FAQ

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Are Lessons Scheduled During School Vacations?

Yes, lessons are scheduled during school vacations.

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What About Inclement Weather?

Always call to confirm your lesson in cases of severe weather.

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What days do you teach in West Bridgewater?

I teach at my studio in West Bridgewater, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

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How much do the lessons cost?

The lessons are $30.00 per a half-hour lesson and $60.00 for a one-hour lesson. Lessons are paid in groups of four lessons at a time.

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What is the frequency of the lessons?

Lessons are held weekly, your lesson is a standing appointment every week. For example, if you have a Wednesday evening lesson at 5:30, your lesson time occurs every Wednesday at 5:30. This is your time spot until you notify me that you no longer want to keep that spot. Since availability fluctuates please contact me to find out the currently available times.

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How long are the lessons?

Typically most students take a half-hour lesson once a week. Advanced students will benefit from taking a one-hour lesson once a week.

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What are the class sizes?

Classes are one-on-one private instruction

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What is your cancellation policy?

Since you are reserving my time for music instruction, I require that I receive one week's notice that you will not be able to attend your scheduled lesson time. If you cancel your lesson in less than a week's time, it is considered a late cancel and you are required pay for the lesson. However, I do allow a make-up within seven days of your cancellation. Additionally, I give everybody one Mulligan (a free pass) the first time they "late cancel" after the Mulligan is used the lesson policy is strictly adhered to.

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What if am sick?

If you are sick, there is no charge for the lesson. Please be sure to call ASAP. If you do not call and do not show up, that is considered a "no-show," and you will be charged for the lesson. Also, if there is a pattern of "sick" late cancels, I will let you know if the trend continues you will be charged for future sick "late cancels."

I want to teach the lessons, I do not prefer to charge you for a lesson I have not given. However, time is precious to everyone, the policy is designed to be mindful of my time as well as yours. Please plan ahead and let me know if you are unable to make a lesson.

Thank you for your understanding.

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Why are lessons only once a week?

The student is given an assignment to practice each week. The assignment should be practiced daily. After the week goes by, together we will access what went well, and what needs improvement. Therefore, the student needs time in between each lesson.

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Can I take 2 or more lesson a week?

Taking a lesson once a week is recommended. However, if you want to have more lesson time each week I would recommend taking a one-hour lesson once a week.

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I want to learn how to improve my picking. Can you help me?

Yes, There are many exercises you can do to increase your picking on the guitar. I will teach you picking exercises that will quickly whip your picking in to shape. If you follow my instructions you will be sweep picking and shredding in 6 weeks.

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Do you teach children?

Yes, the youngest I recommend is five-years-old. However, my experience is 8 -10 years-old seems to be the sweet spot to start taking lessons.

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I would like to take lessons with my child is that possible?

Yes, what I would do is set up back-to-back half-hour time slots. You and your child can have the option to have an hour lesson together or separate half-hour lessons

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Do you teach beginners?

Yes, It is extremely important for beginners to begin their studies with a qualified teacher. I believe that when you build a house on a strong foundation that house will weather many storms. In other words, building strong fundamentals as a beginner will give you a solid base that supports a wide range of musical subject matter. Also, building a strong foundation will help you avoid poor practice habits and mistakes that could inhibit your progress.

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I am a brand new beginner is it necessary to begin with a teacher with your qualifications?

Studying with a qualified professional will enable you to progress much faster. As a beginner, learning the fundamentals correctly will save time, headaches and will help you avoid bad practice habits.

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I just want to have fun I am not interested in serious study. Will you teach me what I want to learn?

Absolutely, although I prefer teaching students using proven methods that I know will benefit you the quickest. However, I realize music should also be fun. Therefore, if learning guitar is your way to relax and unwind I would be more than happy to help you have fun, relax and unwind.

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I just want my child to get some experience playing musical instruments do you offer that type of lessons?

