Conference napalm::guitar

    I am looking to find a classical guitar instructor in the Acton,
    Westford, Littleton, Chelmsford, Carlisle, Boxboro area.
    
    I need someone who will take beginners.
    
    Any referrals would be greatly appreciated.
    
    Thanx ... Dan

    Anyone know of an instructor for Bluegrass Guitar in the Mid-Mass
    area?  (I know this isn't the right forum, but any info on fiddle
    instruction would also be welcome).

    I know your looking in the Mid-Mass area, but just over the border
    in Jaffery N.H. there is the Fiddler's Choice, their specialty is
    Bluegrass. If thats to far for you I'm sure they can help find you 
    find someone closer, their very helpful.
    
    Good Luck
    Jim
    

    Beryl Sachs, SALES::SACHS, DTN:276-9947
    
        I'm trying to learn how to play Bass. I've rented a guitar and
    amp to try it, I've gone through a couple of books practicing
    the basics and I'm now looking for an instructor in the
    Hopkinton/Marlboro/Stow area ???
    
    Beryl

    Jeff Lange, SONATA::LANGE, DTN:276-8495
    
    	Beryl, when you find that someone,send him downstairs to the
    data center...I really could use some theory,and fundemental
    instruction myself.

    Yo Jar_Head type buddy,
    
    You ought to be giving the lessons, not taking them.  Here's your
    man, Beryl...
    
    Jeff C.
    
    It's Just "2EZ"! 

    Hey, Beryl I thought I was the only Sales Bassman?  I'm bringing my
    bass out with me week after next from Madison for hopely more
    entertainment than I usually get from watching the paint dry on the
    rooms at the Holiday Inn, Malboro. 
    
    I'll be in Stow Monday the 28th.  I'll look you up.
    
Scott
    

    PLEASE CONTACT FERO DEL SOR AT 480-0987 HE IS A CLASSICAL AND FLAMINCO
    TEACHER.

    	Hi, I'm Mike, and I am looking to start lessons in Bass Guitar.
    I have always had the ambition to become a drummer, but because
    of cost and noise, I haven't.  But bass, in some respects, is like
    drums because it is (unless you're Geddy Lee) a background, underlying
    current in a song.  So (being an avid Peter Cetera-wanna-be) I decided
    to try it.  But before I do, I wanted to advertise here to see if
    anyone has any tips or suggestions about:  first equipment, lessons
    (what should I expect), level of play, etc.  Any and all input is
    greatly appreciated.  Thank you,
    
    Mike Bell

    
    Hi Mike,
    
    Well, my suggestions for a starting musician is to listen to as
    much music as you can.  In your case, you should be listening to
    bassists in the style you like (Jazz, funk, blues, hard rock) and
    listen to how they play...ie how they set up grooves with the
    drummer.
    
    As far as lessons go, basically you'll probably learn the strings
    and the notes on the fingerboard (it's a pretty common start). 
    I wouldn't let the instructor take too long on this (IMO)...the
    notes on the finger board should be known and basically memorzed
    in a little under 2 months (IMO).  After that, I think you should
    decide (more or less) what direction YOU want to go in. Some people
    want more theory, some want licks, some want to learn to read, some
    people want to walk thru changes, etc etc.  You can learn all these
    things at the same time, but I think its better if a student chooses
    a particluar aspect of playing to really focus on.  I stress the
    part of the YOU calling the shots...I mean, you are the player who
    needs to create an identity, not the instructor.  While he/she can
    help you along the way with many different aspects of playing, I
    fell student independance gained early on in lessons leads to a
    more creative and advanced player much quicker than a student who
    follows an instructor blindly thru life without a clue of direction.
    
    About equipment.  For now, as your starting out, I'd skimp on the
    amplification and put all your money into a good bass guitar.  So
    many people try and go half and half.  Again, if you don't know
    what kind of bass you want (body style, pickup configuration), check
    out what the bassists you enjoy listening to are playing...its a
    good reference point.  So, I'd expect to spend in the range of $300
    to $500. on a first bass. There are a few good reasons to this.
    One, it is easier to learn on a good instrument - one that tunes
    quickly and stays in tune will help develop your ear.  Also, when
    you get better, you won't need to buy a new bass (just an amp).
    Third, if you decide the bass `isn't you', you'll be able to sell
    a good instrument easier than a lower-quality instrument.
    
