Guitar with Devin T.

My goal is empower all of my students with the more confidence and ability than they had before. I started playing guitar in high school and haven't stopped since. Music is a valuable part of my life and something I that will be a part of what I do always. Following high school, I attended CSU, Chico where I graduated with a degree in Music. While there, I immersed myself in a variety of different styles from classical to jazz and folk, as well as the rock and blues that I had always been familiar with growing up. I have played in several bands throughout Northern California. Following college, I traveled to Mexico where I worked as an English teacher (as well as learned a few Spanish phrases and Mexican folk songs). I currently hold a CA teaching credential and I have been teaching high school English for six years now. I enjoy learning new instruments, songs, and musical styles. While I mainly play and teach guitar, I am also familiar with piano,bass, and drums. I compare learning to play instrument to learning a new language. It may seem quite overwhelming at first, but with some persistence we can all develop our own unique approaches to speaking and expressing ourselves musically. I believe that everyone is a musician - no matter their experience. *** Lesson Details *** As stated, I strongly believe in student-centered learning. This means that I want to know what your goals are in regards to your instrument. Do you want to have a better ear to figure out songs? Do you want to play faster with more scales and modes? Do you want to understand music theory more? Or are there just a few songs you wish you could play for friends when hanging out? Each lesson and learning unit starts with us identifying our goals and where we want to be. Once we know where we want to be, I work my hardest in providing resources and advice to help the student reach those goals. I construct lessons that provide a little bit of individual practice as well as experience playing with others. I enjoy deconstructing songs with students in helping them understand the physical techniques, as well as the music theory that connects the song in study with other more familiar pieces. I realize music theory can be intimidating and dull for some and I strive to keep all lessons song-centered. At the end of several months, students will have increased their song repertoire as well as gained the understanding and confidence in writing/improving their own compositions. *** Travel Equipment *** Guitar, bass, books. The student must have his or her own instrument. *** Specialties *** I play a diverse range of musical styles but am most familiar with blues, bluegrass, rock, and folk music.