Private Blues Guitar tutoring lessons Forney, TX.

become a consummate professional.

I teach beginner to advanced students of any age. I also can provide pro and amateur electric guitarists an in-depth study of correct hand postures and left-hand/right-hand technique which can help to refine their overall technique and stylistic approach. I can also advise professional electric guitarists on their electronics, effects pedals, and amplifiers to achieve their own individual sound. I also teach Bass, and reading the Bass clef.

My teaching specialties include: Solfeggio, Sight Reading, Music Theory, Scales and Modes, Left and Right Hand Technique, Blues Progressions, Jazz Standards the Classical Repertoire, Flamenco styles, techniques and repertoire, DADGAD and other alternate tunings, and the works of Sor, Giuliani, and Carcassi, Brouwer, Aguado, Villa-Lobos, Sabicas, Paco de Lucia, Pat Martino, and Davey Graham.

I have an in-depth knowledge of the stylistic approaches and techniques of such guitarists as Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, and SRV to name a few, and I can teach you the components they use to build their signature licks.

As a rule I only transcribe to give the students examples for lessons. I intend for all of my students to grow as musicians, so my lessons do not consist solely of transcribed solos and riffs.

I have a vast library of music, so I can draw from my own resources to teach you, or from a method of your choosing.

My schedule has a few openings right now. I do teach outside of my stated teaching radius, but ONLY at the 60 minute rate.

I teach people of all ages, from children to adults. I believe everyone is on an even keel, if they are willing and eager to learn.

*** Lesson Details ***
Emphasis on classical posture and technique.
Emphasis on sight-reading.
All students learn to play basic blues and jam
Technique varies depending on the particular style the student wishes to learn.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At my Archie's location, we have guitars of all kinds, cables and amps available

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a limited number of learning materials such as exercises, listening or practicing CD on occasion. However, I feel that it is the student's responsibility to provide their own guitars, and the bulk of their own learning materials and necessary electronic equipment. This can include footstools, music stands, method books, amps, cables, pedals, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I've been playing guitar for 25 years, and this has given me the time to study, perform, and perfect many styles of guitar playing.

I studied classical and flamenco guitar with Robert Guthrie for 4 years before and after my studies in the SMU program. I've also played in jazz and rock ensembles since the age of 14. I studied with Chuck Pangburn, pro jazz cat, and Brad McLemore, an indie rock songwriter, early on in my studies as an adolescent.

I encourage most students to learn to play on a classical or nylon-string guitar early on in order to develop proper technique, posture, sensitivity, and sensibility. I also encourage all students to learn to sight-read at a very early point in their studies. Once, this hurdle is cleared many other challenges are easily surpassed.

Presently, I am developing a new method which incorporates solfeggio, blues and popular music forms, and improvisational playing. I also am exploring the vanguard of new guitar technology such as the Vo-96, analog effects, and various guitar synthesizers.

I try to introduce an understanding of music theory early on so that students develop a full comprehension of not only the written language of music, but also, the sonic language of music.

I also studied theory, piano, sight-singing, and music-production extensively. I graduated Magna Cume Laude with a Bachelor of Music-Media from UTA. After school, I spent 9 months interning/assistant engineering with acclaimed musician/composer/producer Brad Nyght at The Bakery Studio in Dallas- whose credits include being the drummer for The Michael Gungor Band and Desperation Band. Then, got hired as an on-staff session musician and music producer at Drive35 Productions. I have also played guitar, mandolin, and bass for multiple pit orchestras and guitar for the North Lake Jazz Ensemble with director Jim Eger.

My teaching style varies from student to student. Music is a wonderfully diverse subject and every student has his own aspirations. I will do my best to cater each lesson to the student's goals and interests. Whether that is classical guitar method, rock, jazz, folk, country, pop or anything in between.

I have an excellent internet connection and microphone set up for online lessons. I also utilize screen-sharing to make the lessons as close to real life as possible.

A few of my favorite artists include: Michael Gungor, Joe Pass, Andrew Bird, Chopin, Led Zeppelin, Glen Hansard, and Radiohead.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons will vary significantly from student to student. Not only does every student have different goals in mind, they all learn differently as well. I do my best to customize my lessons for each student's goals and needs. A typical guitar, bass, ukulele, or piano lesson may involve music-reading, chord studies, technical work, scale practice, theory, and of course learning awesome songs!

I consider myself a healthy balance between professional and light-hearted. As much as I want to make efficient use of the lesson-time, my primary goal is for the student to truly understand and enjoy music.

I have worked hard to be a flexible musician and teacher. I am competent in jazz, rock, classical, contemporary, blues, worship, country, and beyond and will be happy to teach any (or all) of these styles to any student.

