Acoustic Guitar with Wes R.

I'm one of those teachers who has been 'around the block'. I started playing music (drums/guitar) mostly by ear as a kid, but gradually decided I probably needed lessons to go further. So since about age 18 I've taken many years of voice lessons, a couple of piano, and have gone on to both teaching and performing with 'Dueling Pianos' - one of the zaniest, most fun live shows you could go see. I have roots both in rock/pop and self-instruction, and then also a more formal structure, so I'm able to help kids (and adults!) get a well-rounded point of view. I was educated at Hampshire College for Vocal Performance and Composition. Hampshire is a unique, multi-disciplinary school which emphasizes hands-on learning and personal responsibility for one's education. So I had a fair 'all-around' music education; my years there culminated in a senior thesis which earned accolades at the school; a thesis which included both a voice recital, and the performance of a personally-conducted classical composition, by a chamber orchestra that was assembled with local college student musicians. I have taught extensively at a private music academy (BHMA in Massachusetts) which caters to developmentally-disabled students, including students with William's Syndrome, Autism, and Asperger's. In addition to private lessons, I've also facilitated group ensembles and helped with accompaniment and performances. And I have been certified to work with such students, and would be happy to look into working with your child/student. *** Lesson Details *** Fundamentally, I am a Voice teacher and 'Rock' Piano teacher; in lessons, we really go over how to build good technique, which can then be applied to any genre or style of music. I am very flexible, and enjoy working with whatever the student really loves. You might think of me as being very 'performance oriented', especially for Rock / Pop / Country and other styles of popular music. Now it can be important to learn the basics of music theory when learning an instrument, even if it's singing. I like to go over as much of this (and sheet-music basics) as is appropriate for the student's age/goals. But this is always with the intention of helping him or her to enjoy what they're doing and become great with it. I pride myself on teaching in a way that helps students reach their own goals, whatever they may be, and to learn to diagnose themselves for themselves (with singing, especially), so that they can be in a position of confidence and expertise sooner rather than later. With a little practice each day, I am optimistic I can have you or your child in 6 months where they would be with another teacher in a year. I am a fun, enthusiastic, laid-back and patient teacher who loves to work with all kinds of musicians and students, no matter what level. Ask any of my students, and they will tell you I am wacky (in a good way). I encourage a positive and creative atmosphere in lessons, and I focus on helping students learn to sing from the heart, and with their own sound, their own natural style. *** Studio Equipment *** At my 'home studio' - I provide the digital keyboard, and big open room for singing Mesa CC- Lessons in a practice room with piano, free parking *** Travel Equipment *** I would expect my students to have access to either a piano or keyboard. *** Specialties *** Rock, pop, broadway, classical, opera I specialize in patient, student-focused programs which allow a student to be creative and really learn to enjoy singing and/or playing the piano. With piano I really enjoy teaching 'rock-pop' piano skills, which are fun and let a student learn to start playing songs and singing them.