My teaching philosophy has changed and evolved throughout the last 43 years. It is this flexibility that has been one of the main cornerstones in my approach to teaching and getting the utmost potential out of each student. Just as each person is different, each student has different strengths, weaknesses, motivation, dedication, natural talent, etc. Once I have a foundation established with a new student, I will go about laying down a roadmap that will cover a variety of musical topics, as pertain to each individual student. At this point, short term and long term goals are set for the student, based on their input and desired results.
In my lessons I try to maintain a balance between fun and hard work. There is a lot to learn, but there’s no reason it can’t be fun too. We can go at whatever pace makes you feel comfortable.
My goal for you as my student is to give you a solid foundation on your instrument and in music that will serve you for the rest of your life. What that means is showing you how all styles of music use the very same components — chords, scales and rhythms. The only difference between styles is the combination of these different musical components and the instruments playing them. Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven used the same things Miles Davis, John Coltrane, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, and Rage Against the Machine did. Put in your favorite CD and you’re hearing the same notes that have been around for centuries. It doesn’t matter what you’re into, music is music. Having a solid grasp of chords, scales and especially rhythms will enable you to play any style of music that exists or will exist in the future.
Resource Links