In Student's Home OR my MetroWest Studio . . . . .  
 

Learning music has always been considered part of a complete education but unfortunately it is often the first subject to be dropped from tight school budgets.  According to the PBS program, "Brain Fitness," musical activity stimulates neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to change and form "Brain/Body Maps").  It used to be thought that this is set by the time someone reaches their early twenties; however, new research shows that the brain is "plastic" throughout life and can be fundamentally changed by laying down new neural pathways.  

The great thing is that numerous studies have shown that learning a musical instrument improves overall brain function including sensory receptors, fine motor skills, and memory.  There is no question music can also relieve stress, enhance creativity, and foster social & emotional development as well.  

Basically, I teach students to "make music" with the guitar, not simply how to physically "play" the guitar.  Beginners of any age require more instruction on the physical requirements of guitar playing, but the more subtle aspects of musical expression quickly follow.  I believe it is short-changing the student to limit lessons to just showing students how to play chords or their favorite songs without teaching them the important fundamentals of music theory and efficient practice techniques.

How Do You Get to Carnegie Hall? 
 --- PRACTICE!  PRACTICE!  PRACTICE!

A student may not be aspiring to become a professional musician or  have the discipline to schedule regular practice sessions at first, but it needs to be said that the guitar is not an easy instrument to play well. While I do everything possible to encourage and inspire all my students, playing guitar really only becomes "fun" when he or she can "make music" which means they need to PRACTICE.  Sucess at any worthy pursuit, of course, whether it be mastering academic subjects or learning a sport, requires both time and effort.  And that's a very good life lesson to learn! 

Six weeks of lessons seems to be just the right amount of time to determine whether the student has the sustained interest and determination to overcome those first clumsy attempts to coax a tune from their chosen instrument.

This is why I offer a SPECIAL "GUITARIST IN A BAG" Introductory Lesson Package which includes six (6) HOME LESSONS, an instrument assessment (or new instrument recommendation), a new set of guitar strings and instructional materials -- all in a cool canvas "GUITARIST ON WHEELS" bag  -- see photo below --- ALL for $200.00.  (Package is only $150.00 if lessons are held in my MetroWest Studio.)

Note:  If the student's public/private school provides band, orchestra, glee or other music clubs, I would be happy to contact the teacher to coordinate instruction with the school music program.  Most schools welcome this as it greatly improves the student's confidence.

E-mail me with your instruction needs and I will happily personalize a study program for the student based on his or her needs.