Guitar with Joseph M.

When learning an instrument, I believe that the most important thing to have (and keep) is enthusiasm! Learning happens easily and quickly when we are enjoying the process. It is therefore important to me that my students are advancing toward the goals that they personally have. I have been playing guitar for seven years. I started out playing electric, but quickly moved to acoustic and then classical styles. After high school, I decided to study music formally at a conservatory program. I hold a Bachelors of Music from University of North Carolina School of the Arts and am certified to teach Suzuki Guitar. During my time in NC I had many students at varieties of levels. I have recently relocated to Bellingham. Washington is my home, and I am excited to be setting up a guitar studio here. *** Lesson Details *** Lessons will generally begin with playing to warm up, I often jam out on a 12 bar blues with students. Then, review of previous material and techniques we are working on. Every week is different, but depending on the student's goals will include a mix of: Technique, Working on Songs/Pieces, Improvisation, and Music Theory (Chords, Scales etc.) I like to keep up with what my students have been listening to recently and what new genres they may enjoy exploring. *** Travel Equipment *** Students must have 2 armless chairs and music stands (if classical) *** Specialties *** I hold a Bachelors of Music in Classical Guitar and have a specific pedagogy (Aaron Shearer)that I use to teach right and left hand technique. The method is centered around using minimum tension and I also have methods for teaching memorizing and helping with performance anxiety. I am a certified, registered member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and offer Suzuki Classical Guitar lessons as well. The fundamentals of playing Classical Guitar are easily applied to Acoustic playing as well. I teach Finger-style, Music Theory and Ear Training if the student is interested.