Guitar with Clayton S.

I am a certified high school English teacher who enjoys teaching people of all ages to play the guitar and bass. In addition, I have a masters degree in music from Bates College. My educational philosophy is to focus on the goals of individual students and then develop lessons and practice routines to help to achieve these goals. I am most proficient in rock, blues, roots/Americana and jazz styles but I have an open mind and I am willing to help you tackle any form of music. I have been playing the guitar since 1995 and the electric bass since 1999, I am very easy to get along with and I am sure that I will be able to help you become a better musician. I have played guitar with the Ska band Mrs. Skannotto (2000-2003) and in various rock and blues projects since. I have been teaching guitar lessons for over two years and love to help my students improve their playing. *** Lesson Details *** I have a laid back personality, but I do expect to develop defined goals for each lesson in order to make sure that my students are making progress towards their goals for their instrument. I create individualized lessons for each student based on their goals that may include the use of a lesson book (Hal Leonard) and chord/scale charts. I am also willing to record backing tracks for students to practice with at home. A beginning guitar student may expect to learn to tune the instrument, change strings, play open chords, learn scales and rhythm (picking or strumming) techniques in the first few months. Afterwards, more advanced skills like basic music theory, chord structure, finger-picking, reading TAB and soloing over chord progressions will be taught. By three months, a beginning bass student will learn to tune the instrument, learn to play over basic chord progressions and learn finger-style and/or picking technique depending upon their preference and style. I will help you to learn to lock in with a drummer in a band situation since the bass is all about the groove after all. A great band always starts with a solid rhythm section. *** Studio Equipment *** Living Room: couch, chairs, music stand, guitar amp, basses and guitars, parents can sit in on lesson *** Travel Equipment *** I provide an amplifier for my students to use if necessary. My students are expected to provide their own instrument for lessons. *** Specialties *** Blues, Rock, Folk, Jazz, Indie/Alt Rock