Hey hows it going ? My name is Greg but many call me simply "g" -- I have 30+ years playing guitar and 10+ years coaching & teaching beginner skill levels. If you are advance level , or close to advance, then you need to think about Musicians Institute level faculty to progress... as I do best with beginner skill levels. I focus on blues and rock content, because that's what I enjoy and that's what my band plays.
Acoustic or electric guitar are fine, and when you come to my studio in Bixby Knolls section of Long Beach, you will see I offer plenty of room and great environment to relax and learn. If you do not have a guitar, I can provide for lessons.
*** My Student ToolKIT Binder is 1-2-3 Simple...and, it WORKS ***
Whenever new Guitar Students begin Phase One of my Learn-Jam-Record Series, we start out first step creating our Student ToolKIT Binder which is a solid foundation to help support the learning experience.
Each Student ToolKIT is contained in a 3-ring binder (1" or 2") that can lay flat and initially contains 3 main elements, each page in sheet protectors:
1) POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS
a) Big words HANDWRITTEN BY STUDENT on one 8.5 x 11 page that says --> " I AM... I CAN... I WILL "
b) John Wooden's Pyramid of Success
2) TOP CHORD CHART(S)
Many sources for these charts, I also provide a handy pocket-size chart to all students. The key is to focus on the core 6 chords ( E A D G C F ) - visualize the shapes first then practice "econo" versions
3) PRINTED SCHEDULE
PRINTED ON PAPER Monthly View Schedule that includes
a) Lesson time - when are the sheduled lessons
b) Practice time - set aside a specific time slot for REGULAR PRACTICE -- which can be as short as 10-15 minutes. Whenever that is -- first thing in morning / lunch break / before dinner ---> SCHEDULE your PRACTICE.
Later, as we progress thru the Learn-Jam-Record series, Students add lesson notes and favorite song tabs they want to work on to their ToolKIT Binder.
*** Lesson Details ***
Learn / Jam / Record...get inspired!
We begin with Phase One of my Learn-Jam-Record Course for Beginners.
While I tailor the lesson plan to each student, I like to segment each lesson into 3 parts - 25% positive affirmations + 50% lessons + 25% jam & recording. In order to learn effectively, the mind needs to be focused, receptive and ready. In the first 10 minutes or so of each lesson, we invest time to reinforce proven positive affirmation methods. In the second, and primary, lesson segment, we work on that day's lesson and be sure to understand why. In the third and final segment of each lesson, we play together and, when ready, jam while I digitally record on portable recorder. Usually I email an MP3 of our lesson / jam within 24 hours so each student can HEAR how they are doing which provides motivation to practice to improve to get ready for the next lesson.
From time to time we may refer to lessons from the DVD lesson series GuitarDVD Pro that I was Executive Producer. Also, all students 21+ are offered free admission to any local gig dates and/ or rehearsals when our rock-n-blues band is playing to experience the action and fun...from sound check to encore !
Notes:
1) I really suggest _weekly_ lessons for first timers...longer intervals make it difficult to progress in the initial phase.
2) If you do not see your target lesson time on my current availability, please contact Take Lessons to ask.
3) While majority of my sessions are in my home studio in Bixby Knolls / Long Beach (zip code 90807), inquiries for lessons to be given in student homes in Palos Verdes /RPV (zip codes 90274 / 90275 ) and San Pedro (zip codes 90731-90733 ) are certainly welcome from committed students / parents. I am happy to see what we can do to make our schedules work and help launch your guitar magical journey.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Large Living Room / studio with guitars, keyboard, amps and seating, room for parents in adjacent family room.
*** Travel Equipment ***
I most prefer the Home Studio in Bixby Knolls / LB 90807, but if needed for GROUP LESSONS to travel nearby to San Pedro, Palos Verdes and RPV.... I have guitar / mini amp / digital recorder / lesson book. I expect student to have guitar, chairs and quiet place for lesson...if they do not have guitar, I can bring acoustic or electric...but eventually, you will need your own guitar. While majority of my sessions are in my home studio in 90807 (Bixby Knolls / LB), inquiries for lessons to be given in student homes in 90274 / 90275 ( PV / RPV) are welcome from committed students / parents. I am happy to see what we can do to make our schedules work!
*** Specialties ***
blues
rock
