Private Blues Guitar tutoring lessons Bay Pines, FL.

s of music as opposed to just "picking and grinning", IE learning only "By Ear." I do specialize in music theory, and have many students taking lessons simply for this excellent foundation for songwriting also.

I am a classically trained guitarist that performs both as a soloist and for ensemble in a wide variety of styles. I graduated in 1996 from Schoolcraft College with an Associates degree in Music performance, and then, studying under the tutelage of Brian Roberts went on to receive my Bachelor's degree in Guitar Performance with a secondary in Jazz from Wayne State University in 2004. While at Wayne State and along the way I've performed and participated in several masterclasses with renowned artists: William Kanengiser, John Holmquest, Philip Candelaria, Jason Vieaux, Scott Tennant, and Antigoni Goni. I have also completed the teacher requirements for books 1-a and 1-b for the Suzuki Guitar Institute.

Many of my classical guitar and electric guitar students have went on to study further at the collegiate level, some achieving scholarships. My most recent students are current Berklee school of music graduates now in a band called "Flight of Fire", recently opened for Bonjovi this past summer and are getting air time on local radio stations... well on their way to living the dream! …the bulk of my students become full time professional musicians.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am an extremely patient person who has been teaching for over 20 years. I am laid back so there will be no pressure. With my electric and steel string guitar students, I host a special "Jam Session" 2 - 3 times a year to which will be one of your goals to participate in. This includes playing with a drummer, bassist, singer and another guitar player (usually me) and having it recorded. This should serve as your motivation to practice. This really eliminates the need for me to pull out a "yardstick" and "smack" your hands over the knuckles when not practicing your scales as many old traditional teachers may have done!

At your first lesson I will talk with you and give you examples of music that is played with a Flat-Pick, or music that uses the Finger-Style technique. This will be an important process as it will dictate which direction you will go in as a musician and especially during our lessons.

For the most part, playing with a Flat-Pick is generally used with the electric guitar and with most mainstream styles of music like "Rock and Roll", "Blues", "Rock-a-Billy" "Funk", and playing with the Finger-Style technique is used in styles like "Classical" and "Folk." After a while, I will introduce you to the other style of playing as well, as most great guitar players use both techniques in their playing...musicians (guitarists) such as: “Jimmy Page“, “Brian Setzer”, “Stevie Ray Vaughan”, “Joe Satriani”, “Lindsey Buckingham”, “Paul McCartney”, “John Mayer”, and many, many more.

To make learning the guitar Fun, I make sure to incorporate your main interest(s) first. Whether it be learning your new favorite song(s), learning how to write a song, or just learning some basics that you can use for when sitting around the campfire. This will be intertwined with which style you choose to start with: Flat-Pick or Finger-Style.

Pending on the level that you are starting at, (beginner, intermediate, advanced) I will include tidbits of music theory that will be used in a consistent manner. These will usually be progressive, pending on your level. For example, the songs you learn will be written out in an easy to understand chart that will have the fundamental aspects of theory (IE, chords, key, and rhythm pattern) that all musicians should understand.

With Children learning with a Flat-Pick, I encourage the use of a basic guitar instruction book.
Level One (beginners) :

"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book One" by Will Schmid.

I will also use as a substitute for Level One:
"Alfred's Basic Guitar Method" by Alfred's Publishing Co.

More advanced players who can read music already (and graduates from book one) I prefer;
"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book Two"

With Adults, I will ask if learning to read music interests you. It is a vital part of a practicing musician, but sometimes your needs may require a more one dimensional approach as time may be of essence. Again, I learned by ear and educated myself later...so I understand the person who wants to hold off on reading right away.

Students who want to learn the Classical (Finger-Style) approach will be encouraged to purchase a beginners book that I use written by one of my first instructors/mentor. It is a very intuitive book that covers the technique in great detail yet is very easy to understand (along with my help.) I will provide means of acquiring this book at your first lesson.

Students who want to learn the Folk (Finger-Style) approach will usually start in the above book, unless your an adult who just wants to learn some basics.

At your first lesson I will also provide you with documentation that goes more in depth about the various styles of guitar as the above info is scaled down.

*** Studio Equipment ***
-Amps

-Guitars (Electric, Acoustic, Classical, Bass)

- PA (loud speakers so you can Turn it Up! When playing along)

-Band in a Box (to play along with real prerecorded instruments seamlessly interleaved into a band type setting with almost unlimited genre choices...very impressive technology)

- Pro Tools (recording gear for all needs)

- Guitar Pro and Finale (to transpose music into sheet music)

-Skype (for out of town interactivity. Can do lessons via Skype)

-Basement with plenty of seating for parents, and or observers.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, and Acoustic Guitar; Improvisation, Songwriting, Backup Vocals, Fretboard Harmony, Music Theory, Performance, and Recording.

. Soon after, he was one of the first students to receive a full scholarship to Berklee through the African Scholars program. In 2009, he settled in Boston, Massachusetts.

At Berklee, he was exposed to a variety of influences, but wanted to go deeper into the roots of jazz and expand his knowledge of music. He auditioned and was selected to participate in the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, which is directed by Danilo Perez and the residency teachers, including Joe Lovano John Patitucci, and Terri Lyne Carrington. The Institute emphasizes an artist's original vision in jazz, and has helped Albino find his own unique voice in the art form.

