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Phillip Z.
Gilbert, Arizona
Avatar of the tutor
Phillip Z.
Gilbert, Arizona
Learn to play guitar like an expert with a detailed course from an eperienced teacher
Guitar students start with five subjects. 1) Technique is concerned with the development of the physical mechanics involved in playing the instrument. 2) Scales are a part of basic music vocabulary and building blocks of the musical language. 3) Chords are also basic vocabulary of the musical language. 4) Note reading is not required for every student. It really depends on the students' goals. However, I strongly encourage everyone learn to read musical notation, (more than tablature). Literacy in reading music is analogous to literacy in reading in our English language. Can you imagine how much smaller our world would be if we couldn't read? 5) Songs utilize the skills and concepts of all the previously mentioned subjects and are the goal of studying music. The student chooses what songs they want to play, guided by my suggestions; Jazz, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, R &B - "How deep is the ocean, how high is the sky?" A beginning student will practice all these subjects as part of the daily practice routine. A half hour practice session will cover all subjects. Students that concentrate for thirty minutes a day four days a week make adequate progress. However, please know that very accomplished players devote a lot of time to each subject. These five subjects are developed and expanded as the student progresses. There are an infinite number of areas to explore, depending on the students interests, and can lead to a lifetime of learning and artistic expression.
About Phillip Z.

I teach music. The guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele just happen to be the particular instruments I choose. Music as a language, discipline, and art, is the goal. I've been teaching, performing, studying, composing, for some thirty years. I've studied and gigged in the classical, jazz, rock, blues, R & B, and country idioms. I've taught composition and improvisation to instruments other than guitar, (vocalists, fiddle, sax, piano, trumpet) I've taught all ages and levels. I currently pursue a doctorate of music in guitar at university. Students learn many things when studying with me. They learn physically how to play a particular instrument while learning music as its own language. Students learn how to learn, learn self-discipline, and access their musical expression, all potential life changing experiences. I am happy and excited to announce I am available for on-line lessons, and will now be able to work with students from all over the world, regardless of distance or location! *** Lesson Details *** I am laid back, but at the same time very goal directed. I like to do technique and/or vocabulary, note reading, and songs every lesson. After six months students are able to to 'jam', (improvise over chord changes such as the blues). They are well on their way to becoming literate, probably a third way through the first book. They probably can play a half dozen songs well, and are starting to strum (comp) chord progressions in a musically rhythmic way. They may even have played in a couple concerts by then. *** Studio Equipment *** Office studio w/ guitar, bass, amps, and seating for parents, computer with skype capability. *** Travel Equipment *** I bring my guitar and writing tools, extra picks, extra paper etc. Students provide their own instrument, method book, staff paper, notebook paper. Hopefully they have a music stand and their own guitar picks and other items relevant for the study of their instrument. *** Specialties *** Classical, jazz, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, theory/composition, improvisation

Teaches all skill levels

Teaching since 1981

I am currently in a doctorate program, my primary emphasis is classical guitar performance.

Teaches ages 5+

Has background check

Instructor details
Subject: Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Arrangement and Composition
Audition Prep
Bass Guitar
Bluegrass Guitar
Blues Guitar
Classical Guitar
Composition
Country Guitar
Ear Training
Electric Guitar
Guitar
Music Performance
Music Theory
Songwriting
Ukulele
Teaches 10+ subjects. Different subjects may have different prices.
Location:
Teacher's Studio
Teacher's Studio
SEE MAP
N. Arizona Ave.
Teaches Online
Teaches Online
Work hours
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$30
45 minutes
$45
60 minutes
$60
New Student Special
First 3 lessons
$30
ReviewsWrite a review
4.9
38 Reviews
5Review Star
97%
4Review Star
3%
3Review Star
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1Review Star
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Teacher's Studio

Great stuff!

Posted Feb 3, 2023
Online

I have been having lessons with Phillips for 3 months now. I enjoy his lessons very much. He's very patient, encouraging, and his lesson planning is awesome. Every class I leave embarrassingly happy, and I'm always shocked at my progress. Definitely recommend giving him a try for your musical instructor needs!

Posted Aug 24, 2022
Teacher's Studio

We're off to a great start!

Posted Oct 15, 2021
...
Music Faculty
Aug 2016 - Present
South Mountain Community College
I am the guitar instructor, bass guitar instructor, and adjunct music faculty at South Mountain Community College. SMCC is part of the Maricopa County Community College system. Last year I had one individual student who is a jazz guitar performance major, and also taught a humanities class named 'Hip Hop in Culture.'
I am currently in a doctorate program, my primary emphasis is classical guitar performance.
Aug 2014
Arizona State University

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Instructor details
Subject: Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Arrangement and Composition
Audition Prep
Bass Guitar
Bluegrass Guitar
Blues Guitar
Classical Guitar
Composition
Country Guitar
Ear Training
Electric Guitar
Guitar
Music Performance
Music Theory
Songwriting
Ukulele
Teaches 10+ subjects. Different subjects may have different prices.
Location:
Teacher's Studio
Teacher's Studio
SEE MAP
N. Arizona Ave.
Teaches Online
Teaches Online
Work hours
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$30
45 minutes
$45
60 minutes
$60
New Student Special
First 3 lessons
$30