Conference napalm::guitar

    
    I remember back when I was a youngin, a took lessons from a jazz
    teacher.  He taught me all about chords and theory and circle-o-5ths
    and this and that, but I was playin in a rock n roll band at the time
    so none of it (except some of the chord knowledge) was applicable. Pros
    were I got musically smart, cons were I wasn't playin any better as a
    rock guitarist.  So then I switched to a `rock' guitar teacher. He took
    one look at the books I was working from and threw them across the
    room!  He showed me a few blues scales and bending licks (this was mid
    70s pre-Van Headache) and told me to come up with my own solos over
    chord progressions he supplied.  Next week I'd show him my licks I'd
    developed and then I'd play the chord progrssions and he'd solo to show
    me a style.  I'd ask him how he was doing a cool lick of some
    technique, but he wouldn't show me what he was doing "I don't want kids
    stealing my licks" he barked.  Pros - Got intorduced to a style and
    *some* techniques that the jazz guy couldn't provide.  Cons - My
    musical knowledge ceased and actually wasn't receiving any concrete
    ideas from the teacher himself (due to his selfishness). 
    
    I had other teachers after that, but I cite those first two as a
    foundation for my playing.  Obviously, when you're first starting out,
    the first three years or so of your playing will be influenced alot by
    the teacher and the environment you're in.  Now that I'm a guitar
    teacher, I take the experiences I had as a kid and use them as a basis
    for my teaching.  I give my students the theory they need to be a good
    all around player and musically literate, but also I teach them
    everything I can about the style of playing they're into.  I don't hold
    any ideas or licks back from my students like my teachers did...if they
    want to know how to play something I know, fine, all the more power to
    them.  
    
    I think its good advice to say that if you have a teacher that is
    reluctant to devulge any info to you, or doesn't address your specific
    needs as a player, go find another teacher that will fulfill your
    needs ASAP.  You are paying for the instruction, it should more
    or less be structured the way the student wants, not the way the
    instructor thinks its should be. (example [before flames] - If I
    get a student who wants to learn improvisation, sure I'll show him
    ther other stuff, but I'll work it in around examples designed to
    teach him to improvise, I won't go off and start making him read
    music because its a good thing to know...I'm not fulfilling this
    students needs/requirements) 
    
    Also, when selecting a teacher, I ask to sit in and observe a lesson of
    his/hers to get a feel for their style/approach.  Then I have a
    discussion with them about what *I* want to learn/work on.  Again I
    think this is a good practice as it really weeds out teachers that
    wouldn't have been applicable to my playing. 
    
    
    Buck

    
    Another aspect that has really bugged me about teachers is the "you're
    not ready for that" syndrome.  I hear the teacher down the hall from me
    tell their students "Oh, I'm sorry but I can't show you how to play
    this (Van Halen or someone elses) solo yet, you're not ready for it." I
    used to get this same remark!  My gripe is, WHEN is someone ready to
    learn something???  IMO, someone can always start *somewhere* on
    learning something.  Sure, in the first grade, they don't expect you to
    read War & Peace right off, but does that mean they don't start you off
    reading??  Don't let a teacher tell you this...they can always find
    some starting point for you to start work towards a final goal, like a
    guitar solo.
    
    Buck 

    
    
    
    	I've heard that Gregg is a member of the band "Childhood".
    	I'm not farmilar with his teaching but I remember reading
    	that the band won the WBCN rock n roll rumble a couple years
    	back. They were getting some airplay on BCN about a year
    	back when then had an record released.
    
    	Are these lesson's in Groton ? I recently saw a flyer showing
    	him as an instructor for night classes there.
    
    	let us know what you think of him, I may decide to take lessons
    	from him also.
    
    	Ray.
    	

    I will be taking lessons from him on rt. 85 in Marlboro,MA, starting
    this saturday. I will let you know on Monday how it went.
    
                                                           -laurie

    
    	Re: Greg
    
    	Greg is a friend of mine, so my opinions are biased.  He has
    	a degree from U of Lowell and teaches at several places.
    
    	He is running the Indian Hill Synth Ensemble of which I am
    	the Bass player.  We switch off of writing arrangements and
    	his are very good ( I like mine better though ;-)).
    	I've never seen him teach guitar, but I know some of his former
    	students and they spoke highly of him.
    
    	I think you'll like him.
    
        Guy Novello
    

    re .2
    
    I agree totally, Bill, though I'm not a teacher, and have had guitar
    lessons only briefly a couple of years ago.  Whether you're taking
    lessons or not, it helps immensely to try stuff that you can't do.
    Its not long before all of a sudden you CAN play it(within reason),
    especially if what you want to learn is just a step or two away
    from your grasp.  Thats a great way to improve fast, even if what
    you want to learn is way out of your reach.

    re. .5
    
     Thanks Guy !!!!
    
