Guitar Lessons in Oakville, CT

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter festivals, camps and performing events as well as work on their own composing, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

Nothing makes me happier than having the opportunity to share my love of music and guitar. Upon graduating from Skidmore College in 2000, I was accepted to Florida State University to the classical guitar program under the study of Bruce Holzman. I feel my decision to simultaneously work towards two masters degrees speaks clearly for my motivation and passion towards music. While I focused on music theory/composition for my PhD studies at Louisiana State University, I continued performing newly composed works by graduate composers for the instrument. 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 Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass

My teaching style really depends on the student taking the lessons. It's important to set realistic goals each week for students that way they can progress at his or her own pace. Recognizing accomplishments goes a long way to fuel a student's desire to progress and makes the student coming back to learn more. By finding out what inspires the student to play, I can tailor my methods to their own wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Many people remember music lessons in their youth as a time consuming source of frustration, built upon outdated music with no connection to the student's day to day life. This is why I like to divide lessons between fundamentals such as reading and theory, and apply those practices to the students' favorite songs. The greatest thing is to be able to see a student perform the music they love, so the real goal is for the student to build a repertoire of favorite songs to perform for family, friends, on-line or onstage. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I've had 10 years of teaching experience with developing my own approach to custom lessons for different needs and tastes in music. I began teaching in 2004 and never looked back.I have also coached ROCK BANDS and taught rock-band clinics in the past 6 years.I've acquired so much experience from teaching different styles. I believe everyone is different and it takes a certain approach to learning music. I'm very passionate with teaching music and music theory, and I love explaining what goes behind students' favorite songs such as chord progressions, scales, and technique. "Practice makes perfect"- I can't stress enough how important it is for a student to practice and do their homework and work on their developments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

From my experiences teaching in classroom settings, I have come to realize the importance of setting short and longer term learning goals for my students and adjusting these goals together with them as we work towards reaching these objectives. Sometimes the goals are very specific, like mastering a particular concept, or practicing towards a specific audition, and some, more general, like developing certain techniques which then need to be further explored and practiced by the student. Read More