Ben S  
Instruments: Guitar, Saxophone, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Music, Electric Guitar, Djembe, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Avant-garde

I began teaching 11 years ago during my senior year of high school. At the time I had been playing for many years. During this time I had five students. One of my students was a friend who had been envious of my playing for a while when he decided to ask for lessons. It was truly amazing and rewarding to see him advance to a level where he could play along with other people and write songs. Seeing the happiness that music brought to his life was amazing. This was something that I experienced with every student. Music is so important in my life and it was great to give others the skills to have the same appreciation. I stopped teaching a few years later when I moved to go to college. I am excited to teach again.

Technique as well as theory are equally important. It is also important to have fun while learning. I like to use the Hal Leonard lesson books combined with excersises that I have created. I can also teach songs requested by students and explain and demonstrate how theory and technique apply to the tune. Improvising and playing along with other musicians in songs or jams is highly recomended. Understanding what each student wants to get out of the lesson is important. While I believe learning to read music is important, not every student wants to do this and accomadating the goals of the student is necessary. Jimi Hendrix couldn't read or write music and he was one of the greats.