                -laurie

    Well i got a call from Gregg on friday night. He said that due to
    his schedule he will not be teaching at middlesex community music
    school. So that leaves me back where i started, without a guitar
    teacher. But then sunday i got a message that middlesex community
    music school called and they are looking for a teacher so when they
    find one they will call me. I gotta find a teacher soon this is
    rediculous. Every time i find a teacher, the day before my first
    lesson they quit teaching in my area.
    HHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
                                      -LAURIE

    Buck is 100% right about people who don't share licks or say things
    like, "You're not ready for that yet."  From my experience, my own
    playing never grows more than when I'm showing somebody as much
    as they can take in!  It reinforces what I already know, brings
    new stuff to the surface, and prepares me to move on to newer
    techniques and ideas.  Selfish players only get to keep what they
    have, and that diminishes in value over time, as newer things start
    happening.
    
    Only proves to me the biblical philosophy that giving is receiving.
    
    	- tony -
    

    hi again
      well i got yet another call from middlesex community music school.
    they now have another teacher, his name is chris colucci. Has anyone
    heard of him? i'm gonna give him a shot and see how it goes.
    
                                                 -laurie

    Can anyone recommend an acoustic guitar teacher in the greater southern 
    NH area?
    
    I'm looking for someone who teaches fingerstyle; I'm mainly interested
    in technique, not theory, i.e., I'm looking mainly for someone I can
    learn various folk/blues licks from.  I can only do evenings. Any help
    would be appreciated.
    
    Rodney M.

    
    
      Brian Murphy
    
      At the Joy of Music next to Daddys' in Manchester and also at 
    a new music store in Milford, NH. next to the oval.  He would be 
    perfect for you needs.  I'll mail you his number in the morning.
    
      Rick.
    
     

    I'm looking for an instructor (or other experienced guitarist willing
    to teach) in the Derry NH area.  I'm a beginner who knows a bunch of
    chords, and a little bit of this and that but not quite enough to put
    it all together.
    
    Respond here or:
    
    Send mail to:  PENUTS::JHENDERSON
                   CSLALL::HENDERSON
    
    
    I'd like to learn Blues, Blues Rock, or just basic theory stuff.
    
    
    
    
    Jim

    I have an EXCELLENT guitar instructor at the moment.  I've
    had lessons with various people over the years, but have been very
    disappointed with theory-only; no-theory; etc, etc, styles.  My last
    two instructors couldn't even read or write music!  
    
    Anyway, I can't say enough about my current instructor.  He has
    developed a teaching method that is very effective.  He is the only
    instructor I've found who not only teaches theory, but in a way that is 
    intuitive and practical.  At the end of the day, you understand the 
    structure of music, rather than just being able to parrot back the music 
    theories.
    
    Also, he has extensive industry experience, and teaches recording as
    well.
    
    If anyone is interested, here is information from his advertisement:
    
    "Bob Wolfman 646-7481 
    Take lessons from a pro with over 15 yrs teaching experience who really
    cares about your progress.  It does not matter if you are a total
    beginner or an advanced player.  When you study with the right teacher
    who uses the right methods, you will learn quickly and easily.
    Lessons are carefully and thoroughly planned out for each student.
    Improve your ability to express yourself musically.  It's easier than
    you imagine! 
     Blues, rock, jazz, funk, fusion, folk, etc
    
    Performed with:
     	Larry Coryell
    	Grover Washington
    	Joe Beck
    	Arlen Roth
    	Bob Wolfman Group
    	Elan Vital
    	Sanborn
    	Ambrosia
    	Abacus
    	John Payne Band 
    	and many others"
    
    
    
    

    re .-1 ...
    
    is that area code 508? where is he located?
    
    - Dave

     I was curious what some of you are paying (have paid) for
    guitar lessons. Currently I am paying $10 for a half hour
    lesson (Colorado Springs). Is this reasonable?
    
    chuck

    I think I paid $8 for a half hour lesson (that ended up rarely being
    shorter then an hour) when I took lessons here last, Chuck.  That was
    about three years ago, so $10 doesn't sound out of line to me.
    
    Greg, also in Co. Springs

	I'm currently paying $10 a half-hour as well.  If anyone's looking
	for a teacher in the Manchester/Raymond NH area, send me mail and
	I'll put you in touch with Roy.  He plays in three different bands
	and has taught guitar/bass for many years.

	Sandy

    I paid $10 per half-hour recently (earlier this year) for a teacher
    that was a GIT grad.  Usually ended up running 45 minutes.

    I pay 9.50 per half hour at Ted Herbert's in Manchester.
    
    Mike

I charged $10.00 per half hour when last I taught.

    I charged $10/HOUR when I taught

    Gimme a couple beers and I'll be good for 'bout 2 hours ...  8^)
    
    Scary
    

    Hello...
    
    Can anyone refer to me a good teacher in the Salem, NH area?
    
    I work in Maynard, so if you know of someone close off 495N from
    Maynard, that would be good too!
    
    Please send mail to EMDS::CHAMBERLAIN.
    
    Thanx
    Lisa
    223-2619 (please send mail)
    
    Happy Holidays

    
    Re -1...update to a looking for a teacher note.  Thanks to a friend in
    here I hooked up with an instructor with whom I'm very happy.  His name
    is John Zevos and he works at Belisle Music in Manchester NH.  He's a
    very patient teacher and very easy to learn from.
    
