..
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
..
1. How long does it take to become a guitarist?
With my method you can become a GOOD guitar player after only one year, sometimes less. You will not waste your time and money, and you will never feel discouraged.
My method is simple. I work on a one-to-one basis only, and give 30 minutes of guitar practice at home everyday. You must take one lesson per week. Homework consists of specific instructions that I will write in your notebook and/or record on your cassette tape at the end of each lesson.
Typical results for someone who has never held a guitar:
1. After the first month, you will be able to play two or three first classic rock/song pieces like Jimmy Hendrix or the Beatles.
2. After approximately five to six months you will play your first difficult classic rock pieces such as, Hotel California and The Song Remains the Same, rythmic AND solo.
3. After nine to twelve months you will be able to play impressive high level pieces such as, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Steve Vai (to name a few).
Most of the pieces you will learn are from classic rock repertoire; that is, music that is well known and popular with everyone. However, I'm always open to replacing my repertoire with other musical pieces of your choice. Simply bring in a tape with the musical piece you would like to learn and I will work through it with you.
.
2. What is included in the lesson?
My lessons are based on technical exercises that will allow you to play any musical piece. In addition to technical exercises I also offer five to six lessons (seven to eight months after your first lesson if you are a beginner) dedicated solely to learning harmony. This approach will allow you play any piece without the help of a guide or book and you will play it by simply listening to it.
Three or four months after your first lesson (if you are a beginner) you will learn how to sing and play guitar at the same time.
.
3. Are the lessons the same for everyone?
No, my lessons are created to meet my students individual projects, personal goals, and level of expertise. For example, beginners with a professional or semi-professional objectives will have to complete an entire program of twelve to fifteen months (sometimes a bit more).
Beginners with no professional ambitions will reach a good level with a six to nine month lesson program. Within this program I also dedicate some lessons to improving my students singing voice (around 30% of inexperienced adults need voice exercises to learn to sing in tune; this ratio is a bit higher for children).
For intermediate or experienced musicians who are having difficulties progressing creatively and/or technically, I offer exercises to improve velocity, a new approach in the use of chords and scales, and some advanced lessons in harmony. The majority of my students in this category experience significant improvement after two to four months.
.
4. Which music styles do you teach?
I teach Blues, Rock, Jazz, and Bossa because they are an important foundation to all other musical styles, and they are also my favorite. I am not specialized in Classical guitar.
.
5. Will I able to play in band? If so, when?
Yes. In order to play in band or accompany a singer, the following sections are included in the program:
1. Initiation to musical composition and arrangements (not obligatory, but highly recommended);
2. Solo improvisation (after 2 to 3 months for a beginner)
3. Chord improvisation. In practice, chord improvisation is not really useful except, sometimes, in Jazz. However, it is a fantastic exercise to help you become familiar with harmony and improve your musical ear.
4. Short initiation to drum and bass guitar (not an obligatory, but may help). Here I use drum exercises (with no drum!) for students who have difficulties with rhythm (approximately 25% of people fall in this category)
A beginner who takes one lesson per week and do his 30 minutes homework per day can play in a band after 7 to 9 months.
. .
6. Are students of any age accepted?
Yes, of course. I have always had around 50% children and teenagers, and 50% adults as my students. However, I do not recommend individual lessons for children under 12 years of age unless they insist on it themselves.
. .
7. Should I come to the lessons with my own guitar?
It is not necessary to come to your lesson with your own guitar. Two fantastic guitars are available on site for the students: A Vintage Gibson ES-335 (30 years old), and a Paul Reed Smith Custom (1994).
.
8. Should I own my own guitar when I start my lessons?
Yes, you must own your own guitar. You will have homework to do as soon as you start your first lesson; however, I strongly recommend you ask me for advice before buying a guitar.