Music Theory with Chase R.

I started playing guitar when I was in the 8th grade. At that time I was into punk, and as I got older I moved into listening to classic rock, then blues, then all sorts of jazz and jam bands, and now classical and sacred art. And my playing of the guitar has following the same trajectory: I played in the style I listened to. One common thread through all of this has been an, at first unconscious, but now fully conscious focus on the art of improvisation. Improvisation is central in my own playing, and what I deliberately bring my students to do. And this is not something vainly individualistic. Franz Liszt, Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Chopin; Coltrane, Miles; Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan; Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Clapton; SRV, Albert King, BB King: what do all of these musicians have in common? They improvised, and were very good at it in their respective genres. Improvisation is a truly important aspect of playing music, and one which I will give due focus to. Besides this, I will teach the student technique, chords, scales, songs (chosen by both the student and, at times, myself), and later on: theory (including harmony and ear training). I have a Master's Certificate in Theory, Harmony and Ear Training from Berklee College of Music's online extension, and studied Music Education at Berklee in Boston. *** Lesson Details *** In my 'about me' section I have laid out in a general fashion what I will teach you. I am very patient with my students. I focus on the qualities of effortless action, patience, contentment with our current abilities while striving to attain (eventual) mastery. *** Travel Equipment *** I can provide a tuner, picks, and sheet music. I expect the student to have a guitar, a tuner, extra strings, and picks. *** Specialties *** I specialize in modal improvisation. I also can teach some art philosophy and philosophy related to art.