Conn S
Instruments: Guitar, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar
Styles: Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Punk
Conn S
Instruments: Guitar, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Punk
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-80
I’ve been playing guitar since my early teens and have my Bachelor’s in Classical Guitar Performance from the University at Buffalo. In that time I’ve built up a lot of experience; both performing and teaching. I’ve performed in many recitals both as a soloist and in ensemble, and have played in the masterclasses of many great guitarists such as the Castellani-Andriaccio Duo, Tom Torrisi, Thomas Viloteau, Xavier Jara, and Leo Brouwer. While classical guitar is my main focus, I’m also proficient in many other styles including jazz, funk, rock, country, folk, and world music and am equally comfortable on both acoustic and electric guitar. I’ve also had plenty of performance experience with gigs at venues like Daily Planet Coffee, Nietzche’s and Sportsmen’s Tavern; and community events like Porch Fest and the Music is Art Festival.
I began my teaching career at the Castellani-Andriaccio Guitar Studios in Buffalo in 2017. I also teach at Music & Arts in Orchard Park, and serve as the primary instructor for the Hispanic Heritage Council Guitar Initiative. The Guitar Initiative is a non-profit afterschool program that provides free guitar and music theory lessons to children who otherwise would not have access. In addition I'm a Suzuki certified instructor.
Over the past few years I've worked with many students of all ages and skill levels. Across my various teaching positions I currently have 20 students with ages ranging from 4 years old to 70. I strongly believe that anyone can learn at any age so long as they are willing to put in the work.
For younger students I employ the Suzuki Method which comprises a series of books and particular approach to teaching that I've found to be quite effective. The books provide a very well thought out sequence of pieces that help the student learn all of the necessary skills to play the guitar in the context of actual music rather than abstract exercises, and the method encourages a lot of parental involvement which helps to make at home practice (the most important part of learning any instrument) much more effective. It also very elegantly incorporates aural and ensemble skills into the curriculum.
For adults, I'm a bit more flexible. I like to use the Aaron Shearer books for classical guitar students, but I'm willing to work with whatever materials they may already have or find out what music interests them and build around that.
My main goals with all of my students are to foster their love and appreciation for music and to teach them the skills they need to make whatever music they want to make. I want all of my students to be able to experience the joy that comes from music making so I do my best to ensure that they're using healthy, efficient, reliable, technique; that they become musically literate, and that they develop aural skills that will help them to better understand what they hear. I also teach them how to practice effectively and efficiently so that they can make steady progress.
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