The three points about music education that I've built my teaching philosophy upon are as follows: every person has a unique way of learning, time is of no relevance and art brings us together. Music is not a business, it's an expression of human creativity. Yes, there is an aspect called "the music business", but that does not concern us nor does it affect the act of giving or receiving knowledge. Years ago I made a pledge to myself that I would pass on, to as many eager students as possible, all that I've learned. Through the years I have endeavored to honor that pledge.
 
1. Every person has a unique way of learning
I do not use a "cookie cutter" approach nor do I utilize any sort of codified system of instruction. Instead the lessons are tailored to fit each student's individual needs, strengths and musical tastes. For example: one student may learn best by ear while another may grasp concepts better through notated instruction. The paths differ but the goal is the same.

2. Time is of no relevance 
We all process information at different rates and music is no exception. An instrument takes time to learn, how much depends greatly upon many variables. That being said, I feel the most important skill for a developing student to cultivate is patience. What takes a month for one person to master may take several for another. Patience leads to clarity which leads to discipline and ultimately to self-motivation. Quality is always better than quantity. 

3. Art brings us together
This is what it's all about, the joy of music. In a time dominated by technology, computer screens and social media the act of playing, creating and sharing music together is an absolute oasis. Imagine a time before the internet, TV, radio and recordings...that's what playing and instrument harkens back to. Musicians are not only entertainers, they are also story tellers,  historians, philosophers, poets, weavers of melody and witnesses to history. The more music we make, the more enlightened we become. 

A note on practice:
Practice is more than mere repetition. It is time set aside for musical discovery, technical growth and personal accomplishment. It's also important to understand that musicality and technique are not mutually exclusive, together they form a circle with each informing the other as progress is made. Some important aspects of practice include focus, determination, structure and objectives.

Sample of general techniques covered:
Acoustic (steel or nylon string, encompassing popular styles)
  • reading chord diagrams
  • deciphering TAB
  • finger pick patterns
  • flat picking
  • strumming patterns
  • song interpretation
Classical (nylon string)
  • note reading 
  • hand positions and fingerings
  • slurs, arpeggios, chord voicing, clarity of tone
  • musical phrasing and dynamics
  
To inquire about lessons please reach out via the Contact page.