Mandolin with Chad M.

I am 38 years old, and have been a musician for over 25 years. I began, like many, playing in my middle school band. I attended a Performing Arts School throughout my high school years, where I studied Classical and Jazz Guitar, Music Theory, Ear Training, and many other facets of music. I also studied privately with various guitar instructors, most notable Kyle Hildenbrand, a Berklee grad and film scorer for Universal Studios. In college I also took education and psychology classes which have proven very helpful in my approach to teaching. I have performed in many ensembles and bands, playing both cover songs and writing original music. Blues, country, hard-rock, and even a jazz quartet. Currently I write for and perform in a folk - rock trio. Playing in so many different circumstances, has been very beneficial working as a teacher. My students are all very different, not only in the way that they learn but also in the style of music they wish to play. I take pride in being able to adapt to each student, teaching them with the most appropriate method. *** Lesson Details *** In my lessons, I like to teach the fundamentals of music through the style that the student is most interested in. We learn to read standard notation as well as tablature, for guitarists. My curriculum varies from student to student, choosing the most appropriate for the individual. I also emphasize the importance of creativity and self-expression, teaching students how to write and improvise. After 6 months, a student can expect to be able to read music and tablature, know a wide variety of chords and scales, have the ability to improvise solos, and be able to play songs they enjoy to listen to. *** Studio Equipment ** *** Travel Equipment *** I would provide my instrument, tuner, books, and would expect the student to have their own instrument, a quiet place to have the lesson, and the material we are studying. *** Specialties *** I generally begin guitar students with the Hal Leonard books, and continue based on the students personal goals and interests.