Music Theory with Stephanie G.

I can help you make this most fascinating and mysterious instrument your own! When you feel comfortable playing, you practice more, learn more, and have more fun. Lessons focus on finding easy ways to get around a guitar, learning songs you like, and understanding music theory through familiar examples. I teach improvisation as a natural outcome of listening, singing and building a strong connection to melody. I have studied and played guitar from the age of 8. My father was a professional bassist; in recent years I have followed his lead and now am playing jazz and orchestral double bass (for which studying guitar was an excellent preparation.) I play and teach both acoustic and electric guitar in the following styles: Classical, folk, rock/blues, jazz, bossa nova. I studied classical harmony, music history and composition at Smith College, and continue to study guitar with private teachers. I am currently studying with the legendary jazz player Gene Bertoncini, and include some of his creative concepts in my teaching. *** Studio Equipment *** 2 classical guitars, 2 electric guitars (Fender Telecaster, Gibson SG) a Godin fretless electric bass, an upright bass, a Steinway grand piano, a Fender Princeton amplifier, a Gallien-Krueger guitar-vocal amp, a Yorktown bass amp, a jazz drum set and several music stands. *** Travel Equipment *** When traveling, I take my guitar or electric bass, a tuner and printed handouts for reference. *** Specialties *** Physical freedom is essential to great playing. I give beginners a strong physical foundation using the "emotional rhythm" concept of Abby Whiteside and Sophia Rossoff to facilitate shifting, changing chords and sight-reading. For intermediate to advanced students, I use Gene Bertoncini's "horizontal/vertical" approach to improvisation as a way to open up and demystify the guitar.