Guitar with Sam C.

Since 2004 I have dedicated both my undergraduate (Parkland College, Illinois State University, Bradley University) and graduate (Southern Illinois University) studies to music performance and pedagogy, focusing on classical guitar. The majority of my teaching experience comes from a three-year Graduate Assistantship that I held while at Southern Illinois University, which included teaching the guitar to music and non-music majors in group and private settings. Outside of my responsibilities as a Graduate Assistant, I taught the guitar to children in group and private settings, and served as a juror for student guitar performances at both grade school and college levels. As a performer, I have experience as both a soloist and a chamber musician. These experiences have provided me with unique insights about practice habits, avoidance of performance-related injury, and managing performance anxiety. My teaching and performing experiences have yielded an approach to music education that is both supportive and challenging, which are essential characteristics of effective guitar instruction for students of all age and skill levels. *** Lesson Details *** I am a very patient, easygoing teacher who promotes a positive and encouraging learning environment. Use of specific methods varies with the age and skill level of the student, which may be supplemented with additional materials when appropriate. After taking lessons for several months, the student will be familiar with rudiments involved in playing the guitar and be able to play some of its repertoire. Ultimately, it is my hope that students will develop a lifelong passion for learning as much as possible about this amazing instrument. *** Studio Equipment *** Two guitar amplifiers, music stand, manuscript paper, seating. *** Specialties *** I'm most familiar with the classical guitar and its technique as I studied this in school. However, I began playing on steel string acoustic and electric guitars, so I'm comfortable using a flat pick as well.