Huntly, VA Guitar Lessons

over 10 years, including group classes and private lessons. Below are some of the goals in my teaching method and what students can benefit in every lesson:

- Explaining the structure of guitar and giving the basic information about the instrument
- Instructing students about both the basic and advance techniques in guitar playing
- Striking a fine blend of theory and practicality while teaching guitar playing
- Ability to understand the needs, short and long term goals of different students and changing the methods of teaching accordingly
- Preparing students for student recitals or public performances if necessary

I'm funny, friendly, outgoing, and love to play guitar. I’m also flexible and easy to work with, however when it comes to learning I’m strict and serious. Some of my students call me “Three-Face”, for I’m not only your teacher but also your friend and your coach: I will introduce you to the world of guitar as a teacher; jam and have fun with you as a friend; and I will train you and make sure you are on the right as a coach.

I like all kinds of music, from Classical to Metal and everything in between. Some of my favorite bands/artists who influence me include: Joe Satriani, Slash, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin, Disturbed, Antoine Carre, Niccolo Paganini, Antonio Vivaldi…

Sharing my knowledge in music and guitar makes me happy, and it is the greatest joy for me to see my students grow and play the music they like. Guitar lessons should be fun and enjoyable, yet challenging.

Thank you very much for visiting my page and I hope to teach you soon!

Best wishes,

- Sylivan T.

*** Lesson Details ***
During our first lesson, we will first talk about your goal and music direction that you want to pursuit. Then based on your goal and direction, I will customize a curricular track and briefly explain the things that you need to know and what you need to focus on in order to achieve your goal.

As your instructor, my goal is to help you to reach your goals and to have fun with the music you enjoy. In each lesson, according to your progress, I will introduce you new concepts/materials using fun and easy-to-learn activities. Then we will work on the materials together and have fun jamming together. Yes!! You will feel like you are jamming along with your friend instead of taking a guitar lesson, because guitar lessons suppose to be fun!!!

Each particular lesson I will assign you some assignments. They would either be things that we already jammed on during the lesson, or something that I want you to work on your own. Then when we meet again, we will go over the assignments together and I will give you comments and advises to help you play better.

Below are only some of the instructional books that I usually use for teaching beginners. I will also use other instructional books and music repertories according to the ability of the students and their music style:

- Hal Leonard Guitar Method: Will Schmid and Greg Koch
- Alfred’s Basic Guitar Method: Alfred d’ Auberge and Morton Manus
- Hal Leonard Rock Guitar Method: Michael Mueller
- Solo Guitar Playing: Frederick M. Noad

From my experience as a teacher and student, I believe there is no such thing as a “Perfect Instructional Book”. Therefore along with the above instructional books I will add in some other activities and exercises written by myself.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect my students to have a guitar and a chromatic tuner. Also a note book, some staff paper, and a pen and a pencil.

For electric guitar, it's necessary to have an amp and a .25 inch cable at home

*** Specialties ***
Usually use Mei Bay Guitar Method as a general guide and text for guitar teaching.

*** Specialized in classical, rock, blues, and pop ***

m the Florida Department of Education. I have taught in Florida as a preferred substitute for general music classes, K-12. In college, I have given study sessions for music theory levels ranging from 4-part writing to post-serialism.

Degrees:
Doctorate of Musical Arts: Guitar Performance; Shenandoah University, expected May 2017/2018
Master of Music: Guitar Performance; University of Akron, May 2014
Bachelor of Music: Guitar Performance; Stetson University, 2011

While giving lessons:
I ensure that every student receives fundamental foundation pertaining to the subject. While learning the basics, I advise that the student organizes their lessons and materials in a way that displays progress over time. With the proper knowledge, we can treat the heart of a subject with refinement in order to grasp it's purpose and reason---whether its music or math.

Why?
My students have grown with confidence through a sense of accomplishment. Success does not only affect a person's well-being but can also impact other dimensions of their lives.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Equipment available if needed:

Foot stools
Music stands
Pencils
Complete home recording studio
Computer/tablet/smartphone w/ internet
Speakers and playback devices
Reference books

*** Travel Equipment ***
Each student is expected to bring with them (if applicable):

Notebook or log
Reference/score materials
Instrument(s) and case
Accessories
Portable sound recorder (optional)

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Jazz and Rock Styles.

Performance, Music Theory, Arranging, Composition.

