Guitar with Joseph M.

My Story: As a guitarist in my early years I spent much time reworking my technique and gaining insight in how guitar playing really works. My early struggles gave way to a solid knowledge of the guitar and music. This was gained through no small part through my High School music teacher, through master classes of Manuel Lopez Ramos and Abel Carlevaro and others. These master classes helped me in a big way to develop teaching systems and principles that can help anyone to learn guitar easier and more effectively. You will gain from the knowledge of these world class guitarists and teachers which will help you to play better and more musical. And from my musical background-of playing hundreds of songs and compositions of many styles and understanding of musical structure. Teaching philosophy I will give you simple technical training to help the hands work together and develop a musical sound. As I teach I look for your gifts (in creativity, musical playing etc) and actively look to enhance that gift. When problems come along in your studies, I help you to solve them in a way you can apply them for yourselves. Teach and show students how music works and how to play artistically. How to Start Will work with you to find a convenient time/day to schedule lessons at your home or our studio There is a money back guarantee on the 1st lesson so you can try and see how lessons can help you to reach your goals. Selecting the "get started now" button will put you in contact with our student counselors. P.S. Take the first step in learning music by contacting us. *** Lesson Details *** Teaching for over 13 years in all major styles. Helping beginning or returning students of all ages (kids and adults). and backgrounds to learn music.Have taught all ages from 5 to 60 years old. Will work to develop a personalized plan specifically for you and/or your child or family member. Studied at Roosevelt University as a classic guitar major with music education and jazz studies. Give students a well rounded education in all the major styles-techniques, teaching them finger picking as well as pick technique, chords and improvisation. I specialize in building a strong foundation both musically and technically for people that have not played guitar or even music before and helping them to reach the musical goals they desire. For the pick guitar I use the Mel Bay method along with handouts for chords/exercises and finger picking patterns This gives you flexibility to explore many musical styles. For classic guitar I use the Sagreras or Parkening methods plus the same handouts as for pick guitar. For electric bass I use the Hall Leonard Method, plus handouts. I teach children how to practice and to keep a practice schedule. I operate with a patient approach, a comfortable learning process. This helps you to learn properly and builds a solid foundation for your playing. Lesson Progression In general after 3 months you will know all the basic chords and how to change them. How to play the blues scale, read music /tab plus some songs with basic chords. For the electric bass you will play blues patterns, read music and tab. After 6 months you will be in general able to play bar chords, and more complex songs (with full chords). For the electric bass more complex songs, movable major scales. Keep in mind as you move through these studies you will be enjoying playing music and be moving towards the goal you had in mind in taking up music including learning the music, the styles you wanted to play. *** Studio Equipment *** I can provide a music stand and a foot stool. I can get them or show them where to get a method book They would just need a guitar. *** Travel Equipment *** I can teach lessons at the students home in Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Morton Grove, Skokie, Wilmette and adjoining communities. *** Specialties *** Be encouraged that you and/or your family member can learn to play and it's not as hard as you think. What I have found is it takes no special talent to play the guitar, just the desire to practice and learn. Lessons with a teacher helps you to learn quicker and more problem free, unlike other approaches. A teacher can help you personally when you have problems and questions. The investment you make will help you or a family member to play music for many years... Teach most major styles folk, rock, blues, classical, finger picking, Jazz (Bossa Nova) Also gospel, praise and worship guitar.