Classical Guitar with Mark S.

I just turned 49, and have been playing electric bass and guitar since I was 14, and took up flute a few years, later, and eventually saxophone as well. I graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland in 1985 with a Bachelors degree in classical guitar, and have been teaching guitar and electric bass for over 25 years. I'm an eclectic player who has studied and integrated many concepts from varying styles including classical, flamenco, jazz, blues, and rock, and I've developed a unique and highly effective teaching method that draws from and builds upon the CAGED system and other established successful methods. My approach to teaching emphasizes simultaneously learning musical concepts, knowledge and skills, and is a highly analytical approach that stresses simplifying, understanding, and mastering "the basics" of musical and instrument-specific knowledge and skills. I specialize in teaching ambitious and highly-motivated students who want to learn as much as they can, go as far as they can, and are prepared to commit to diligent study and practice, and I've developed a system that makes doing so as easy as possible -while utilizing the strengths and adapting to the goals of the individual student(s). *** Lesson Details *** My lesson approach is disciplined yet laid-back and supportive, emphasizing identifying and understanding the most basic musical and instrument-specific knowledge and skills upon which everything else is based. My approach is holistic, and emphasizes understanding the connections between everything; with new students who know nothing, I of course start from scratch; with students who do have some knowledge and/or skills, I'll emphasize reinforcing their knowledge and skill and "connecting" "puzzle pieces" -knowledge they already have- to increase that understanding they already have. Early lessons emphasize acquiring knowledge of the CAGED system (especially chords, arpeggios and scales), knowledge of basic musical concepts (especially intervals and chords), tuning the instrument, and proper playing/practice technique. *** Studio Equipment *** Upstairs in loft or living room with bass/guitar amp, keyboard and seating for parents. *** Travel Equipment *** Students coming to my home can use my amps & cords (if applicable). I provide paper & printed lesson info. I expect students to have/use their own instruments. Of course, I also have a keyboard, for reference & use. *** Specialties *** Jazz, classical, rock & blues -with a strong flamenco influence. My approach emphasizes learning/practicing knowledge & skill(s) at the same time, using many exercises to facilitate this. I prefer teaching advanced and/or highly-motivated "serious" students. I play/teach electric, steel-string, classical guitar -both fingerstyle & pick- and electric bass. I'm also a highly-competent flute and saxophone instructor. I strongly emphasize learning the basics of music and the Western musical alphabet, the basics of music theory, and eventually, more complex elements/aspects of music -such as advanced harmony, counterpoint, and composition.