Norfolk, VA Guitar Lessons

ow to 'play well with others' in informal as well as more structured gatherings every few months, with no pressure, only compassion & encouragement.

For those wishing to join in the fun of playing bluegrass music, we will start out with technique exercises, scales, basic melodies & accompaniment patterns to prepare you to learn this unique & exciting style of American music. There are many gatherings in the area called 'Pickin' Parties' that I want to get you ready to participate in as soon as is humanly possible.

If you are one of those brave souls undertaking the lovely but challenging fretless instrument, the violin, my main focus is to get you started with the all the necessary basic techniques - holding the instrument & bow correctly, getting the best possible tone & pitch using efficiency & accuracy, mixed with a great deal of ear training & heart.

Specific songs you'd like to learn? Your reward for accomplishing what I deem necessary on whichever instrument you've chosen will be for us to then listen to & analyze your desired piece, & I will then write it out in either tablature or standard notation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lesson studio contains music stand, tuner, metronome, & there is easy parking in the well lit front lot.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student must have own instrument & be willing to purchase necessary tools as recommended at their first lesson for their instrument & playing level, such as music stand, tuner, pick, book, strap, etc. at a local music store or on line.

*** Specialties ***
Bluegrass, Country, Country Rock, Contemporary Christian, Americana, Ragtime Blues Guitar, Fingerstyle, Flatpick, Accompaniment, Ear Training, Theory, Harmony

and more eager to share and more and more open to the possibilities ahead.

*** Lesson Details ***
I listen well to my students. They are free and encouraged to express their goals and soon, they become more and more comfortable doing so. They begin to understand that even though I am their instructor, we are working as a team and that my goals for them are directly tied to the goals they have set for themselves.

My teaching style is natural, relaxed and yet, very enthusiastic, all at the same time. I have patience in abundance and my continual student affirmation is well received. I give most attention to personalizing instruction for each of my students. My passion for musical expression is contagious and readily shared. It is a joy to teach music, to contribute to the growth and delight that I witness through a student's progress.

I have taught music to both children and adults, from beginner to advanced levels. My teaching approach remains the same, save for the goals that suit the specific student, which we discover early on, sometimes even at the first session, together, right from the start. My beginning students receive the attention necessary to encourage their desire to persevere, which includes positive feedback (which is abundant) and a teaching style that fits his/her level of learning. My student's success is my goal. This is my jubilant mission.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, guitars,

*** Travel Equipment ***
I own 4 guitars, 1 classical, 2 acoustic/electric, and 1 electric, which I can provide for the lesson, if necessary.
I own a Baldwin Acrasonic piano.

The students will need to buy their books.

*** Specialties ***
Methods: Clear presentation of the instrument and the most comfortable way to achieve the best playing results. Emphasis on Theory including chords and improvisation.

Styles: From Classical to Broadway to Folk to Rock to Jazz to Blues.
Genres: All

dinner theater in between the music. I met some people, music teachers from going to the open mics. They encouraged me to go out and start teaching and do what I was supposed to do. How it happened ? I placed one small ad, got a call and from there it grew into over 80 students.I just was referred to everyone it was a chain reaction.
In between teaching I was also in a duo and made time for the touring, local gigs, etc....released 3 CD's.
I was very busy that I decided to open up my own music school to handle the over flow of students. I had my business for 9 years.
I produced a lot of talent from there.songwriters with published songs, singers with contracts, bands the guitarist in the now defunct band Hey Monday with Cassidy Pope. Students that were in American Idol- featuring Emily Booke 2 years in a row top twenty then top ten..
America's Got Talent featuring Amy Profaci, Cassidy Pope.
Played for the Boss in RPB with Odd Man Out, Teen Punk Band since disbanded. Had them out and playing gigs at age 14 the youngest oldest 16 at CBGB's. In NYC. They were on the Regis and Kelly show. Students that started with me at age 5 and stayed for years. A lot are off to college or done with school grown up sort of. When they bump into me and say hey Ms. Mel I'll never forget you teaching me music lessons or do you remember that or I loved that band class you did. You changed my whole life.
I really appreciate it and I did make a difference in their lives.
I also write for TV and Film and have over 30 professionally published songs. Songs playing on commercials, TV and overseas in England. They seem to love it over there a lot of fan mail.

Ok this is as follows.
*** Lesson Details ***
Cancellations : 24 hour notice. Make up lessons are at my discretion.
61 key keyboard are ok for piano lessons.
You must have a piano for vocal lessons if I come to your home. You must have a guitar 🎸 for guitar lessons. I do not supply any instruments or lesson books. You are required to contact me once booked and find out what you will need.

How long will it take to learn depends on YOU!!!!

Practice is the answer not a question. You must be prepared to work to do the work. If you do not understand it we will do it until you get it.
My Adult students this goes for you too.
It is important that you practice. So I recommend cutting down on video games and TV.
I suggest no TV or Video games especially before the lessons are about to start. Very distracting for the kids.
I expect you to be practiced and ready to go when I get there. If you want to be a rock star that's what it takes, discipline.
Its great when a parent can sit in while I'm teaching your child. Remember I am teaching you as well.
You will be helping your child practice during the week until the next lesson.
For the guitar there will be complaints of hurting finger tips.
I cannot do anything about that it comes with guitar playing.
For the like piano, the fingers will not hurt.

After 3 to 6 months for the older student I expect all 6 strings to be complete and chords and strumming on guitar and learning songs of your choice.
Piano - Sight Reading and being able to play with 2 hands in the key of "C" with ease.
This will only happen with practice, And learning songs of your choice if you choose to.

Small ones as much time as they need depends upon how long it takes for them to learn it and how much time mom can help practice.

*** Studio Equipment **
Right up Piano,
Small 15 Watt Amp

**Supplies:
I do not supply instruments for any student. Parents you are
expected to purchase a 61 key keyboard of your choice and finances.Same goes for guitar. We will figure out the size you or your child needs. You must purchase your own books. I use Bastiens Primer A red book, Bastiens A Pink Book, along with these books they also have a theory book , performance book and technic book. Bk 1,2,3 also have a series of book 📚 to work with.

Guitar 🎸 I like to use Fast Track Bk 1 w/o CD. Then again they are becoming obsolete

*** Specialties ***
Song writing/Vocals
Beginner Piano/Intermediate
Beginner classical/intermediate guitar
Folk style guitar
Blues beginner/intermediate
Theory beginner/intermediate/advanced note reading
Piano beginner /intermediate young beginner young adult to the older adult this goes for piano.

*Please note those who need special songs for auditions while taking voice lessons let's discuss options. Vocals lessons are just as serious you must practice.

ste time believing you can 'self teach'. Your technique needs to be monitored by someone who knows music.

I've learned a great deal in my 20 years of teaching;

- patience
- persistence
- keep it fun
- change it up
- don't compromise the fundamentals
- encourage musical discipline
- tuning, warm-up, scales, technique, repertoire, new material
- repeat!

It's my belief that music fundamentals are critical and we will create a solid musical foundation by learning the language, understanding the critical issues of timing, rhythm, reading and learning how to LEARN!

I enjoy working with all ages but specialize in children and adults that act like children!

Stay a child! Learn something new.

What are you waiting for?!

If you don't see an availability you would like, please feel free to contact me via the TakeLessons site and ask questions!

nce groups and bands in different music genres. I am very passionate about my career and always open to new ideas and sharing my music with the world.

play in any style and ultimately create your own music.

le, fundamental bullet points so that students do not find themselves lost or confused. Overall, my combination of friendly attitude and communication skills means that all my students get a lesson they enjoy, remember, and improve with.