*** Studio Equipment ***

Drive35 Productions:

-Large live tracking space
- Medium sized dead tracking space
- Pro Tools HD
- External Pres/Compressors/EQ (WARM, Manley, Vintech, etc.)
- DDA mixing console
- Several acoustic/electric/bass guitars (Epiphone, Fender, Taylor, Cort, Ibanez, Gibson, etc.)
- Lanakai Ukulele
- Gibson Mandolin
- Percussion
- Full drum kit
- 4 control/mixing rooms/practice spaces
- Breakroom
- Music stands/chairs
- Princeton Reverb, Vox AC15, Marshall, Ampeg amplifiers
- Several keyboards/controllers
- Rhodes
- Vintage organs
- Neumann U87, Senheissers, several SM57's, Lautin Audio Oceanus, Oktavas, AKG C414's

My at home studio:

- Chairs
- An 88-key Casio Privia keyboard
- Professional grade recording equipment (003r interface, behringer ada8000 with BLA mod, RNC by FMR, and more)
- High speed Internet access
- A printer
- A library of music resources
- Novation Launchkey MIDI controller
- Rode K2 condensor microphone
- Sm57
- Several Naiant stereo pair microphones
- 2 acoustic guitars (Cort and Zaeger), 2 electric guitars (Epiphone CS Custom, Fender Nashville Tele)
- An electric bass guitar (Epiphone Thunderbird with Bartolini Pickups)
- Lanakai Ukulele
- A Savannah Mandolin
- Double input amplifier (vox AC15C1)
- Music stand
- Metronomes/tuners
- Recording studio quality monitors (Yamaha HS8s)
- Large pedal board and pedal chain

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in contemporary, rock, blues, and worship guitar, but have extensive experience in classical and jazz guitar as well. I am also an on-staff session guitar player for Drive35 Productions and can help anyone interested in the skills necessary to play for a studio.

For piano, I teach beginner to intermediate level students in a variety of genres. I use piano on a daily basis for composing, arranging, and performing.

For bass, I can also teach a variety of genres. I specialize in blues/rock/contemporary but have experience in classical and jazz bass as well.

For ukulele, I specialize in pop music adaptation and classical.

For mandolin, I teach basic beginner music skills- reading and strumming techniques.

ment, and progress will start to come much easier.

Together we will discuss your personalized course, based on your goals and situation, and along the way I will provide materials/tools and a summary or a recording of each lesson as needed, for you to take home to work on.
Different aspects we'll discuss are technique, chart/sight reading, music theory, ear training, soloing/improvisation, and developing a strong sense of rhythm, most of which will be done through simply learning to play the songs you like.
Besides the basics, it's very important to learn how to independently keep challenging yourself, learn from your mistakes and continue growing musically, simply using your ears and whatever information you can find online or anywhere else, even without my help.

Besides teaching you how to play I can also help with finding the right instrument and equipment, provide advice on guitar/amplifier maintenance and setups, as well as recording techniques, or any other practical matters related to playing music/guitar.

Lessons can be either at your residence or at my fully equipped home studio in the Hollywood Hills/Studio City area. In a beautiful and private environment, with plenty of (free/safe) street parking available.
Lessons via Skype are obviously available as well.
I look forward to hearing from you!

r I learned myself.
As I grew older, I kept on studying and teaching music as a church volunteer and noticed that my own skills would dramatically improve just because I was devoted to my student's learning.
I pursued a degree in Music Education in New York City at the Aaron Copland School of Music. The education and experience I gained from college, drastically improved my teaching skills and I was able to work as a Music Teaching Assistant for a private school in NYC, a Senior Chess instructor for after school programs and a Private Music Studio teacher.
Nowadays I am an active music teacher and performer, looking for new students and opportunities to share the love of music. I always reach out to people who have musical interests and want to further develop or experiment with music.

I will be very happy to be your music teacher!

hat will help them learn the best, then that is how I will teach.
Lets make some sweet music together!!
~Eric

ning is imperative for more advanced students to learn before they can begin improvisation. Its like giving a man a fish vs teaching a man to fish. Its also a great transition into the theory part of your instrument specifically for kids who often pick up and latch on to the concept. Ear training properly though is not only a daily process but can be difficult for some so if you feel like this isn't for you that is okay because it all comes down to what you want.

My voice students will learn to relax into their singing and to strengthen their voice week to week. Each student receives a personalized plan of daily exercises based on their needs and weekly performance. I also offer audition coaching for those in the musical theatre community. For kids and beginners we start with basic breath control and diction. For more advanced students we work on improvisation

My instrumental students will begin by learning ear training and basic structure from there I make it about you and what you want to learn. I am a big believer in genre bending instruments. I for instance play jazz and blues mandolin. If you're wondering why you have never heard of this its because you can count the number of culturally relevant jazz and blues mandolinists on one hand. There are also reasonably few people who teach this as it is something so rarely done. If you have latched on to a particular genre of music I'd love to help you explore it.

Acting students are encouraged to dabble in all parts of theatre and film as many roles require you to be a jack of many trades. Character development and emoting convincingly is only part of the game.

Cancelation policy: 24 hour notice or in case of emergency with doctors note.

tive style and creativity over the past 20 years has established him as one of music’s foremost composers/guitarists.
A depth of credits, including multiple Emmy noms, begin at age 15: Sam was pulled from high school to accompany Maynard Ferguson at a show in his home town, he toured as lead guitarist for NKOB, and later upon graduating Berklee College of Music, Sam was hired by Michael Jackson to write music for the HIStory project. Perfect timing – he had only moved to Los Angeles 3 days prior!
Sam went on to compose music for such iconic television shows such as Sightings, Modern Marvels and Biography as well as top level brand advertising for Nike, Lexus, ESPN and many more.
Testimonials lauding Sam’s talent include kind words from William Shattner, Ben Deily (Lemonheads), execs at Disney, directors and producers from network shows on HBO, CBS, NBC and many other industry players.

fun!