Guitar Lessons in Utica, OH

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am proficient with electric, acoustic as well as classical guitars. I have studied fingerstyle and enjoy experimenting with different methods of producing sounds on them. I enjoy using Ableton Live as a performance and writing tool. I also dabble in analog synthesis and enjoy playing keys, bass, drums and singing. I take an easy approach to learning with the belief that it should be rewarding to play an instrument and not frustrating. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is very personal. I feel the need to truly know my students in order to best help them progress. I like for my students to be open about concerns and weaknesses in their abilities. I try to help them to analyze their own technique rather than have me tell them directly as this will help them to progress outside on the lesson and therefore more quickly. The greatest feeling is when a student comes in already having an idea of where they want the lesson to go for that day. Read More

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

My program is one that I have developed over the last 18 years. I use no method books. I ask my students to bring a blank manuscript book that I will fill up as we go forward. I also highly encourage all of my students to have a keyboard of some kind available to them, IE: a piano, organ, or even one of those battery-powered little CASIO keyboards that one can buy for $15-25 at a Salvation Army or Goodwill store. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Acoustic Guitar

In every lesson, I will check in with the student to see how they are progressing and will address any issues that have arisen during their practice sessions. I try very hard to tune into the individual student's learning style and to figure out the best way to communicate my philosophy. I like to start with an example from whatever musical style from which the student wishes to learn and from there I will look to derive a greater understanding of how and why the music works the way that it does. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to learn what my students musical interests are as soon as possible and then to do all I can to nurture that. Since music is something which is played for an audience its important to find them an audience to perform for . It can be just mom and dad, the Girl Scouts campfire sing along, a jam session at the local coffeehouse or sitting in at a blues or jazz jam if no formal recitals are available. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Acoustic Guitar

When beginning teaching I typically assess the learners general attention span, natural strengths, and what is motivating for them. I complete a beginner piano assessment to find out how the learner is with pattern recognition, any previous knowledge they may have, and what type of instruction they respond best to. When I understand the learners least restrictive environment I will choose the type of notation we start with. This can be traditional sheet music, pop chords, or adapted notation that may consist of numbers, letters, and/or colors. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

Music is the center of my life, and sharing the knowledge and joy with students is my passion. I have been playing professionally for two decades in a variety of styles, and I hold a Ph.d. in Ethnomusicology from The Ohio State University. I have performed in around the world and recently completed a tour of India. Two of my recent albums were selected for the final 2015 Grammy Ballot. Read More