Why take lessons?
There is YouTube, Tab web sites, and countless books dedicated to
presenting information about the guitar, so how can a teacher help you
rather than learning by yourself?
Nothing beats sitting down with someone who is equally adept at
playing the guitar and explaining how it is done. A classic axiom in
any endeavor is to find someone that has the results that you want and
learn how you can do what they did. Benefits of weekly lessons are:
weekly goals and exercises, encouragement, feedback, new ideas and
viewpoints about the guitar, and personalized clear instructions to
help you take your next step on the guitar.
Lessons are fun! I look forward to teaching and know from personal
experience that a guitar lesson can sometimes be the high point of the
day.
Teaching Approach:
I believe that anyone can learn to play the guitar well. It is
absolutely possible for you to learn the guitar for the first time if
you are a beginner or to take you next step in music if you are an
advanced player. I have a relaxed and focused attitude about lessons.
There is no pressure, nothing to be nervous about. I believe it is my
job to help you to attain your goals in music. I balance teaching your
favorite songs with exercises that will help you improve so that your
technical or mechanical aspects of playing guitar get better and
better.
Cancellation policy?
Over the past year I've changed over to a "no cancellation" policy. Students usually pay for 4 lessons at a time, and when payment is made we go over the 4 dates that are being paid for.
How often are the lessons:
I have seen good success with students doing once a week lessons
coupled with practicing 3 or 4 days a week for 30 minutes or more.
Electric vs. Acoustic Guitars
Common wisdom might say "it is good to start with an acoustic guitar,
because it is harder, then you'll 'really' be learning and you can
work your way up to an electric."
I'm not a fan of that bit of common wisdom. I think it is best to
start with an instrument that is easy enough to play that the guitar
itself is not working against you. I usually suggest getting an
inexpensive electric guitar because they are easier to play.
How much practice does it take to get better?
Consistency is what is important! I think if you can play 3 or 4 days
a week for about 45 minutes each time, you are doing great. It is
better do to 3 days for 30 minutes than one day for an hour and a
half. Also, for both beginners and advanced players, what is important
is the quality of practice time. Sometimes I am able to accomplish
some really good work in less than a half hour. Quality is a good
thing!
Guitars in my Bay Ridge, Brooklyn location:
I have guitars you can use. You can choose acoustic or electric. Most
everyone brings their own, but you have the option.
Payment options?
You can pay cash, with a check, or use any major credit or debit card
via paypal (you do NOT need a paypal account to make a payment).
People usually pay for the trial lesson on the first meeting and pay
for a new set of lessons on the next lesson. Students pay for the next set of
4 lessons on the number 4 of each set.
