Forest Hill, MD Blues Guitar Lessons

Blues is the heart and soul of American music. Every note sings with feeling and attitude. Make your guitar become your voice through diverse string bending and vibrato techniques, open tunings, four note chord voicings, voice leading, learn to play independent harmonies using fingerstyle or hybrid picking. Study all of the great blues forms, learn to improvise as well as compose. All of my students will learn the most important skill any musician can possess- the ability to listen to other musicians in a jam session and compliment their ideas.

Learn proper technique, how to read sheet music and guitar tabs, how to play scales and chords, music theory, and more!

David enjoys teaching students from all different backgrounds and levels of proficiency. Whether you are just starting out or a virtuoso shredder in the making, he is happy to teach you! Over all, he is fairly laid back, as long as you practice. He usually combines work with reading off of the treble clef (what he likens to "eating your vegetables." You may not want to do it, but it will make you a healthier musician!) with learning more popular songs (or songs the student says they would like to learn) through tablature and chord charts, depending on the style of the song.

David is also very pro music theory. He usually incorporates music theory into the curriculum in conjunction with the material already being discussed. He is also very knowledgeable about composition/songwriting, and if the student is interested in learning more about this area, he is happy to share what he knows!

The Blues...so much can be said about this art form. The basics of the blues apply to nearly every style of modern music and are the basis for standard song structure we all know and love. Whether you are just getting started or have been playing for years and have found yourself in a rut and want to refresh and do some new things, blues guitar lessons will help you to set and realize your goals in music.

- the 12 measure blues form and variations
- music history
- the 5 pentatonic scale patterns
- ornamentation: hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, bends
- adding passing tones within scales
- the blues scale and it's modal equivalent: the country scale
- playing in various tempos and rhythmic feels
- alternating in position between blues and country scales (ala Allman Brothers)

Discover the history of the Delta Blues, Texas Blues and Chicago Blues music while learning the technique, the tone and the soul that so many modern musicians use for the backbone of today's music.
I'm a history buff, and this class is a special adventure for guitarist looking to learn more about the blues and incorporate it into their style!

My goal as an instructor is to keep the lessons fresh, fun, interesting, and to ultimately guide the students to better teach themselves as they gain experience and familiarity with the instrument and music. Students can have their lessons catered to the music and styles they wish to pursue. Lessons are tailored to each individual student so that we can build upon their strengths and focus on lessons to improve weaker areas. Students will learn how to build dexterity, use proper technique, and be creative. Every student has different goals, some really want to learn theory and read music. Others may simply want to learn to strum a few chords. Whatever the goal, I can provide the instructions to help the student succeed!

Max has been playing music his whole life, and teaching since 2006. Although recent students have been accepted into music programs around the country, including NYU, Peabody, Indiana, Maryland, and Miami, he loves to work with students of all ages, skill-levels, and ambitions. Max holds a BA in Music: Vocal Performance, but also teaches and plays guitar, bass, brass, and keys. He also regularly works with students on instruments that he doesn't personally play, to coach theory and musicality. Each lesson is individually tailored to the student, since everyone learns differently and has different goals (which frequently change!). Consequently, method books are only used as necessary. Max's goal is to help unlock every student's musical potential and path to personal expression!

Max also performs around the country as a professional singer and session musician, in addition to running a mobile recording business. He also composes music for film. Sharing music with others is ...

Where ever you are at in your musical journey, I will meet you there. I have plenty of experience with students of all ages and abilities so I have a deeper understanding of how to make meaningful connections and tools to provide a greater understanding. Whether the student wants serious, academic musical studies or just wants to have fun and blow off steam, I cater to the student's goals and desires.