Guitar with Richard W.

I began playing music at the age of six. I started with the piano and saxophone but found my true passion, by age eight, in the guitar. I took private lessons from a great teacher for the first seven consecutive years of my study and further developed my knowledge and skills through self-directed study. I received my Undergraduate degree in Music Theory from the University of Utah. The pursuit of this degree allowed me to study many different musical aspects, including: composition, music history, ear training, sight reading and music technology, along with classical and jazz guitar studies. Over the years, through my education and practice, I have learned a great deal, not just about the guitar, but also ways to teach music and engage students in their pursuit of musical knowledge. I played in my first music group when I was 17 and started composing and arranging music at that time. I have performed at numerous events and venues, eventually touring in the western U.S. I have a true passion for music and I love sharing this passion and teaching others. *** Lesson Details *** I am a laid back instructor and teach in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. I offer private and small group lessons to students ages 6 and up. I like to joke around but I do expect my students to take their instrument seriously. Students are expected to practice the techniques and music outside of lesson time. I allow students to learn music they are interested in and teach them scales, chords, popular tunes and important performance techniques. Typically, after three months, a student will be able to play more proficient by themselves and in a group. He/she will be more confident about his/her guitar playing ability and overall music knowledge. For most students, after six months of regular lessons, they are able to begin composing simple pieces and have a good understanding of music composition. *** Studio Equipment *** I will teach in my living room, I have a piano, plenty of room for a parent to sit in on a lesson and a very comfortable environment. *** Specialties *** I enjoy approaching any instrument from a theoretical base. This allows the student to understand the fundamentals of music and helps them explore the instrument of their choice to the fullest extent.