Guitar with Scott S.

Scott S. I started playing guitar while in high school. Then, I furthered my studies in guitar at the Atlanta Institute of Music (2 Years) and Georgia Perimeter College (2 Years) where I studied Music Theory and Jazz. It was during these few years when I played in several rock, Bluegrass and Jazz improvisational bands, that played out regularly in Metro-Atlanta. I have also run several "Open Mic Nights" in several restaurants and bars. I have studied with Trey Wright at Kennesaw State University and graduated with a B.A. in Jazz Guitar (Summer 2011), with a concentration in Jazz Performance. While at Kennesaw State, I spent 3 years performing in the KSU Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Guitar Ensemble, and Jazz Combo Bands. I have been teaching guitar and music since 1999. I have had extensive experience teaching Guitar, Bass, and Mandolin. I am currently working with my own Jazz Quartet (Fuze) and I am currently performing every Sunday with my brother in the house jazz band at Einstine's Atlanta. I really enjoy the group musical experience. Additionally, I am working on my own solo album. I believe in a strict observance of “musical etiquette” that requires each player to critically listen to others, as well as listening to themselves. My influences include: Jimi Hendrix, George Benson, Trey Anastasio and Phish, Led Zeppelin, Jon Scofield, Grateful Dead, Sting, Pat Matheny, Pat Martino, Horace Silver, Sam Bush, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Miles Davis. Favorite musical quotes:   "The music exists in the universe, and if you’re lucky enough, or strong enough, to get your ego out of the way, the music comes through you." - Trey Anastasio  "You do not merely want to be considered just the best of the best. You want to be considered the only ones who do what you do." -Jerry Garcia "Don't play what's there, play what's not there." - Miles Davis   *** Lesson Details *** I am a fairly laid back teacher who is extremely excited and passionate about music. While teaching a lesson, I tailor lesson plans for the individual student as well as combining the basic techniques necessary for playing. I use a very efficient self designed practice routine that focuses on the quality of practice and not the quantity. Consistent practice in small increments is the quickest path to mastery. A beginning student can expect to learn within the first 3 months of lessons: their first one or two songs (of my choosing and student's), basic workings of the guitar, how to tune their instrument, universal strumming patterns and techniques, reading tablature, concepts in playing with other musicians, Basic Music Theory and the most common chords. Beginner song examples: "Good Riddance Time of Your Life"- Greenday, "Wish You Were Here"- Pink Floyd, "You Belong With Me"- Taylor Swift, "Knocking on Heavens Door"- Bob Dylan An intermediate student can expect to learn within the first 3 months: one or two more advanced songs, several guitar solos, movable Barre Chords, 5 positions of the Pentatonic and Major Scales, Arpeggios for the most common chords, improvisation concepts, Chord Harmony and Lead Sheet reading, and Power Chords. Intermediate song examples: "Over the Hills and Far Away"- Led Zeppelin, "Johnny Be Good"- Chuck Berry, "The Ocean"- Led Zeppelin, "Red House"- Jimi Hendrix, "Freddie the Freeloader"- Miles Davis, "Hotel California"- The Eagles *** Studio Equipment *** Full basement: studio recording area, Jam Room, seating for parents *** Travel Equipment *** I provide the learning material. I expect the student to provide (2) 3 ring binders with sheet protectors. *** Specialties *** I specialize in a specific practicing style/routine that accelerates the learning process. I am well versed in all styles of music, but I Really get excited about teaching Jazz, Blues, and improvisational concepts