    
    I highly recommend him.
    
    
    
    
    Jim

    (I tried to enter this in note 131, but am not sure it made it.)
    
    Can anyone recommend a bass teacher in the southern NH/northeastern MA
    area?  I'm interested in electric bass guitar right now, but may also
    want to get back into double bass in the future.  I live in Salem, NH
    (USA).  Thanks.
    
    Dave

    I'm looking for a guitar teacher ... location isn't a factor, but this
    man/woman must be well versed in modern guitar techniques (tapping,
    etc.), and have KILLER transcribing abilities.  I will be returning to
    guitar lessons soon, but for the sole purpose of learning some solos
    off of records which I have neither the time nor inclination to
    decipher myself.

    not to be rude or anything, but I busted a gut over -1

    Many of the best pro players still study; there's always someone you
    can learn from.  If you ever fool yourself into thinking you know it
    all, you're in trouble.
    

    me too!
    
    maybe he's trying to cop some Neil Young licks

    I guess the flipside is getting to a point where you're "comfortable"
    and playing within yourself.  Trying to be the fastest gun all the time
    wouldn't motivate me.  I'm sure it wouldn't motivate a lot of
    musicians.  I'd choose more musical skills (writing melodies that sound
    way cool!)

    >I guess the flipside is getting to a point where you're "comfortable"
    >and playing within yourself.  Trying to be the fastest gun all the time
    >wouldn't motivate me.
    
    Exactly.  I specifically know what I want to obtain from returning to
    lessons.  I'm well over the whole theory trip and fingerings stuff,
    moreso there is a very specific style of playing I'd like to become 
    more comfortable with, and want to use a teacher as a means of
    obtaining it (rather than doing it myself, I think it'll come much
    faster this way, and am willing to pay for it).
    

    re .31
    
    Sure, I sorta agree.  It's exactly some of these more 'musical' skills
    that studying with someone can help you achieve.  But I guess if you mean
    by "playing within yourself" that you don't seek to learn anything from
    anyone else then I'd say you are closing a big door.
    

    Nope, not closing that door.
    
    People that play within themselves play with more emotion ;-)

Buck, are ya looking for somebody to teach you how to slow
down them 128th notes?! Like the leads for Sedated or White Wedding?!
I can teach complete theory-less guitar and how to play leads using
only 3 frets in no time at all ;^).

We have a *very* advanced course on the art of stage presence called:

 "How to fake playing while capturing audience attention"

Dial 1-800-2-strings

Droid

    > Buck, are ya looking for somebody to teach you how to slow
    > down them 128th notes?!
    
    I didn't need a teacher for that: just got myself a Prozac
    perscription.

    This seems sorta related; just saw a recent Breeders video, and it looked
    like Kelly Deal was playing a one-string Strat.  Maybe a new trend?
    

    I believe it's Kim Deal, and I think it's a 2 string bass.  Been
    awhile, but I think I remember reading about it awhile back.
    
    Greg

    Well, I could be wrong but I think I can tell the Deal sisters apart.
    Anyway, it looked a guitar, and it seemed to make sense as the song
    featured this rather inane one note riff.
    
    Actually, I think both Deals are now playing guitar in that band, no?
    I thought Kim had switched and there was a new bass player.
    
    Of course, I would have to defer to you on this, Mr RADIO_RADIO
    

    what are the other members of the Deal family?  Raw?  Good?  Bad?  New?

    >what are the other members of the Deal family? 
    
    Shady.
    
    Actually, there WAS a bass player in the New Jersey area whose name
    was "Shady" Deal (I think "Shady" was short for Schuyler).
    
    He was the bass player with the legendary (and highly "emotional")
    Good Rats on their last album.

>    Well, I could be wrong but I think I can tell the Deal sisters apart.
    
    Oops!  I didn't realize there were more then one of 'em!  You're
    probably right.
    
>    Anyway, it looked a guitar, and it seemed to make sense as the song
>    featured this rather inane one note riff.
    
    Sounds like a pretty versatile instrument, right up there with that 2
    string bass that SOMEONE in the alternative world plays...
    
>    Of course, I would have to defer to you on this, Mr RADIO_RADIO
    
    I just host it, I'm not that up on all the bands, quite honestly.
    
    Greg

    The two-string bass player you're probably thinking of is Mark Sandman
    from the band Morphine (and previously Treat Her Right).  Just two
    strings, tuned a fifth apart, played with a slide.  He gets some great
    grooves going with it (really).
    
    I strongly recommend checking out Morphine if you haven't; their latest
    "Cure for Pain" is excellent.  Just three pieces: two-string bass,
    drums and bari sax.  It's a dream band: no guitars :-)
    
    /rick

    re: Morphine
    
    Yeah, I heard some of their stuff awhile back.  VERY interesting sound!
    Killer groove.
    
    Greg

    RE: Morphine

    Awsome sound. Who'dv thunk.