Guitar Lessons in Petersham, MA

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With beginners and especially children, I only assume that one's knowledge of the guitar is at best at a basic level. I'll begin by teaching how to hold the instrument as well as posture. Also I'll teach basic strumming patterns for the student to get familiar with the guitar. With students at an intermediate level, I'll ask how much they may already know, or what they would like to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I believe in enforcing the fundamentals of theory and technique to provide an understanding of physicial aspect of creating sound and the reasoning behind the music being played. For any student, I seek music that is meaningful to them as well as challanging to them. I believe in working with a student to define their goals and to help them achieve them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I use the Hal Leonard Basic or Kids Guitar Method because it is such a good introduction to the instrument. For bass and ukulele I also use the beginner Hal Leonard Method books. For more advanced students, I first get a sense for what they want to learn and where they want to go, by asking them some questions about their previous education, what songs they like to listen to, and any problems with practicing or grasping the material, that they may have experienced. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching 11 years ago during my senior year of high school. At the time I had been playing for many years. During this time I had five students. One of my students was a friend who had been envious of my playing for a while when he decided to ask for lessons. It was truly amazing and rewarding to see him advance to a level where he could play along with other people and write songs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Viola Banjo Ukulele

 Stephen is a graduate of Columbia University. A composer of more than fifty pieces, his music has been performed by both chamber groups and orchestras in the US and abroad. The most notable performers of his compositions include the Gregg Smith Singers, Stitching Combinatie van Utrechtse Muziekbelangen, New Calliope Singers, Group for Contemporary Music, and the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble. Stephen continues to work as a freelance guitarist and conductor, performing in various national venues with the Gregg Smith Singers, the Group for Contemporary Music, the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, and the Composers Ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Melody (lead) playing is not essential, but encouraged, as I believe it is a viable and gratifying skill. Supplemental books are helpful and encouraged, but not required, as is music theory and sight reading (standard notation). Many books will include technical studies such as theory, which can certainly be helpful. Playing by ear is very helpful and useful, and I do utilize that. The abundance of online instructional videos can also be a supplement, as are other websites that use tablature (tab) notation, which I also use. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar

For myself at least, music has provided me with a sense of higher purpose, as well as given me many lifelong friends along my own musical journey! My goal is to have each one of my students be able to have that same experience, in a way that is tailored to them and their needs! I feel learning is best achieved when the student has real interest in the material. Read More