Guitar Lessons in Upton, MA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I went to graduate school and became a teacher of guitar classes at Chelsea High School, teaching about 1800 students over nine years. Along the way I took up arranging for an ensemble of young string and wind players at my church I had learned tenor saxophone, which I play in this ensemble - and learned jazz and fingerstyle guitar. I am now teaching one-on-one so I can share my love of the guitar directly with students as a mentor has said, I enjoy reliving the excitement of my first musical discoveries by teaching new students, and helping more experienced students advance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Music Acoustic Guitar

I firmly believe in starting with the basics of singing for younger students, however they should have fun as well as learn. Giving them a choice in at least one song we do every so often, to me, is the way to keep them interested in the art. As the students get older, I attempt to have them sing in multiple genres and languages, as to broaden their experience and see what they like. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I try to tailor my lessons almost like a Doctor sees a patient. Every student is different, I do think it is important to learn to read music. I love music theory and I emphasize learning to love practicing technique. With my beginner piano students I generally use a Hal Leonard series book, but supplement it with a book of piano exercises. With my guitar students it depends on their age and experience, I use a Hal Leonard method book for youngsters and then begin teaching them songs they identify that they really want to learn. Read More

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

Proper technique, learning the notes, and learning how to practice effectively is a great place to start. Even ten minutes a day is better than not practicing. Making lessons fun and giving students tools to bring home is very important to me. An example is learning some excersises to get the notes under your fingers, and some chords and scales to practice at home. The excersises will create and maintain proper technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo Keyboard

My methods of choice for instruction are many due to the amount of instruments that I teach and the many levels of mastery within each concentration. For most woodwinds I begin with the Rubank family of methods and duet books. I favor many of the Berklee press books for music theory, voice, keyboards, genre studies, guitar, bass, composition, ear training, harmony and arranging. The Schirmer library of classical piano pieces is often used. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

A total beginner will usually start by learning chord progressions that are specifically in a major scale progression (ex. C-Dm-Em-F-G-Am-Bdim). Using chord progressions allows my students to grow accustomed to the feel of the guitar and the fundamental hand strength needed to play, as well as the finger dexterity needed to play certain chords. This fundamental also introduces them to major scales, and the sound of chord progressions in the major scale. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I always work with a method book, and have a range of fun books to choose from from beginner to advanced for guitar and piano. I use a separate sheet of paper as a log of each day's lesson at the end to show what we worked on, what to practice, and other notes or positive remarks ( ‘great job’, etc.) With older students I encourage exploring your own musical tastes and learning from the artists you like. Read More