Thanks for taking a moment to stop by! Below you will find information about my teaching studio, and approach. Let me begin by saying that I enjoy playing, and teaching, all styles of guitar!
Locations
Currently, I teach from my office at Southwest Guitar Studio, and at Pima Community College’s main campus.
Accreditation
Having started my teaching career at the age of 15 at a local music store in Central NY, I’ve taught guitar privately, and in classroom and individual settings at three major universities (SUNY Fredonia ‘96-’97, University of Akron ‘97-’99, and University of Arizona ‘00-’03). As of 2010, I bring over 20 years of professional teaching and performing experience, and techniques from the many fine teachers I’ve had the pleasure of studying under, to my instruction methods.
Approach
I firmly believe that there is no “one way for everybody” when it comes to learning guitar. I work very hard to customize lesson plans in order to help you meet your goals. Some of my students, for example, are preparing for careers as professional musicians, whereas some enjoy our weekly sessions to simply have fun playing through pieces, or learn new songs. I have many students who form bands and want to focus on songwriting, improvisation, chops, and tone. Others are preparing for recording sessions, tours, auditions, workshops, or national and international competitions. I get to work with people of all ages and backgrounds, and I am grateful for the time I get to spend with everyone. All styles are welcome. It’s one reason why I feel that I have the best job in the world!
Scheduling
Typically, the best way to go about setting up lessons is to come by my office to visit for about a half-hour, so we can meet and discuss what it is you’re interested in accomplishing with the guitar. This can also be done over the phone. Next we decide on a regular, weekly day and time that works for you. Bi-weekly lessons can be arranged, but unless you are an advanced player, weekly lessons are strongly recommended. Sessions are organized into half-hour slots. For beginners, a single half-hour slot once a week is recommended. This can always be extended to an hour or more if you feel you want more each week. If you are frequently out of town, and can only come by once in a while, we can work around your availability, but time slots cannot be held while you’re away. I do my best to accommodate everyone, and finding a time is rarely an issue.
Materials
My office contains state of the art teaching materials, including high speed internet access, printing capabilities, recording software, instructional software, and many books on various music related topics. I also have matching, two channel solid state Marshall amplifiers, with great crunch and cleans for you to use during your lessons. I always keep several different types of guitars in my office, so whatever kind of guitar you show up with, I’ll be able to match it stylistically. All you need to provide is your own guitar!
Tuition
My rates are competitive at $25 per half-hour slot.
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Pima College Audition Requirements
If you are interested in studying classical guitar at Pima College, you must be enrolled as a music major. Once you have made the decision to do so, and have enrolled, the next step is to set up an audition. I can meet for auditions at my office at Southwest Guitar Studio, Tuesday-Saturday in the afternoon and evening year round, or at Pima’s West Campus, Monday-Thursday in the morning during the academic school year. Auditions must be arranged in advance, and times are based on availability.
In order to pass the audition you will be required to demonstrate the ability to read music written for a nylon string classical guitar (reading TAB does not fulfill this requirement). You will be required to demonstrate your ability to play the guitar with proper technique in both hands. You can find examples of this on the Video page. You must have at least one piece for solo classical guitar ready to perform during the audition, and must be selected from the standard repertoire. If you are unsure about what may fit this description, please contact me for suggestions. I strongly recommend learning Matteo Carcassi’s Studies 1, 2, and 3, from his “25 Melodious Studies” Op. 60, as they are required learning during your first semester of study at Pima. I have posted a video of these studies on the Video page. The sheet music for these studies can be downloaded here. If the audition is successful, you must then enroll in MUP162 through the registrar’s office at Pima West Campus, and once your course fees have been paid, a weekly meeting time will be scheduled. All lessons will be held in the CFA Music Building, at Pima West Campus, Monday-Thursday.
If you have played guitar before, but are brand new to classical guitar technique and repertoire, I strongly encourage you contact me for some lessons so I can help you to prepare for the audition. This way you will be able to maximize your gains during the academic year.