Northford, CT Bluegrass Guitar Lessons

Fingerpicking is one of my favorite styles of guitar to play! Whether you want to learn the most advanced techniques or are just starting out and want to get down the basics, I'd be more than happy to help you achieve your goals.

After the first lesson, you will understand the essentials of bluegrass guitar and be playing bluegrass! Bluegrass guitar playing requires a knowledge of chords, melody, licks, flatpicking/picking technique as well as knowing songs all of which we will start learning in your first lesson.

With 10+ years as a music teacher and professional musician I have picked up many approaches that will insure you are making the most progress and truly finding your musical voice.

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

I make sure that all of my students develop solid fundamentals that can be applied to all styles of music. Then, bluegrass students begin to learn repertoire in the bluegrass genre as well as other key aspects of the genre like playing melodies, improvisation, chordal accompaniment, creating bass lines, etc.

I attended the Rockygrass Bluegrass academy in 1997 and have played hundred of bluegrass concerts since then.
I can teach everything form old school Bill Monroe/ Flatt and Scruggs, to modern new-grass.

Students learn notation, tab, theory and chords. They will play entire songs along with recordings by their favorite artists. Later they will learn how to improvise a solo or play one from a recording. Fingerpicking styles will also be taught as well as how to chord in the correct style for the music.

Other students may have a specific goal and a custom curriculum will be created to get them there fast.

Students are encouraged to listen, keep solid rhythm, try different styles, and have fun.

Guitar lessons are a fun, laid-back, and encouraging experience for anyone to pursue. My lessons are specifically designed to accomplish the goals of the student, whether it's as simple as playing along with your favorite songs, or obtaining the musical foundation to begin writing your own songs. Former students have thanked me for being laid-back, non-rigid, and down to earth. My diverse musical background lets me offer students of any genre a fast track to learning the skills they desire, and having fun along the way as well!

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