

Aidan C.


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About Aidan C.
I have been playing guitar since I was 10 and loving music my whole life. I have been in numerous rock bands, the high-school jazz band, classical guitar duos, trios, chamber ensembles, and even played mandolin in a bluegrass band. I received my Bachelor of Music at Guilford College as a student of Kami Rowan. During my third year of study there, I was nominated for the Guilford College Art Award as the outstanding student and performer in the music department. In February of 2010, I had the honor of being a member of the guitar orchestra during a performance of Shingo Fuji’s Concierto de los Angeles, alongside soloist, William Kanengiser. I recently completed my Master of Music degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music where I studied with Grammy winning guitarist, Jason Vieaux. There I was awarded the Rosalia Ablan Memorial Prize for my accomplishments on the guitar. In addition to guitar performance, I have studied music theory, jazz theory, and pedagogy. I am a native of San Francisco and have been teaching privately since 2007. No matter what a student's interests are, I can give them a rock solid foundation in technique, performance, reading, and theory.
*** Lesson Details ***
In my lessons I make it a priority to create an easy-going, non-intimidating environment, so that you, the student, can focus on your goals and learning, approach music at your own pace, and really look forward to coming in to lessons. Whether you are interested in electric, steel-string, or classical, Metallica, Mozart, or anything in between, I can teach you technique, musicianship skills, and songs that fit your personal interests.
For beginning students I like to teach a mixture of basic theory, music-reading, and chords/scales. Soon after, the student can begin to bring in songs that s/he is interested in, and I can start to build lessons around specific styles/pieces. I teach all levels and all ages, and I would love to share my passion and knowledge with you, and gain you skill and confidence on the guitar, as well as a deep understanding of music.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room w/ seating for parents
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical guitar, and am very familiar with the teachings of Aaron Shearer. His methods and practices provide the basis for how I teach technique and how i approach learning pieces. I also supplement his ideas with those of Pepe Romero, William Kanengiser, and Scott Tenant (particularly their views on the right-hand).
I also love teaching pop/rock guitar on steel-string or electric, and TAB-ing/teaching songs the student brings in. I use Troy Grady's method for developing right-hand picking/string-crossing technique. Whether the student prefers classical or popular s/he will get a great foundation in technique, music theory and music reading.
Reviews
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Aidan is a very patient, easy-going instructor and he's a lot of fun to work with. I feel he explains things clearly, and he's always willing to go at my pace and answer any questions I have. I started learning on my own for several months, but working with him has accelerated my progress 4 or 5x. He not only makes my practice sessions more effective, but points out flaws in my technique that I doubt I ever would have discovered on my own. He's clearly invested in his students, and I highly recommend him to anyone looking to take their guitar playing to the next level.


We were a little disappointed going into the lesson because we have had our last two instructors stop teaching to pursue other things and my son was bummed about another change. However, he said this was the best teacher yet and he learned so much in just his first lesson with Aidan! He felt more confident and excited for the next lesson! Thank you!

Awesome first lesson!


Aiden is a wonderful instructor. He taught my 8 year old son beginners guitar. He is a knowledgeable and skilled guitar player. He is patient, kind, and flexible. I am happy with the progress that my son has made with the lessons we've had so far. From knowing nothing at all, my son understands the basics of guitar playing and can play a tune comfortably. Thank you Aiden. We recommend him to those who have kids and are looking for a great instructor.

Aiden has been a great guitar teacher and has helped me improve considerably over my first few months with him. I've spent the last 20 years sort of knowing how to play guitar, but I was self taught and never really could figure out how to progress beyond a few chords. Aiden has provided me with the structure I need to get continually better. He has been especially attentive and helpful at correcting and improving my technique. He's always willing to work on what I find interesting or come up with something to guide me. I also really appreciate his laid-back teaching style.

An Excellent instructor! He has lot of patience specially with beginners. He is very knowledgeable in regards to music/ guitar.He is so kind to share his expertise with you.He is easy going and he show enthusiasm in what he does which invite you to keep going in you guitar journey.His studio is a peaceful, welcoming and inviting environment to play your guitar. He’s open in whatever music you feel comfortable to play with. He adapted to your needs and he knows how far you can go. He is an expert in what he does! You’re the best Aidan! I highly recommend him! Thank you so much for all your patience, enthusiasm and support!

Aidan is such a patient and awesome teacher. His in-depth knowledge is what helps me learn how to play the guitar. Aidan has also taken in consideration the type of music I want to learn and has catered his lessons towards it. I’m so glad I have Aidan teaching me!

good

I really enjoyed my lessons with Aidan. He is very knowledgeable about the guitar, a really nice guy, very easy going and it was so nice to take lessons in a home rather than a tiny music store studio. He explained things well and gave assignments that were appropriate for my level. Unfortunately I wasn't able to continue due to physical issues. I would recommend him 100%.

I've been taking lessons with Aidan for almost a year now.
Aidan is a fantastic teacher. He is able to tailor his teaching style to each individual student, and keep the lesson fun and engaging even while going over complicated music theory concepts. He is very flexible both with his schedule (he's quite understanding that adult students often have conflicts that prevent them from attending class regularly) and with his musical abilities (he appears comfortable diving into most genres of music and can easily pick out a tune by ear).
I highly recommend taking a class with Aidan.

Aiden is always patient with me and allows me to learn how to play guitar at my pace. Very kind and effective!

I look forward to my lessons with Aidan. He is encouraging and helpful. I enjoy the relaxed home atmosphere.

He is very kind and good at teaching to a beginner like me.

Aidan is an excellent guitarist and musician, and is very good at sharing his skills, knowledge and enthusiasm. I'm very pleased with my progress in guitar in the space of a few months and I always look forward to our lessons.

Very patient, very accommodating and flexible, very excited about the next lessons!

Very solid and practical at teaching what you need to learn to understand the song or songs you want to play.
Not what I expected
Aidan is very patient & professional with his students.
Photos & Videos
5 Photos & VideosExperience
Private Instructor
Jul 2013 - PresentTakeLessons
Education
Master of Music
Aug 2010 - May 2012Cleveland Institute of Music
Bachelor of Music
Aug 2005 - Dec 2009Guilford College
Languages
English
Fluent / Native Proficiency
Awards
Rosalia Ablan Memorial Prize
May 2012CIM guitar dept.
Guilford College Art Award
Aug 2007Guilford College Music Dept.
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