Guitar Lessons in Taconic, CT

Instruments: Guitar

I began providing private instruction back in early 2009 with local friends and family for free. In 2011 I started to take teaching more seriously and had several students over Skype and in my own studio. I am currently an educator at a music school in Litchfield County and teach in-home private lessons throughout the Hartford area. I fell in love for teaching while attending the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee after being offered a teaching assistant position for a beginner level class of 120+ students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

My number One thing is that it has to be fun learning otherwise the students get bored easily and disinterested so I always incorporate learning real music while you’re learning theory and carefully assessing the students strong points and trouble spots all the while giving them goals and consistent practice schedule And the critical importance of using a Metronome and having excellent timing. I want more than anything for it to be an enjoyable experience as well as a growth process for them and you continually push themselves to greater limits and I always stress the importance of practicing a little bit every day for muscle memory As supposed to spread out long practice sessions and I always give them encouraging words to help propel them to new heights, I also encourage them to bring any songs they would like to learn so that they can be playing with other fellow musicians and singers as quickly as possible Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I cater the lessons towards what the student wants while emphasizing the importance of fundamentals and theory. I incorporate songwriting and improvisation into my lessons, as well as songs the student wants to learn. I believe all students should be encouraged to be creative, while still maintaining a strong emphasis on fundamentals, thus leading to the creation of their unique musical style. I generally tend to split the lessons up into warm up techniques, repertoire, sight reading, listening/dictation, discussing music the student likes/wants to learn, and improvisation and songwriting. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I start out with an introduction to the fretboard and tuning the guitar. We then move on to basic chords, strumming and one-line melodies. Intermediate students will move on to more complex riffs, fingerpicking and arpeggios, as well as learning how to improvise using chord inversions and scales. For me it's important that we work on proper technique and musical concepts, but to do so while learning songs by artists that you like. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass

I find a combination of modern, jazz, and classical music can go a long way in helping students enjoy music and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. My students are encouraged to enter competitions, recitals, and college auditions, as well as composing their own material. This way they can feel good about their progress and stay motivated to continue learning. I am always looking to bring on new students regardless of skill level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a dedicated teacher with a passion for sharing my love, knowledge, and experiences with others. I have had the honor to perform throughout the United States in renown concert halls including Carnegie Hall, the DiMenna Center for Classical Music, and the Bushnell Performing Arts Center. I have presented world premieres from acclaimed composers including Roland Dyens, Andrew York, Carlo Domeniconi, and Frank Wallace. My flute and guitar duo has been the recipient of numerous awards. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I typically start violinists with the Suzuki method books and I start my piano and guitar students with the Alfred and Essential Elements books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp on fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first performance. However, if a student isn't learning effectively from the book they were originally given, I either change the method book or compose my own exercises that I think the student would benefit from. Read More