Boston, MA Music Theory Lessons

Founded Ampersand Music Studio LLC in Boca Raton where he currently works as Music and Piano Teacher.

than 30 years, I am currently the Director of Worship for the chapel at Gordon College, a small Christian school north of Boston. I'm often involved in city-wide music events in Boston’s faith-based community and in demand as a featured musician for church services, parties, concerts and other events.

I hold a Masters of Music from New England Conservatory in Jazz Piano and am comfortable and fluent in a number of musical styles. In addition to private lessons and performing, I do music transcription, workshops, and all forms of vocal and instrumental arranging. My passions include morning coffee, finding new guitar chords, creating killer PowerPoint presentations, and trying to figure out how to use my smart phone.

*** Lesson Details ***
My priority as a teacher is to make the learning process fun, life-giving, and productive. I teach with patience and humor, at a challenging but not frustrating pace.

Some quotes from my students:
"I absolutely love learning from Bil! I've watched my playing and the playing of others at church vastly improve as a result of his training."

"[Bil] is filled with a large amount of knowledge, so while sitting under him you not only learn about how to play but you learn about music history and theory. Beyond being a good teacher he is genuine and friendly and cares about others."

"I have really enjoyed working with Bil. His patience and wealth of knowledge has helped me come out of my musical shell and has encouraged me to discover my musical voice."

"Bil makes learning theory fun! His deep understanding of music is complemented by his contagious enthusiasm."

"Bil has taken me to a different level. I went from tab and basic guitar chords, to building jazz chords and a far greater understanding of music theory."

There are at least two ways that might set me apart from other teachers.

Firstly, I have honed and developed "people skills". I am an ordained minister and have held positions where I was formally and informally in a mentoring/pastoring role. I bring that sensitivity to my music lessons, understanding that personal and emotional issues can be triggered by the engagement with the music and skills being worked on.

Secondly, I've had a remarkable broad base of experience. My coursework has exposed me to a wide breadth of ideas and tools; my work life has been long and varied; I have had extensive experience in many different cultural contexts, both musically and otherwise; and I work well with many age groups and skill levels.

Regarding my teaching approach:
For beginners, I have a fairly consistent set of topics and skill sets to cover. Generally, in a few months, piano students (particularly those in middle school through adulthood) should know how to play major, minor and seventh chords, how to read simple chord charts and some very basic accompanying skills. Guitar students should know a dozen open chords and have been introduced to barre chords, and to have learned several styles of finger picking as well as strumming. Bass students should know how to find notes on the board and will have begun to learn how to fill out a song with an expressive but non-obtrusive bass line.

For intermediate students, the pace, direction and focus on lessons depends upon the goals and passions of the student along with the amount of time he or she has to practice. My goals for students at this level and beyond is to learn how to learn. I will use outstanding recorded examples of particular skills or stylistic idioms to help my students understand and master each new concept. I often will check in with my student to make sure that we are on track with what they are hoping for.

For advanced students, we will generally target very specific objectives. I also try to add elements of theory, history, culture, and even life lessons to apply to the topics we address. Because of my background in pastoral ministry, I can serve as a mentor addressing the emotional and relational issues of playing music as well as its technical aspects.

*** Studio Equipment ***
upstairs music room: fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, amps, drum set, seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
if for guitar or bass, that instrument; I expect piano students to have an available keyboard and for other students to have their own instrument(s).

*** Specialties ***
strong in jazz, rock, pop, gospel, sacred, R&B.

offer private lessons in these subjects separately as well); It is extremely important for young singers to be able to read the notes on the staff, to understand rhythm and key, and to find pitches on the piano.

I accept beginning-intermediate singers of all ages. I additionally offer music theory, sight-singing, and diction lessons.

nt specific curriculum. The experience should be fun and educational for the student.
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Various openings 9am - 10pm
Prices are negotiable depending on location

I encourage students to take one or two lessons per week at a regularly scheduled time. References are available.

"Aidan has been teaching my 12-year old son guitar for the last year. He started with the basics in technique and later worked with him on music appreciation. My son really enjoyed his easy-going and attentive nature and attitude. Aidan was always punctual and respectful of our schedule. I feel my son learned a lot about music and he enjoyed working with Aidan."
-Carol L

s I do not have access to a car, I prefer that students come to my home studio in Somerville, or that they be within public transit options.

N.B. I own a dog, so for those with allergies, it might be best to meet in your own home.

e huge stepping stones, moments I will never forget and always have to lean on when I am filled with doubt. The power of an encouraging word of a mentor is priceless, and I believe the blessings I have are a testament to the presence of compassionate mentors in my life.

I've been teaching music for almost ten years, reaching hundreds of brilliant kids since I started teaching. I've always tried to be for my students like those mentors who were there for me.

My teaching philosophy is centered around fostering a connection between music and happiness. The necessarily includes loads of encouragement, fun, the occasional happy dance, discovering musical intuition (basic improvisation and listening), a holistic knowledge of music (basic theory and history), anxiety management, and life-long lessons about the value of concentration and hard work. I believe in getting to know my students personally, and usually take some time out of every lesson to catch up on my students' lives. This may seem like a waste of time, but in fact is extremely important for the student to feel as though they belong in my studio and, in a broader sense, the world of music.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read about my life and my teaching. Please ask any questions! I respond quickly and will get back to you asap!

Best,
Michelle

heir lessons help them to gain confidence in who they are. I look forward to mentoring this journey.