Fort Belvoir, VA Banjo Lessons

c performed in numerous Master Classes for internationally acclaimed artists such as Manuel Barrueco, Christopher Parkening, Oscar Ghiglia, Michael Lorimer, and Carlos Barbosa-Lima.

Eric has taught guitar at the college level for over twenty years teaching on the music faculties of University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Stetson University, Bethune Cookman College, Florida Southern College, and St. Leo College.

Eric's experience includes performances with rock groups, stage bands, folk groups, classical ensembles, jazz combos, Broadway shows, operas, solo recitals, and concerto appearances. Eric has appeared hundreds times at Disney and Sea World as well as other venues around Central Florida.

Throughout the years he has had many unique experiences while performing, one of his favorites being the opportunity to play the MASH theme song for Alan Alda as well as other stars in attendance at a cast party for the show, Win, Lose or Draw at EPCOT Center.

Although he enjoys performing, Eric considers teaching music to be highly gratifying. The importance of giving students a good foundation with the proper technique and performance skills cannot be underestimated. When a student can play a song from beginning to end with style and confidence you know you've given them a gift that will offer them enjoyment for the rest of their lives.

*** Lesson Details ***
If you're looking at this site, you're already on your way to becoming an AWESOME musician! Whether this is your first attempt at music lessons or you've been playing for a while and trying to improve your skills, I'm EXCITED about working with you. I am a professional music educator and performer that has a passion for music and teaching. I will gear each lesson to fit your musical interests and playing level while I encourage and motivate. My goal is to use proven teaching methods and a supportive learning environment to help you realize your musical potential, as well as having FUN while doing it.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ipad apps, music stand, instrument stands, tuner, metronome, amp, chairs,

*** Specialties ***

Fingerstyle- Classical, Fingerstyle Jazz, Folk, Celtic.

Pickstyle- Rock, Blues, Jazz.

g new skills, learning with and from each other, there's little chance they will give up playing music. I'd say they're hooked -- on bluegrass! More people spending less time in front of a TV, and more with each other. Wholesome fun. A bigger, thriving bluegrass community. A better world!

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe that anyone learning bluegrass should first learn the chords to favorite easy songs, and a simple way of accompanying. Playing songs smoothly in real time while using a songbook (or a fellow picker) for the words, is easy, fun, and builds a rhythmic/chordal foundation and repertoire.

Easy jamming is highly recommended and will be part of the learning program. Good sounding rhythm techniques can be added easily as they are learned. Through this process, overall technique is expanded and the music sounds more interesting. Once we have the chords and rhythm, different types of soloing can be added. The easiest method is to "fake it" by just playing simple licks and rhythm techniques while following the chord changes. The next step up might be to play an exact tabbed (a form of written banjo music) basic solo, or (better) a self-composed one featuring melody. This phase is exciting to enter, and of course it creates motivation to really improve and master those solos we all want to play. Since all students come to bluegrass banjo with their own unique skills and experience - I will design a program just for you to ensure you reach you playing goals.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Little equipment is required for bluegrass banjo other than the instrument.

*** Specialties ***
5 string Bluegrass Banjo

best.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitar, instruments, keyboards recording equipment, waiting room, seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music stand, foot stool, cables.- Teacher
Own instrument, amplifier if needed, notebook.-Student

*** Specialties ***
I have been teaching for about 25 years and am well versed in Jazz, Classical, Rock, Blues and Country genres. I focus on anything from note reading, theory, improvisation and composing.

Etc., Note Reading, the Music Biz, and learning about all the cool new Music Technologies of the day. Rick also loves to transcribe any and all music the student wants to learn but for which they cannot find the sheet music or internet tab. Rick prefers to teach what the student wants to learn, but if they're not sure what that is, he helps them figure that out.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Wifi, Computer, and iPhone. I make good use of technology during lessons. Much used apps include Guitarbots, Slow Down Music Trainer, TabPro, and the Guitar Toolkit (metronome, tuner, etc.)

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music Stand (if needed), and iPhone tech.

*** Specialties ***
Music Theory and Songwriting.

e things for my students to make their learning as easy and effective as possible.

In addition to freelance work, (weddings, jazz brunch gigs, etc.) I am the lead guitarist for the Funk/R&B band Water Seed and the soul project RetroFit. I attended Indiana University for jazz guitar and have studied under jazz greats Dan Miller, Corey Christiansen, and Oteil Burbridge.

I teach all kinds of stringed instruments from guitar and bass to mandolin and banjo! If you have any questions about my teaching methods, skill level in a certain discipline, or anything you can think of I would be more than happy to answer you!

Musically yours,
Grant