Marion, CT Mandolin Lessons

in music.

David received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education and Classical Guitar from The State University of New York at Fredonia studying with James Piorkowski. David recently completed his Masters Degree in Classical Guitar Performance under the direction of Joanne Castellani. David currently performs with a guitar built by luthier Jim Holler.

*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect to receive a firm foundation in music & guitar while becoming a better musician every day. It is vital for students to have lessons that specialize in not only guitar but also music theory. My primary goals are to make each student a great guitarist and also a well-rounded musician. I firmly believe that any student at any age can become a successful guitarist when engaged in instruction that is appropriate and motivating.

Typically a lesson begins with a quick warm up to center your focus on guitar, then we move into scales and technique, followed by working on previous repertoire and picking new repertoire. and then concluding with sight-reading.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room with seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I ask my students to purchase any instruments or method books.

*** Specialties ***
Classical Guitar

melody genius of jazz artists like George Van Eps, Joe Pass, and Bucky Pizzarelli. It was then I realized that the guitar could be an "orchestra."
In the small town where I grew up, there were no guitar teachers so I studied with outstanding Guitarist Ed McGuire. Later, I studied formally with several renowned professors of guitar, including Bruce Holzman at FSU and Randy Reed, a professor at Duke University in Durham North Carolina.
I have also performed in Master Classes for Classical Guitarists Atigoni Goni and Dimitri Diatchenko.
Before making North Florida my home, I toured and played throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Southeast in a variety of venues and styles from Rock to Jazz to R&B.
Even after settling down I have stayed active in the music business, playing and teaching. I continue to work regularly performing solo, or in ensembles throughout Florida from Tallahassee to Jacksonville.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back teacher who prefers to motivate my students by instilling my love of, and enthusiasm for, music in them rather than using any kind of "scare" tactics. I had a very few "knuckle rapper" style teachers over the years and found them to be very unmotivating.
A large percentage of the progress a student makes happens between the lessons. The more they practice, the faster they improve.
I also believe in building a solid foundation that my students can build upon. A good teacher teaches a student how to teach themselves.
On guitar, I encourage, but don't insist on, my students learning to read music. Some styles of guitar do not require it, but I do mention the gigs I have gotten over the years because I could read.
On all instruments, I am a big believer in great technique, musicianship and improvisational skills.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio is in back of the house as an addition. It has its own separate entrance and is approx 160 sq feet. Well lit and with heat and air.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide a music stand if needed. Students must have their own instrument. They will need to get their own books, though I do provide much supplemental material.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Classical, Blues, Flamenco

m the Florida Department of Education. I have taught in Florida as a preferred substitute for general music classes, K-12. In college, I have given study sessions for music theory levels ranging from 4-part writing to post-serialism.

Degrees:
Doctorate of Musical Arts: Guitar Performance; Shenandoah University, expected May 2017/2018
Master of Music: Guitar Performance; University of Akron, May 2014
Bachelor of Music: Guitar Performance; Stetson University, 2011

While giving lessons:
I ensure that every student receives fundamental foundation pertaining to the subject. While learning the basics, I advise that the student organizes their lessons and materials in a way that displays progress over time. With the proper knowledge, we can treat the heart of a subject with refinement in order to grasp it's purpose and reason---whether its music or math.

Why?
My students have grown with confidence through a sense of accomplishment. Success does not only affect a person's well-being but can also impact other dimensions of their lives.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Equipment available if needed:

Foot stools
Music stands
Pencils
Complete home recording studio
Computer/tablet/smartphone w/ internet
Speakers and playback devices
Reference books

*** Travel Equipment ***
Each student is expected to bring with them (if applicable):

Notebook or log
Reference/score materials
Instrument(s) and case
Accessories
Portable sound recorder (optional)

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Jazz and Rock Styles.

Performance, Music Theory, Arranging, Composition.

Elementary Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry, Pre-Calc.

u learn to play your favorite instrument. Interactive online lessons will help you to avoid the stumbling blocks and hang ups that occur while using books and videos – nothing can replace live lessons with a caring teacher. Now, no matter where you live, you can take lessons in real time with a qualified instructor – it’s almost like taking lessons at the local music store.

Lessons are structured for each individual student to provide the personal attention needed for effective learning.

*** Lesson Details ***
Through my in person and online lessons, a music student will not only learn to play a stringed instrument he or she will also learn important elements of basic music theory. The student will be taught timing, notation, improvisation, chords, tablature, playing in group situations and more. With this knowledge, an aspiring musician will be prepared to enjoy a lifetime of playing music. Basic music theory can be taught using popular fretted stringed instruments like guitar, banjo, mandolin, and mountain dulcimer that can be played and enjoyed for an entire lifetime. Here is some of what will be covered in your online music lessons. The fundamentals of music covered are Note Values and Rhythm, Time Signatures, Sharps and Flats, Common Scales, Chord Structure, Chord Inversions and more of the elements of music. Lessons will also cover improvisation, playing with other people, music styles and other skills that will help students of any age to open doors to the world of music. *You will be up and playing quickly with painless and fun lessons.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Deering Banjos, Boucher Minstrel Banjo for early playing styles, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, autoharp.
High defination webcam.
Full recording studio.
Cubase DAW.

*** Specialties ***
Banjo styles include Scruggs or 3 finger, Reno, melodic, early minstrel style. Mandolin style folk, country. Autoharp and dulcimer are taught using traditional styles.