Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with
our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference
checks; and annual criminal background checks.
Background Check Complete
Criminal Background Check
In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough
criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace,
multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.
Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Ages: 5 & up
In-Home Lessons: No
In-Studio Lessons: Yes
Online Lessons: No
Subjects Taught In Person
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Classical Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele, Banjo, Violin, Music Recording, Music Theory, Songwriting
Education
Winnacunnet - - 1988-1991 (High School diploma received) Hesser - Business mngmt - 1992 (not complete)
Specialties
Rock, Pop, Blues, Country, Folk, Heavy Metal
Lesson Details
Robert's teaching approach changes and conforms to the needs and goals of each individual student. He does his best to encourage good technique and the understanding of basic music theory as it applies to the style of music the students wishes to learn. Robert strives to find the perfect delicate balance between focused study and just having fun with music.
After a few months of lessons all students will learn the importance of proper technique and the core essentials of reading music.
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Younger students will be able to play well known melodies familiar to them, and older students will be playing pieces from popular songs. This of course is a general overview, as each students progresses at his or her own pace.
Robert's exemplary and diverse career all began when he was a very small boy. His magical, musical journey began with his Grandfather, Donald Mcullick, a country singer/guitarist, who spent the 1950's touring and performing with blockbuster artists such as Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison. Grandpa would take his young protégé out to the swing under the apple tree in the backyard and show him songs on an old acoustic guitar. He would later give that guitar to Robert. That guitar was
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the key to the music box of Robert's life. A life long dedicated to the art and craft of music.
Robert's high school years were very non-traditional. While most students spent time at football games and pep rallies, Robert spent his time performing in pit orchestras and composing for local theater companies. His extensive theater credits include work with the Hampton Playhouse, the Portsmouth Academy of Performing Arts, the Seacoast Reparatory Company and the Portland Stage Company. Robert was comfortable on both sides of the stage. He was an accomplished performer, composer and overall technical adviser even in his teens.
After graduating High School, Robert took on the daunting task of recording his first solo album "Obstacles Overhead". The album featured members of Capitol Records recording artists Thanks to Gravity and Pondering Judd. All of his hard work paid off and the album received airplay on many local radio stations.
The allure and glamor of the Rock and Roll life soon called, and Robert found himself fronting a heavy Metal power trio called Nine Shades of White. The group toured extensively throughout the east coast, and recorded two well received albums.
After taking time to record projects with Boston based singer Rick Skeehan and the world renowned Irish folk group the Makem Brothers, Robert joined a group called Two Much Trouble, and performed on their album "Frankenstein". The group earned a wild reputation with its heavily modified tour bus that spit flames and transformed into a mobile stage.
In the summer of 1997 Robert was enlisted as the lead guitarist for the premier seacoast rock group 202 The Band. For the next 5 years he rocked crowds every weekend all over the New England area. In 2002 the group released the album "En Route". Many of the songs featured on the album were either written or co-written by Robert.
Always anxious to take drastic "left turns" along his musical path, Robert accepted an invitation by the renown New York City based jazz guitarist Larry Simon to perform in two of his large scale new age, rock, jazz ensembles, Collective Consciousness and Infinite Soul. Each group sported, at times, over twenty members. This setting not only gave Robert the chance to tread on new musical ground, but it also gave him the chance to explore new instruments like mandolin and electric violin. Robert now plays an electric violin custom made for him by Mark Wood of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Rock and Roll of course was never far from his heart, so of course he did just that. Robert next found himself playing second guitar for his close friend and virtuoso guitarist Dan Miller in the Dan Miller Band. This heavy metal juggernaut created enough of a rumble to make it into the final round of the Boston based Beantown Meltdown battle of the bands in 2004.
In 2005 Robert finally found the time to release his second solo album, "Dust Covered Man". Produced by Grammy nominated producer Mac Ritchey, it was a somewhat dark and introspective, acoustic based, singer songwriter album that featured flutist Cynthia Chatis and blues harmonica guru "Hatrack" Gallagher. Robert's version of Pink Floyd's "Blue Sky" had the distinction of being voted the 2nd best cover of a Pink Floyd song on iTunes, during 2005. Richie Havens, the internationally known folk singer, has also given his stamp of approval on Robert's version of "Darkness Darkness".
In the spring of 2007 Robert was given the immense honor of performing as a member of the world famous Irish soul band "The Commitments" on their 2007 U.S. tour, filling in for the bands ailing original guitarist Kenneth McCluskey.
2007 also saw the release of a series of Hypnotherapy CD's by therapist Sharon O'Connor that featured music written and recorded by Robert. He has also written music for independent films and television throughout the years.
