Guitar Lessons in Downingtown, PA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

At the start of the first lesson, I give each new student a questionniare to fill out that tells me their musical background, influences, goals for the instrument and what music they are interested in learning. If the new student is a younger child, I begin them with Hal Leonard's Guitar Method Book One. Once they have grasped the simple chords and melodies of the book, I begin to introduce simple songs that they are interested in learning. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have about two years of teaching experience, all of which has been done out of the recording studio I worked out of. I've taught students of all ages, ranging from seven to seventy-two! My teaching is less about learning to mimic songs and it's more about learning how the guitar/bass work from a music theory perspective. I like to call my take on theory "practical theory," meaning that I really focus on teaching all of the basic modes and how they work together so that my students can start improvising and writing - the two musical activities that I find to be the most mentally stimulating and rewarding. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

Just as my teachers have invested time and energy into teaching me as an individual, so I see each student as an individual who learns and performs differently. There is no single right way to teach, so I am always trying to learn about new and different methods and, most importantly, to learn from my students about how they learn best. I encourage them to have confidence in their playing, to enjoy what they play, and to pick out their own mistakes and accomplishments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

For students who are just starting to learn a new instrument, I would start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements method book. As the student progresses and has a good understanding of the fundamentals, I begin to introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate for their skill level. I try to find out what all of my students are interested in, and I adjust my instruction accordingly to make sure that the lessons are always engaging, and fun. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience is varied and puts the student's needs first. I have taught privately for the last 7 or 8 years, and can proudly say that every one of my students has learned a great deal. Providing consistent support and a positive attitude is my goal for every lesson, and I take the concerns of each student with the utmost sincerity. Having taught in both private and group environments, I have developed an ability to quickly convey important information in a way that every student will comprehend. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar

I have several tools that I use to get students playing music.  One of my favorite tools is the Music Flashcards made by Bastien.  Rather than teaching notes using an acronym like "every good boy deserves fudge" to teach notes, I use landmarks which get students to see the relationship between notes and allow them to read music with fluidity and ease.  I pair these flashcards with Music Tree book 1 and feel that they compliment each other very well. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I find students are most successful when they set their own goals. I like to ask each new pupil what kind of music they like, what they want to learn, and what their expectations are before we start. I believe it's most important to tailor my lessons to the specific person. Although I believe there are a number of techniques every player needs to learn I believe there are a plenty of ways to approach these fundamentals. Read More