Guitar Lessons in Petersham, MA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have been playing guitar for nearly 20 years.  Over those years I have played many different styles, playing different instruments in different bands, from open mics to big venues all over the country.  I love playing music and love helping others discover their love as well.  One note worthy teaching gig I’ve had was working for a company in Nassau County, NY teaching guitar and music theory to developmentally challenged adults in a day program.  There is no musician I will turn away; my focus is guitar, but I have many instruments and can introduce the basics for many such as drums, violin, viola, cello, piano, bass guitar, as well as composition and arrangement.  I have worked with many bands, ensembles, and chamber groups, and would love the opportunity to help you achieve your musical goals.  Whatever your musical interests, I'll help you get to where you want to go. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have a relaxed teaching style that encourages musical and creative growth. I strive to constantly expand my students' musical horizons. As well as giving them new techniques to practice and new songs to learn, I will often give them new music to listen to. It is my belief that, above all, learning music should be a joyful experience; one which allows students to gain access to new ideas and gain insight into different traditions and cultures. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Fiddle Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always start with what the student is interested in. I find that learning music comes much more naturally when the student is inspired and entertained by what they are trying to learn. I come from a long tradition of learning music by ear. I believe this is the best way to develop true musicality. While I very much see the value in sheet music, I believe that reading music without being about to play it by ear is like being about to write and write but not speak and understand English. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

For absolute beginners(which i have experience with) i typically show them a couple open chords to practice.this teaches the student how to place their fingers and also how to properly hold a guitar.once the student is a little proficient, i introduce single notes onthe fretboard, as well as a few more open chord shapes and task them to make a simple song in any style that pleases them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

Depending on the level of the student and what they are looking to achieve through the lessons I would use a few different methods. I like to use guitar books if at all possible for beginners because its a great place to start. The fundamentals are where you have to start to build a scaffolding and practice books are great for doing this. I also like to use songs and tunes as a way of teaching different concepts. 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 Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've been teaching guitar for around two years now. The main thing when teaching a student is to have patience. organization is another important aspect of lessons. I stress the importance of practicing as well as having fun with what is going on. If it's not fun, it's not worth doing. I love teaching guitar to students and I love to see the progression of a student's learning experience. That in itself is very rewarding to me. Read More