FREE INTRODUCTORY

1/2 HOUR LESSON!

  
Song-based guitar instruction
 
  
   

 
PRIVATE LESSONS    

I WILL TEACH YOU EVERY SONG ON YOUR LIST!

The first thing I want you to do is make a song list.
What songs would you like to play? Write or type the list (We all give much more thought to something when we actually write it down.) If the song’s been recorded by a number of artists, let me know which version you like.
You can write just a few names or give me pages and pages of favorite groups and songs. Get as detailed as you want (i.e., “I want to learn the second lead after verse 2,” or “I can’t figure out the chords in the chorus.”) I have a very large popular song library filled with books, sheet music, lead sheets, videos and DVD’s. I have thousands of popular songs on hand, so please make your list as long as you like. Why? It's simple. I will teach you every single song on your list during your lessons. Sure some songs are harder than others so we'll be selective in what we begin with. You CAN learn them all, provided you’re willing to practice of course. Bring the list to your first (FREE) lesson.

I WILL RECORD YOUR LESSONS...ALL OF THEM

Take your lessons home with you for repeated review. The recording allows you to hear the music exactly how it should sound. It's like having your teacher there each time you practice. It also eliminates the need for note-taking during the lesson. Forgot to bring a tape? I sell them for a nominal charge.


I CAN TEACH YOU MUSIC THEORY

Again, the focus is on teaching songs. Isn’t that what it’s all about? But when you’re ready to improvise and/or begin writing songs, I can teach you to read and write standard notation and tablature. Understanding chord/harmony structure, and song structure opens up worlds of creativity. One of the most educational and fun things to do is analyze existing songs to determine how they’re put together and why they work ... rhythmically (groove), harmonically and melodically. Transcribing existing songs and phrases (listening to a looped and slowed version and writing the notes or tablature) is one of the fastest ways to learn to write songs and there’s no better way to train your ear.


I CAN TEACH YOU TO TRAIN YOUR MUSICAL EAR

How is it possible to hear a song, pick up your guitar and within minutes, without any written music or previous knowledge of the song, play every single part of it? How is it possible? Transcribe a dozen songs or so and you can do it too. I’ll show you how.


BOOKS, TAPES, DVD'S, WEBSITES
If you already own instructional materials of any kind, we can work through them together. I know that videos, computer software and internet websites can be an effective way to learn to play the guitar. I can supplement the material and personalize it based on your interests. I have a few favorite books, videos and websites and I’ve been through dozens and dozens more. Some are great and some are...well, not so great. The materials I recommend to you were pivotal in my own musical development. After months of struggling with a certain topic, these materials provided that wonderful “Aha!” moment, when it all came together.

Jumping around while screaming “I get it!” is permitted and will not reflect badly on any student.

 

SCHEDULE
Private lessons are available 12 months a year. You may start at any time. You may withdraw at the end of any series of paid lessons.


USE OF THE LIBRARY
Students may use the library during their scheduled lesson time. Most materials can also be rented on a weekly or monthly basis for a nominal charge.


COST OF THE LESSONS
“It’s a big old goofy world,” as John Prine said. I realize that not every teacher and student hits it off. I’ve been through a few teachers myself. This is why I offer you a FREE INTRODUCTORY 1/2 HOUR LESSON at no charge or obligation to you. If you like the lesson, I hope you'll sign up for many more.

The prices below reflect lesson block discounts down to nearly a 50% savings!

I accept checks, cash and Paypal. For contact information including address and directions, please click here.

PRICES
  

Half-hour lessons:
1 lesson for $22.00
4 lessons for $80.00
9 lessons for $165.00
15 lessons for $255.00
21 lessons for $270.00
26 lessons for $330.00
31 lessons for $390.00
36 lessons for $450.00

 1 hour lessons:
1 lesson for $40.00
4 lessons for $150.00
9 lessons for $310.00
15 lessons for $480.00
21 lessons for $630.00
26 lessons for $730.00
31 lessons for $800.00
36 lessons for $865.00
   

All lessons are payable in advance. You will be asked to pay after your free lesson or when you start your first paid lesson. After that, I will call you up the week before your last paid lesson to remind you that your payment is due for your next series of classes. Please pay on your last paid lesson for your next series. This way, I know you will be continuing your studies with me and I will keep you in our schedule.


 

 

 

GROUP LESSONS    

2 OR MORE STUDENTS

I offer group lessons to those students who supply the group. Usually you'll come with a friend or a family member and take the lesson together. We all need to work on the same material though (unless you're into fusion Jazz ;)

 

    
Seminars and Clinics    

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN

Occasionally I’ll offer seminars (taught by me and others) for an additional one-time fee. These are topic specific (ie., “Intro to fingerstyle guitar,” “Efficient practicing,” “Your first gig,” “Accompanying a singer,” “Playing with a rhythm section,” etc.) If you have an idea for a seminar topic, please let me know and I’ll try my best to accommodate.

There are many great players who regularly teach Clinics, where there is a brief performance followed by instruction. These 2 to 3 hour sessoins give students a unique opportunity to interact with and learn from some of the best players around. They are usually sponsored by major music equipment manufacturers.

Seminars and Clinics will be announced on this page.