Absolutely, studies have shown music stimulates multiple parts of the brain, unlike any other activity. Learning a musical is an exceptional way to help children foster their mental development. Playing a musical instrument also promotes critical thinking skills because the performer is required to instantly react to the stimulus.

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Can you help me learn how to play jazz?

Yes, I have an extensive background in jazz studies. The key to playing great jazz requires a solid understanding of jazz harmony and ear training. I will quickly get you to play great sounding jazz chord voicings, single-note lines, bass lines, chord melody as well as teach you jazz harmony and ear training.

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Can you teach me how to read music?

Yes, reading music is an important fundamental skill that contributes to building a strong foundation. I recommend all students to learn how to read in 1st position (first four frets on the guitar neck).

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Why do I need to learn music theory?

The answer to this question depends on your personal musical goals. Music theory answers the question "why certain notes sound good together" as well as labeling the notes. This helps you better understand what you are playing and hearing. Think of music theory similar to a map. In world pre-GPS, if you were going to drive from Boston to St. Louis, you need to get a map and plan your route. If you did not know how to read a map ( understanding how to read the map is similar understanding music theory ) then driving from Boston to St. Louis is much more difficult than if you knew how to read and use a map. Using the map saves time and is critical in the success of your journey.

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I would like to become a professional and possibly go to music school. Are you qualified to prepare me for that?

Absolutely, I have a Bachelors of Music in music performance from Berklee College of Music and a Masters of Music in music education from Boston University. Additionally, I have been a professional teacher and performer since 1991. I will share secrets resulting from my extensive experience that will save you time.

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I've been a professional musician for many years and I have had formal training. Can I still learned from you?

Absolutely, I believe that the more specific the expertise, the more two experts can learn from each other. If Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton got together for a guitar lesson I bet both Clapton and Hendrix would learn from each other. Therefore, everyone's experience is unique and we can always learn from one another.

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Can you teach me how to play country music?

Yes, I have an extensive county technique background. Here's partial list of a few of my favorite country guitar players; Brent Mason, Danny Gatton, Gerry Reed, Roy Clark, Chet Atkins, and Albert Lee, I can teach you a variety of country techniques including Travis picking, pick-and-fingers style, chicken-picking, open sting lines, country string bending, and double stops.

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Can you teach me how to play songs by new country artists?

Absolutely, most of the new country artists are reasonably simple concerning guitar technique. Learning how to play new country like Chris Stapleton, Luke Bryant or classic Taylor swift is a great way to start strumming the guitar!

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Can you teach me how to play classical music?

Yes, I teach beginner through intermediate level classical guitar.

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Can you teach me how to play metal?

Absolutely, I began playing guitar in 1980. I started my guitar journey learning classic metal tunes from bands such as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Dio, Dokken, and Ozzy. Those songs are so much fun to play! I also teach many students to perform a variety of modern metal songs that use 7 string guitars as well as low and drop tunings.

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Can you teach me how to play rock music?

Yes, I have extensive experience teaching all styles of rock. Since rock is the most requested style to learn, anything from classic rock through modern rock; I got you covered!

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Can you teach me how to play blues music?

Yes, blues is a favorite style of mine. I have studied the blues for decades. Some of my Favorite artists include Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, B.B, Freddy, and Albert King. Also, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eric Clapton. I will teach you how to play Mississippi Delta Blues, Chicago Blues, West Coast Blues, Texas Blues, and East Coast Blues. Also, I will show you how to play slide guitar in open and in standard tuning, if you desire.

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I want to learn songs by ear. Can you teach that?

Yes, I hear what I play because I have relative pitch. Anybody can learn relative pitch. You will quickly and easily learn how to hear what you play so you can quickly learn songs by ear.

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I would like to subscribe to your website members, what is the cost?

There is no cost to subscribe to the member's area of the website. It is absolutely FREE. The member's area has tons of free educational lessons for your benefit. Want to make sure that anyone who has the desire to learn how to play the guitar is able to have access to resources that support their desire to learn.