Lesson Details
Acoustic Guitar
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Alex teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 8 to 65
- Teaching since:
- May 2003
Hey, my name is Alex. I'm a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, Oud, bouzouki, keyboards, voice, drums, flute, etc.), composer, performer, recording artist, arranger/orchestrator/transcriber, recording engineer/producer & music educator.
I graduated from the University of St. Thomas "Cum Laude" in 2011 with a Bachelor's Degree in Guitar Performance, with minors in Music Production & Composition. While attending St. Thomas I served as the Music Theory tutor, as well as the live sound/stage/light/recording technician for student & faculty recitals.
I have been playing professionally & teaching for over a decade. My passion for music is something that I love to share with anyone else who feels inclined to make music. My goal is to share the skills & knowledge I've acquired throughout my experiences with those willing to learn & dedicate themselves to the craft of making music.
*** Lesson Details ***
I am an experienced gigging musician in most major genres of music: classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, folk, metal, acoustic fingerstyle/slap, instrumental rock, "shred," pop, world music, electronica, etc. & feel comfortable conveying the techniques, approaches & idioms to a student by breaking them down into digestible components, while making these new ideas relatable to material they are already familiar with.
In the end, I want the student to learn what they're most interested in learning. I'm here to answer any questions they may have & with my experiences, I feel confident that I will be able to either answer these questions or point them in the right direction. Some topics covered:
Scales/modes
Ear training
Instrument-specific techniques (ie bending, tapping, sweep picking, etc.)
Songwriting & Composition
Arranging & Orchestrating
Sight-reading
Improvisation
Chordal theory & how to read charts
Practice routines & approaches
Instrument maintenance
Instrument-based gear (guitars, amplifiers, effects, picks, slides, capos, etc.)
The student will learn at the pace they set for themselves & can only get out of it the amount of effort they put forth. I expect my students to practice on a regular basis (however brief each session may be). Consistency is key for progress to be made, & if they hold up their end of the bargain, the payoffs will be quite substantial!
*** Studio Equipment ***
Practice amplifier, tuner, music stand(s), guitar picks & cables.
*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide guitar neck paper. I expect the students to have their own instrument & any materials they may need to achieve the goals they've set for themselves (such as a weekly notebook).
*** Specialties ***
Progressive rock, classic rock, blues, jazz, funk, disco, classical, acoustic fingerstyle/slap, flamenco guitar; music theory, sight-reading, composition, songwriting, film scoring, music production.
Experience
Creative Director/Guitarist
Oct 2015 - PresentI organize, rehearse, & perform with a 17-piece band for a tribute to the music of Meat Loaf. I create charts for the other band members, including the string & brass sections, the vocalists, & other rock musicians. While I serve as one of the guitarists, I also provide backing vocals & other responsibilities, such as:
Leading rehearsals, creating the setlists, & taking a hand in the promotional aspects of the group are my primary functions outside of the music.
Recording Artist
Mar 2010 - PresentWriting/composing/recording original musical works, as well as working as a multi-instrumentalist for hire for musicians in the tri-state area [and beyond].
Studio Engineer
Sep 2011 - Sep 2015As a studio engineer, I setup the talent in the recording room(s) (whether a voice-over or a full-on rock band), ensure clear signal into the DAW, track & edit the live performances, mix & master the material for promotional & professional use.
Education
Music Performance - Guitar
Sep 2007 - May 2011High School Diploma
Sep 2003 - May 2007Languages
English
Japanese
Spanish
Photos & Videos
21 Reviews
Write a ReviewOne cannot do better than lessons with Alex. He is extremely knowledgeable and explains the most difficult concepts in a clear and perceptive ways.
Alex was a great instructor! I have progressed mightily in the last 2 months of taking his lessons.
Excellent lesson.Alex is very knowledgeable and the whole vibe was very
relaxed.Will be happy to continue my lessons with him.Great recommendation you made!👍
We have only had three lessons with Alex, so realistically, it is hard to comment fully. However so far, my son likes Alex very much, which says a lot. Alex shows up for lessons on time. He is polite and knowledgeable. He is also a professional musician, which brings experience and depth to his interactions with my son. We plan to continue lessons with Alex.
+ Read MoreAlex knows how to go about teaching an instrument. He is very professional about teaching. He is also personable and patient. I'm glad to have him as an instructor.
All I can say is that Alex is the real deal. His knowledge and teaching skills are par excellent! Every lesson I was blown away by his love and mastery of the guitar and music in general. You will not be disappointed...
Very personable
I'm a complete beginner. Alex was very patient and went at a pace that I could understand. He's very passionate about learning.
I took beginner's guitar lessons with Alex. He took into account what my playing goals were, stylewise and whatnot. He's super knowledgeable on musical subjects besides just guitar. I've come away feeling that I have good foundational knowledge to build upon as I progress in my playing. I had the five lesson package, which I felt suited my needs. Tip: If you do something like that, space out your lessons at least every other week, so that you have time to practice and grasp what you're learning. Be sure to ask questions if something is new to you, especially if you're a beginner. I highly recommend guitar lessons from Alex!
+ Read MoreAlex was awesome. Super knowledgeable and a great teacher. It was an all around wonderful first lesson.
Had a great experience the first lesson. Look forward to the next one.
Very knowledgeable! Look forward to the next lesson!
Really enjoyed meeting -- and starting lessons -- with Alex. Looking forward to learning a lot from him.
My daughter loves it! He goes at a pace that keeps her engaged and challenges.
This is one of the most dedicated musicians I've ever met. He taught me so much more than just technique or tricks or any flashy things. He taught me music step by step and how to apply it not only to singing but to any instrument. Definitely give this guy a try if you're serious about music and singing.
+ Read MoreI had a great experience taking guitar lessons from Alex. He was easy to work with and always professional. He can teach pretty much any genre and was able to make music theory understandable to the beginner. Highly recommended.
My daughter really enjoyed her lesson and felt like she had some new techniques that will really help her going forward. She is excited to see what comes next!
My daughter loved the lesson and is excited to continue. Her comment was, "finally someone who understands me!"
Alex has been great - connecting up with my interests and helping me develop the basics.
Alex is a great teacher! He is very knowledgeable and friendly when it comes to the lessons. Alex also helps make things fun which keeps my little one engaged in the lessons!
Lesson was well organized. Alex was very knowledgeable. He explained things in a way that a 14 year old can easily understand. I'm really looking forward to my next lesson.