Palm Beach, FL Classical Guitar Lessons

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

ill be structured around music that you enjoy, whether that is rock, classical, or jazz. Music theory and technique will be incorporated into the lesson from day one, but never at the expense of making music. I look forward to meeting you!

play a few instruments but my favorite guitar and piano. I went to Nassau Community College for Drama/Music.
I toured in theater groups and also was in a few bands while living in NY. I could not make up my mind so I did both. I love both So. Florida here I come in 1991. Since I was new to the area I starting performing regular basis and became well known in the music community.I also went on a song writing spree. I was also able to do dinner theater in between the music. I met some people, music teachers from going to the open mics. They encouraged me to go out and start teaching and do what I was supposed to do. How it happened ? I placed one small ad, got a call and from there it grew into over 80 students.I just was referred to everyone it was a chain reaction.
In between teaching I was also in a duo and made time for the touring, local gigs, etc....released 3 CD's.
I was very busy that I decided to open up my own music school to handle the over flow of students. I had my business for 9 years.
I produced a lot of talent from there.songwriters with published songs, singers with contracts, bands the guitarist in the now defunct band Hey Monday with Cassidy Pope. Students that were in American Idol- featuring Emily Booke 2 years in a row top twenty then top ten..
America's Got Talent featuring Amy Profaci, Cassidy Pope.
Played for the Boss in RPB with Odd Man Out, Teen Punk Band since disbanded. Had them out and playing gigs at age 14 the youngest oldest 16 at CBGB's. In NYC. They were on the Regis and Kelly show. Students that started with me at age 5 and stayed for years. A lot are off to college or done with school grown up sort of. When they bump into me and say hey Ms. Mel I'll never forget you teaching me music lessons or do you remember that or I loved that band class you did. You changed my whole life.
I really appreciate it and I did make a difference in their lives.
I also write for TV and Film and have over 30 professionally published songs. Songs playing on commercials, TV and overseas in England. They seem to love it over there a lot of fan mail.

Ok this is as follows.
*** Lesson Details ***
Cancellations : 24 hour notice. Make up lessons are at my discretion.
61 key keyboard are ok for piano lessons.
You must have a piano for vocal lessons if I come to your home. You must have a guitar 🎸 for guitar lessons. I do not supply any instruments or lesson books. You are required to contact me once booked and find out what you will need.

How long will it take to learn depends on YOU!!!!

Practice is the answer not a question. You must be prepared to work to do the work. If you do not understand it we will do it until you get it.
My Adult students this goes for you too.
It is important that you practice. So I recommend cutting down on video games and TV.
I suggest no TV or Video games especially before the lessons are about to start. Very distracting for the kids.
I expect you to be practiced and ready to go when I get there. If you want to be a rock star that's what it takes, discipline.
Its great when a parent can sit in while I'm teaching your child. Remember I am teaching you as well.
You will be helping your child practice during the week until the next lesson.
For the guitar there will be complaints of hurting finger tips.
I cannot do anything about that it comes with guitar playing.
For the like piano, the fingers will not hurt.

After 3 to 6 months for the older student I expect all 6 strings to be complete and chords and strumming on guitar and learning songs of your choice.
Piano - Sight Reading and being able to play with 2 hands in the key of "C" with ease.
This will only happen with practice, And learning songs of your choice if you choose to.

Small ones as much time as they need depends upon how long it takes for them to learn it and how much time mom can help practice.

*** Studio Equipment **
Right up Piano,
Small 15 Watt Amp

**Supplies:
I do not supply instruments for any student. Parents you are
expected to purchase a 61 key keyboard of your choice and finances.Same goes for guitar. We will figure out the size you or your child needs. You must purchase your own books. I use Bastiens Primer A red book, Bastiens A Pink Book, along with these books they also have a theory book , performance book and technic book. Bk 1,2,3 also have a series of book 📚 to work with.

Guitar 🎸 I like to use Fast Track Bk 1 w/o CD. Then again they are becoming obsolete

*** Specialties ***
Song writing/Vocals
Beginner Piano/Intermediate
Beginner classical/intermediate guitar
Folk style guitar
Blues beginner/intermediate
Theory beginner/intermediate/advanced note reading
Piano beginner /intermediate young beginner young adult to the older adult this goes for piano.

*Please note those who need special songs for auditions while taking voice lessons let's discuss options. Vocals lessons are just as serious you must practice.

the University of Hartford. I knew, of course, that the education of a musician is truly never finished, and between 1995 and 1997, I took Master Jazz Classes in New York City, under the direction of Dennis Cinelli, the international guitar player and soloist.
While in Florida, I attended classes at Florida International University. Between 2000 and 2003 I played in an orchestra on board the ships of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.
All along the way I have been teaching the guitar at just about every level, an activity that I always enjoyed but admittedly is somewhat limiting. Teaching brings us back to the basics, but for a musician performing is what makes us grow professionally and satisfy us emotionally.

ependent and self-sustaining musicians.