Guitar Lessons in Spencer, MA

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 Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

So I consider myself more of a guide who can understand a lot of the pitfalls a newer player (who I will surely learn from) will run into and show the way around and why. My main goal if for the student to be self directed and for practicing and playing to never feel like work. I also feel the song based approach is the way to go so we can work on whatever song from whatever genre you prefer. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

How I'm more laid back is I don't scold and put down students because they didn't achieve a certain amount of practice or they have not completed all of their assignments during the week. I realize that things come up, adults are very active and sometimes life gets in the way, sports and homework take up time etc... What I do instead is teach them how to take their limited amount of time and maximize it. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching private and group public school lessons in my later high school years; from there I decided that a career in teaching and performance was my calling. During college, I continued teaching private lessons and received the opportunity to teach general music for half a year in a K-8 public school. One of the highlights from my time there was leading a group of 8th graders in forming their own contemporary classical ensemble, composing their own music, going to a professional studio and recording themselves, planning and scheduling a concert, and performing their original music live in front of their peers. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass

My students take music at their own pace, and on their own terms. Whatever you want out of our lessons is what you will get, and though I expect regular improvement, I don't push students beyond their limits. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone

A principle that I have lived by in the 45 plus years that I have taught, is that I am teaching the STUDENT as an individual with a particular personality, learning style, level of patience, tolerance for making mistakes and openness to trying new things. I do not teach MUSIC; I use it as the vehicle for learning. When a teacher really understands the nature of the student and shows his/her commitment to making every lesson a successful and happy experience for him/her, then the process of learning to play an instrument becomes a mutual and fulfilling experience. Read More