Guitar with Matthew Z.

Since an early age I have studied multiple instruments under various instructors and learning environments. From formal one-on-one piano lessons at the age of 5, to youth church choir, to high school concert and marching competition as a saxophonist, to small class lectures studying fingerstyle guitar under classical guitarist Jacob Porter at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi; I have experienced learning music as both a child and an adult, alone in my apartment with an acoustic guitar, playing bass with various jam bands, and playing saxophone with over 200 other musicians. I have led other solid players in formal concert and marching band setting as section leader, and taught friends, family, and students how to play their favorite songs and basic music theory on the bass and guitar over the years in relaxed environments. I believe these experiences give me a musical perspective which allows me to tailor my teaching style to the needs of both children picking up their first instrument, and adults who have always wanted to learn to play, and have now decided to go for it! I am a patient teacher who focuses on fundamental principles while keeping the "big-picture" in mind, and encourages regular practice. Applying this methodology to music, my students will be set up for lifelong musicianship, and will be fully capable of learning new instruments with minimal outside help as they progress in their musical journey. *** Lesson Details *** My lessons will walk the beginner through knowing the instrument inside and out, his/her role in the band as per chosen instrument, and the fundamentals that allow the musician to come up with creative licks on the fly in a band setting. My lessons have a strong focus on the eventual goal of improvisation within a band setting, and as such, scale/key/chord theory is a must! On stringed instruments, I teach by fingercharts and tabulature. In my opinion, this allows the beginner to become comfortable with his/her instruments faster without having to learn how to read music first, and also keeps the student interested knowing how to quickly learn his/her favorite songs. Combining fundamental practice with the excitement of playing modern popular songs is the key to keeping students interested in the short term, and focusing on using the fundamentals to create original music is what will keep the student interested for a lifetime. In 3 to 6 months, I expect a beginner to feel comfortable holding the instrument in the proper position, memorize where every note is on the instrument, memorize at least all major modes, know how to read tabulature, begin to smoothly transition between notes and/or chords, and begin learning how to play with other musicians. The speed at which this happens is largely dependent on practice, so this is just a rough time estimate. With regular practice though, these goals are very attainable. *** Specialties *** Blues, folk, country, bluegrass, fingerstyle guitar, rock, jazz