Elementary Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry, Pre-Calc.

d chord charts.Pick and fingerstyle techniques,Improvisation and playing by ear.
NEW!!!! HOW TO PLAY LIKE!!!!
Break down songs and techniques into easily digestible chunks. Individual segments are played slowly first,then brought to speed.
You'll find you're learning and improving faster than you ever believed possible.
CLASSIC ROCK: From Aerosmith to ZZTOP.
GUITAR HEROES:From Randy Rhoads to Yngwie Malmsteen
TEXAS COUNTRY: From Randy Rogers to Charlie Robinson.
TEXAS BLUES: From Freddie King to Stevie Ray Vaughan.
METAL GUITAR: CLASSIC 70's to Today's Heroes
PROGRESSIVE ROCK-METAL: From Dream Theater to Periphery..
CLASSICAL GUITAR: From Bach to Vivaldi.
And many more Styles, send me a question and ask about your personal music choice.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Located in Specious one room of a three bedroom condo, Marshall amps ,Martin,Taylor Jackson, Dean, ESP,Takamine, Epiphone and Ovation guitars, use a plasma TV, guitar pro software, keyboards, recording softwear.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar and amps. books.
Student: metronome and tuner.

*** Specialties ***
Finger Picking Techniques,MusicTheory and How to get a good sound with your guitar.

ly a few years of
practice, I started playing professionally, in bands and solo guitar.
Live playing experience, I believe, is the most important experience
that any musician can have, in that, the most important part of music
is how it sounds, and playing in front of people is the quickest way
to learn how to play effectively. And this is what I teach; how to
be a musician, not just a technician.

*** Lesson Details ***
A student can expect a curriculum tailor-made to their needs and personality. Every person learns differently and this is an important distinction in my teaching style. Some students need a strong hand to keep them working, others need to find many different ways to the same conclusion to keep them focused, while still others need a laid-back friend in order to accept knowledge.

I stress rhythmic literacy, for, as my jazz teacher always said, "rhythm is king." If composition is important to you, then we'll focus on music theory, but if you're just wanting to learn how to play some fun rock tunes with your friends on the weekends, we can do that as well. As I stated before, we'll get you playing in front of people in no time.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide an amplifier, a loner guitar (if needed), staff and/or tablature paper, metronome, pens and paper for the lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Music theory and composition, guitar, bass, lute, beginner to intermediate piano
Classical, shred, blues, and rock guitar; renaissance lute; blues, rock and slap bass; composition of many styles; world music.

der Paul Finkbeiner, the lead trumpet player for the Paul Keller Ensemble.

Then at the age of 11, with the help of his grandfather he discovered the guitar. He learned quickly on his old SR guitar. He quickly discovered that he had a natural taste for blues phrasing, and his soloing abilities quickly blossomed. 2 years later, he had formed his first band, Spherical. It was through this band that he found the bass.

His journey into the realm of bass, began out of necessity and progressed into love of the bottom end. Since then, he has been collecting basses, playing, living and breathing bass. He now realizes the importance of a funky beat, a subtle line and most important of all A Tight Groove!!!

The benefit of studying under someone with a vast array of both talent and experience is clear.

*** Lesson Details ***
During his musical career Nicholas has played almost every style of music; from folk to experimental from jazz to rock. One thread holds true through all music, it has to groove.
During the course of a lesson he will cover a broad range of topics starting from the basics, and moving into ear training, sight-reading, theoretical knowledge and most important for bass players, groove. Just as every player has their own musical personality and voice, so to does every lesson that Nicholas gives.
In a supportive, patient environment, every lesson is custom tailored to the student.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home: lessons in dedicated music room with piano and stereo, guitars/basses, cables/amps

*** Specialties ***
Jazz Studies major at Wayne State University. Has a firm understanding of music across both the classical and jazz idioms spanning multiple instruments.

e I’ve taught music theory, composition, and musicianship at the college level for seven years, and where I continue to perform with the UW Modern Ensemble, Inverted Space Ensemble, and Seattle Modern Orchestra.

A major priority of my guitar teaching is to have students making expressive, compelling music every time they touch the instrument. And as I believe that a good guitarist is, first and foremost, a strong musician, I fold a number of diverse activities into weekly lessons, developing skills in music theory, fretboard knowledge, ear training, sight reading, composition, and improvisation, all of which reinforce the acquisition of strong technique.

I teach a wide array of styles—including classical, folk, rock, flamenco, and heavy metal—and I look forward to helping you realize your musical goals!