Music Theory with Rodney S.

I am a professional guitarist, music teacher, songwriter and session musician. I've had formal music training and self-taught as well. My musical influences are eclectic which speak to my versatility and uncanny ability to play a variety of musical styles fluently. Students I have taught appreciate this as it helps them to see how most music is inter-related regardless of style. I apply that versatility to my teaching method so the student's learning experience is fun, exciting and interesting. My passion for music began with playing the clarinet and drums at a young age and then guitar lessons at age of 13. Studies have shown that children who play musical instruments develop better learning skills improving their grade point average in school. I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to play guitar being I was a shy child. It definitely gave me structure, confidence, self-esteem and a sense of self-worth. By my late teens I was performing at dances, talent shows, a church choir and receiving offers to play with several well-known music artists. I began my formal study of music at Merritt College and soon launched my music teaching career. I began conducting seminars at Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco CA and soon became a member of the teaching staff. I taught a variety of styles, including Rock, Funk, Pop, R&B, Jazz, Folk, Blues and other popular styles. I have toured professionally, opening and headlining with top award-winning artists and have performed at many of the largest music festivals in the US and Europe. The primary objective in learning to play guitar is to have fun and have a memorable and ,enjoyable learning experience. I am very patient, considerate and thoughtful when working with a student. From personal experience of taking lessons, I always appreciated the teachers that were patient, supportive and understood that I was learning to play. Through years of teaching I became aware early on that students have different ways in which they receive information. I find out what the students musical interests are and what is their goal in learning to play guitar. I keep each lesson fresh while slowly introducing the student to more advanced techniques without stress and frustration. my years of experience from performing to teaching  give my student more than just learning chords, scales and theory. Depending on the type of lesson the student wants, I show them on how to use different guitar effects, how to get different tones, what type of amp to use or even how to get the maximum performance out of the current gear they have. For those who wish to improve or learn the basics of songwriting I can also help in that area. *** Lesson Details *** I am a firm believer of taking a healthy and happy approach to any learning situation. I am a patient experienced music instructor that understands that each individual learns in a different way. Trying to teach most students in a cookie cutter fashion is not effective or beneficial for their progress. The first thing is getting the student comfortable with the instrument such as posture, how to hold the instrument or familiarize them on what number or note the strings or frets are. Depending on the skill level of a student my main focus is to help a student to be able to play scales and chords cleanly while gradually introducing them to theory and advanced techniques. Students will need a chord book and a blank sheet music book which at the end of the first lesson I will suggest what type to get. The progression rate of a student can vary. It is my observation that those who practice the most see better results and those who practice less progress at a slower rate. On average the students I've taught said they experienced significant improvement within 3 months and they could comprehend the lesson material. *** Studio Equipment *** IMac Garageband Recording SoftwareSM58 Microphone Fender Guitar Amp Boss ME-25 *** Travel Equipment *** I will travel to students home or lessons can be given at my home office studio. I will recommend which type of chord book and other materials needed. Student will have their own instrument. *** Specialties *** Ear Training, Charts, Improvisation, Rock, Funk, Jazz, R&B, Blues, Pop, Folk, Hip Hop, Reggae and Gospel.