Guilford, CT Bluegrass Guitar Lessons

From strumming chords & holding a pick, to using thumb & finger picks, alternate tuning & capo strategies, I work to inspire & elevate technique, musicality & fluency in the bluegrass genre.

Everything from a I IV V to Key Signatures, strum patterns and Bum-Ditty bluegrass basics. I'm familiar with the modern greats and would love to help any new student discover their undiscovered talent.

Bluegrass guitar is one of my specialties and favorite ares of acoustic guitar playing. I've studied the old school styles of Doc Watson to modern newgrass players like Bryan Sutton and David Grier. If bluegrass is on your mind I'd be delighted to work with you!

I've taught many students over the years and every one has been different. Learning to play bluegrass music on the guitar is no exception. I'll work with you to reach the goals and play the songs that you are interested in. I'll also teach you about music more broadly than just where to put your fingers on the guitar. I want my students to have a good understanding of not only what to play, but when and why they're playing it.
I have helped many students reach a high level playing difficult licks, or just strumming along while they, or someone else, sings. I have also helped students write their own songs and come up with a way to fit together the guitar and singing with the words.

Regardless of what your specific goals and desires are, I'm confident that I'm the teacher to get you where you want to be! And, hey, maybe you'll discover something new along the way that you'd like to add to your arsenal of music skills!

All styles from classical to jazz/blues to many ethnic/world music styles

I've played guitar since I was only eight years old (over 20 years!) in many different bands, styles, and genres. I played in a traditional Irish ensemble when I was in college and have since picked up banjo, mandolin, harmonica, and bodhran (an Irish hand drum). I love playing and teaching bluegrass music, it's a special challenge both for me and the students!

I use a really fun and fast approach to getting any student to the next level by improving their technique and tone, increasing their fret board knowledge, and expanding their repertoire. 26 years experience teaching beginner to university and professional level students.

After 20 years of playing and a BA in Music, I know how to break down the guitar and teach it to anyone willing to learn. I take the 80/20 approach to learning guitar and will get you up and playing in no time. If you are tired of trying to figure out how to learn guitar online or you feel stuck at your current level, then I can show you the most effective and efficient way to get your playing to the next level. Lessons will teach you the following:

* songs you actually want to play
* how to read music and guitar tablature
* music theory tailored to suit your needs
* composition and improvisation
* performance practices and music history
* how to play solo pieces and jam with your friends

I've been teaching in the Portland Metro area for over 10 years. I am knowledgable with many styles and very experienced with all skill levels. I have an Associate of Science in Music from North Idaho College, as well as musical instruction from the University of Oregon School of Music and Portland State University.

I've taught through Ethos Music Center, Youth Music Project, Chordination, as well as maintain my own studio.

My main objective is to find an angle that will help the student cultivate a love for playing the guitar. I incorporate classical notation as well as reading tablature, playing and understand scales, and helping you execute the style and songs that most interest YOU.

We will also be covering, but not limited to, how to transcribe guitar parts from recorded music, music theory, singing while playing, songwriting and guitar maintenance.

I also regularly perform locally and nationally. Past and present, I play with groups Ages and Ages, Rio Grands, Hockey, ...

Tim has made a career as a professional musician since receiving his M.A. in Appalachian Music: Roots & Influences from Appalachian State University in the spring of 2014. With experience as a Guitar Center instructor since 2015, an AmeriCorps member with the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, and an Instructor of Record at Appalachian State, Tim is able to pair his deep knowledge of diverse musical styles, techniques, and theory with his adeptness at teaching. This enables students to quickly increase their skill and gain a deep appreciation for the music they are learning. His teaching approach centers on aural training, and encourages a student-driven curriculum.

Professionally, Tim is a Larrivee Guitars sponsored artist, and has performed all across the United States with the acoustic roots band, Redleg Husky. For more information on Redleg Husky visit: http://redleghusky.com