Guitar with Brad A.

Professional musician with 20 years of performing experience, including 7 years in the U.S. Army Band. Have performed with many different types of bands, including jazz, rock, blues, alternative, country, and steel drum. Recorded 5 CD's. Achieved 1st. chair percussionist for 2 state honor bands, winning the position over 70 other students who auditioned. Helped several students to achieve 1st chair in their state honor bands as well. Have several former students who are now playing professionally. Helped several adult students, who had never played an instrument before, learn to play well enough to play in local bands, achieving their lifelong dreams. Over 10 years of experience teaching guitar and drums to students ranging from small children to adults. Hobbies and interests include songwriting, singing, home recording, bicycling, running, weight lifting, history, traveling, movies and web design. Fun teacher who loves to help others learn to play an instrument.   *** Lesson Details *** Instructor teaches both drums and guitar, depending on the student. This is unique because if you're studying drums, the teacher plays along on guitar. If you're studying guitar,the teacher can play along on the drums. In this way you learn to play in a band rather than just learning to play an instrument. Most importantly, it's fun!The focus for new students is to quickly teach them to perform in a band. For beginning guitarists, this means learning power chords, simple songs, and 2 scales, eventually progressing to more advanced songs and techniques. Most beginning drum students start by learning basic rock beats, and songs, eventually progressing to advanced fills, techniques and styles. Lessons are geared to the individual student's interests and abilities as well. For instance, percussion students sometimes focus on marching percussion techniques, jazz band skills, etc. *** Studio Equipment *** Ludwig s/l series drums, and Zildjian cymbals. Fender stratocaster electric guitar, Carvin all tube amp and Peavy trans-tube amp. Seagull acoustic guitar, handmade in Canada.   *** Travel Equipment *** Instructor provides drum-sticks, mallets, a practice pad, and/or guitar and amp if applicable. If student is taking drum/percussion lessons, they need to have their own snare drum and /or drum-set and sticks. For guitar lessons, they need to have their own guitar and picks. *** Specialties *** Many years of experience in jazz and rock drumming. Many years of experience in marching percussion. Additional skills in country, blues and Latin drumming. I also play and teach rock and folk guitar. Ed Feltman "Brad worked as a drum teacher for my son from the ages from 11-16. Brad encouraged by son day by day at each lesson, the encouragement resulted in the constant addition of new skills and great competence, Brad encouraged him to play in many different styles and situations and provided opportunities that allowed him to stretch himself out of his comfort zone in many situations. In outside situations my son was not required to "try out" due to his well-known skills." "I would recommend Brad's teaching expertise to anyone interested in learning drums or continuing to expand their skills." Kim Wheeler "Brad started teaching our 11 year old son the guitar about 2 years ago. He offers reasonable rates and flexible scheduling. Our son was enthusiastic about music but discouraged after taking piano lessons and feeling like it was a chore. Within 3 months of taking guitar lessons with Brad, he had learned the power cords and could play over 5 songs by ear. Brad s method of teaching emphasizes learning the basics and immediately applying it to playing music a young student recognizes and can grasp. He understood that just learning notes in a book would not keep a young man s attention long, and instead emphasized learning cords by sound and developing good fingering and hand/eye coordination on the instrument. Brad emphasizes positive encouragement while adding layers that pushes our son s learning a little bit further with each lesson. After 2 years, our son can play a portfolio of songs including the solos, he s performed in school talent shows and he s learning to read music on the page just in time for school band. We couldn t be happier with our son s progress thanks to Brad s measurable teaching abilities."