In 2007 Robert also found time to reunite with some of his old 202 band mates in a short lived group called Stone Circle. While the band had to be put on hold for the time being, Robert looks forward to working with his old friends again someday.
In early 2008 Robert began studies with British classical guitar master Edward Flower, expanding his already diverse background even more. Later that year he was recruited to do transcriptions for Guy Davis, a popular performer in the modern blues world.
Early 2009 saw the launch of Robert’s newest endeavor, his own professional recording studio, dubbed “The Dragon’s Den”, nestled in the woods in tranquil Stratham NH. A place where Robert himself and others can find peace and craft their creative vision.
In-Studio: Can provide an instrument for the first lesson only (teacher must be advised beforehand) If students wish to continue they must have their own instrument. Students playing electric guitars or bass do not need to bring amplifiers to lessons, there is one provided. Students do not generally need to purchase books or other instructional materials, they will be provided.
Robert's Photos
Rated 5 out of 5 by 1
reviewer.
Rated 5 out of 5 by KimS1 wonderful the best so far.
November 14, 2010
Getting Started
Excited about jumping into music lessons? Before you can get to the
guitar tabs, violin concertos, and vocal riffs, take a moment to think
about the logistics of your lessons.
Lesson Length
There are a few things to consider when choosing between 30-, 45- or
60-minute lessons. First and foremost, take your age and experience
level into account. You'll also want to think about your long- and
short-term goals, and the time you'll need to reach them. Most
importantly, consider how long you or your child is able to stay
focused.
Lesson Location
Teachers have the option to display availability for in-home,
in-studio, and online music lessons. In-home lessons take place at
your house, in-studio lessons are conducted at the teacher's home or
professional studio, and online lessons are taught over the internet
via live video chat.
Book Your Lessons Online
Scheduling your lessons is simple and quick! The prompts will guide you
through each step, from securing your lesson time to selecting the
payment plan that works best for you.
Scheduling Lessons
After you've selected your teacher, click on the Availability tab to
see which time slots and days are open.
Booking Options
Click the "Book Online" button to get started. Enter in your contact
information, and the prompts will guide you through payments, program
options, and confirming your schedule. Learn more about our booking policies.
Payment and Billing
We make paying for your lessons convenient and hassle-free! Prices
vary based on several factors, including the city you live in, the
length of your lessons, and whether you're taking them at home, in
your teacher's studio, or online. Lessons are paid for in advance,
which locks in your time slot.
Signing Your Customer Agreement
Signing your Customer Agreement and completing your Student
Questionnaire is the last step! The questionnaire will give your
instructor valuable information about your goals and experience level,
and give him or her time to create a customized lesson plan right
from the start.
Start Your Lessons
Now the excitement can really begin! Consider the following to ensure an
exceptional first lesson...
Prepare for Your First Lesson
Once you've completed the last step, your teacher will call you within
the next couple of days to confirm your first lesson time and provide
you with directions to their studio, if needed. We also encourage you
to discuss your goals and any other questions you may have.
What To Expect
Every teacher is different, but most first lessons begin with an
assessment of where you are in your studies. At a beginner level, you
might review the basics of your instrument, such as the different
parts, how to hold it correctly, and proper care and maintenance. For
voice, this may be the time you learn about breathing and posture.
Reach the Goals You Set
Every TakeLessons student is unique, and so is your lesson plan!
You'll work with your instructor to develop a plan suited to meet your
specific goals. Most TakeLessons instructors will also keep track of
your progress with a lesson journal.
Programs & Pricing
The billing management tools in your online account help you keep track
of your upcoming payments. And with several lesson programs available,
you can select the one that fits your individual needs.
100% Money Back Guarantee
If you're not completely satisfied with your first lesson, we'll
gladly find you another instructor or refund your entire lesson
purchase.
Can I pay when I get to the lesson?
In order to reserve your time slot, we require payment at the time of
booking, which must be at least seven days before your first lesson
takes place.
How does billing work?
Lessons are paid for in advance, which reserves your time slot and the
teacher that you want. Your specific billing date will depend on the
lesson program you select.
What forms of payment do you accept?
At this time, we accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and
American Express. You also have the option to pay with a debit card.
We do not accept payment via cash, check, or money order.
Do you offer a free trial lesson?
We don't offer a free trial lesson; however, we're so confident that
you'll love your lessons that we offer new customers a 100% Money Back
Guarantee. If you take your first lesson and decide that you don't
want to continue, we'll refund the amount you paid INCLUDING the
lesson you've already taken. To request the Money Back Guarantee,
simply notify us within 72 hours of your first lesson.
Do you offer any discounts?
At this time, we don't offer any discounts. However, if you are
booking two students for consecutive in-home lessons, you'll only be
charged one travel fee, instead of one fee per lesson.