Albino still felt the absence of his own Mozambican traditions in his music. With the help of his mentors, Richard Bona and Lionel Loueke, two of the most prominent African musicians in the United States of America today, he began to bridge that gap.

Today, Albino's music succeeds in combining many disparate parts into an organic whole. It incorporates his musical experiences from Mozambique, the U.S., and many other places around the world, combining rhythmic patterns and musical concepts to create a unique Moz-Jazz sound. He will always continue to combine and capture the energies of different musical traditions to create a unified and original musical style.

Albino's original composition “Mozambique Dance” was recorded by Jazz Revelation Records, a student-run record label at the Berklee College of Music, for the 8th annual album released in 2011. He also recorded “Awusiwana,” his own composition, for the Berklee 2012 summer album. His debut album, also called Mozambique Dance, is to be released in Spring 2013.

Albino is an active musician, and has performed in several countries including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Italy, the U.S., and Mexico. He has also produced and recorded various projects in Mozambique and in the United States. In 2012, he will graduate from Berklee College with a degree in Music Production & Engineering and Performance, and a minor in Acoustics and Electronics.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching method dependent on the type of student. All my students will be treated with care and commitment to help them archive the their goals in the lessons.
We will be using book method as a way to follow a clear direction.
Learn songs, chords, scales, phrase, theory and more material that is needed for better musical foundation.

I am open to what the student wants to achieve over short and long terms.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Desk top and Laptop Mac Computers
Protools, Logic Pro, reason
Focusrite 56 Liquide, Focusrite Dual Mono Mic pre
BBe Maximizer
Bricasti, M7, sterreo reverb

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar
Guitar Amp
Mic
Laptop
Mbox

*** Specialties ***
Guitar
Bass Guitar
Voice
Ukelele
Song writing
Production
Audio Recording
Mixing
Mastering

y Gaga, No Doubt, Bush, , The White Stripes, Green Day, Arctic Monkeys, Taylor Swift, Cage The Elephant, Miranda Lambert, Band Perry, Taylor Swift, Alanis Morrisette and more.

Chrissy was Lead Guitarist Co-Writer for the Rock band Someday Souvenir (Winner of MTV Takes The Stage contest), American Idol Finalist Melissa McGhee (Season 5) She currently plays in a Top 40 cover band as well as an original Rock band. Chrissy has been in Billboard Magazine, Creative Loafing, Tampa Tribune and TBO online. Clips of Chrissy playing guitar with different artist have been on CNN, MTV, FOX News, ABC, NBC and VH1.

Chrissy is constantly continuing her education with music theory books, video’s, guitar music, as well as private guitar instruction. She has attended guitar workshops and seminars by artists such as Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson) Gary Hoey, Joe Satriani and more

Another nice feature that you might enjoy from one on one sessions with Chrissy is learning the ability to craft and record your own songs using technology that caters to your own unique personality. There are no limits! Chrissy’s students advance quickly and some have released albums, been in Guitar World Magazine, and won awards for their music.

Lessons are scheduled to best fit to the students schedule when possible.

Students can contact Chrissy anytime with question regarding their lesson through email or text. Chrissy is a very patient instructor and understands that students learn at a different pace, after all everyone is an individual!

*** Software / gear used to enhance lesson ***

Rocksmith software

Riff Station for guitar

Laptop with Garage Band/Backtrack, Guitar Pro Tab & iTunes

M13 / HX Line 6 effects and looper

Roland Amp

Various guitars depending on project

PRIVATE STUDENT REVIEWS :
Here's what my personal students & clients have to say:

Slader P."By far the most outstanding teacher I took lessons from. I took lessons from Chrissy for over 7 years and I can truly say she's an incredible teacher. She's fun to work with, very patient with both new and intermediate players, and has a background knowledge on a many genres of music. I would recommend Chrissy to anyone! "​

Sam F.Chrissy is a talented musician and a gifted teacher. We are very happy to have her teaching our daughter.She is responsible, accessible and responsive. Rate A+++"​

Matt R. (St Petersburg Police Officer)Excellent!

MJ K."Chrissy D. is a wonderful teacher. She is a patient and kind. She gives exercises to work on during the week and has explained that by practicing just a little each day she will improve. My daughter looks forward to lessons each week. "​

Susan F."Chrissy taught my teenage son for several years in my home. She is very talented, has a flexible teaching style and does a great job with different personalities. She always kept my son engaged and was very encouraging. She is reliable, timely and communicates well. I highly recommend her!"​

TS K."Chrissy taught both of my boys ages 10 and 11 to play the guitar. She was awesome and they couldn't wait until their lesson each week. Chrissy was always punctual and full of spunk. They learned very cool tunes that were current so they really enjoyed it!"​

Dana Jim L."We have really enjoyed our daughter having lessons with Chrissy. She is great with kids and in only a few lessons, our child can play the guitar! Amazing!"

up with you!!

If your interested in a serious learning experience and having fun in the process, please give me the opportunity to enrich your life with the language of the human race.........the language of music !

nd want to share that with my students!