    Go for it!
    
    My suggestions for any beggining musician to 1-2 hours practice
    a day...you need to practice more as a beginner than you do once
    you get a handle on some things.  Also, learn the notes on the 
    fingerboard...its the stepping stone to reality.  Third, try and
    learn to read music...make life easier on you in the end.
    
    best of luck,
    Buck 

    
    Re: .1
    
    The only thing I would add from my own experiences:
    
    While you don't want to spend a lot of money on your first amp...it's
    better spent on the bass itself... you don't want to get an amp that's
    not loud enough to at least play with other people.  
    
    Otherwise the first time you go to jam with someone you'll need
    a new amp!!!
    
    Plus a lot of the "student" amps out there (like the Gorilla bass
    amp) have really poor tone, which I found very frutrating when I
    was starting out.
    
    My recommendation for an amp: Find a used Fender Bassman head, you
    should be able to get one for $100-$150 then pick up a cheap used
    speaker cabinet.  
    
    

    
    
    Does someone out there know of a guitar teacher in the Hudson, Ma.
    area?  Someone that would possibly make house calls or teach in
    their home (this is not must.)  I have taken lessons in the Acton
    area before and was disappointed with the instruction. Nothing
    can discourage a student like a teacher with no patience or better
    yet a teacher that spends his time and YOUR time/money showing you
    just how talented he is.  I need an instructor who is interested
    in my development as a musician.  
    
    Thanks  K.S

    I like to put my two here. I do not thing getting a bass between
    300 and 500 dollars is the thing to do for a first bass. I have
    played guitar for a while and the bass since January. I got an
    Aria Pro II which cost me way under $200.

    Where in Acton?  I take lessons at Acton Music Centre, across from
    the South Acton MBTA station, and have had good luck there.  The
    teacher I study under is Rob Butler, and he seems to have a genuine
    interest in teaching, not showing off.  Another place to try is
    Mr. C's music down on Main St. Marlboro.  I knew people who took
    lessons there, and had positive results.  Just don't buy anything
    there...
    
    	Hope this helps a little.
    
    	Craig (still working on the elusive Dave Gilmour panache...)
    

    How about recommendations for a teacher in the Haverhill, MA area?
    
    I took lesson for 3 years as a kid (some 20 years ago) and foolishly
    stuffed my guitar in a closet for the last 15.  I pick it up now
    and then, but get tired of playing the few tunes I still remember.
    I've searched hi and lo for instructional books that would interest
    me, but no luck (besides, I don't think I have the drive to learn
    again on my own).  I'm simply interested in getting back to the
    point where I can easily recognize chords when listening to my favorite
    music.  Also, I haven't given-up on books yet, so if anyone can
    recommend one that you think is my speed, please let me know.
    
    Thanks,
    John

    It was Acton Music.  I'm not condemning the establishment as a 
    whole because of 1 teacher, although it is a turn off.  Can't recall
    the instructors name unfortunately.  Do you know what kind of set
    up Mr. C's has for lessons? Cost?

    
    Re: -1
    
    You could always check out the Minor Chord in Acton.  The number
    is 264-0299.  They provide guitar lessons in all styles of playing.
    
    Buck 

    
    	Buy a good axe.  If you have the patience, buy it used, too.
    For $300 you can get a very excellent axe.  Somebody in here is
    selling some bass gear right now that sounds like good stuff at
    reasonable prices (Jim Stevens).  
    
    	Practice.  A lot.  If you can, at least an hour a day...if not,
    at least pick the thing up for 20 minutes and run through something.
    
    	Lessons from a good teacher will do wonders from you...if you
    practice.
    
    	Get together with other people as soon as possible and learn
    to 'jam'.   Bass is a role instrument and you can't adequately 
    learn how to play the role unless you're in an ensemble environment.
    There are plenty of people at your level.
    
    	Good luck.  

    Re: .4
    	
    	Really?  Minor Chord?  Huh.  I never figured them to be that
    decent.  It seems like a small(er) operation, and I never figured
    them to be reputable.  
    
    	I've been going to Acton for about a yr and a half now, and
    regrettably been through about 4 teachers, because they all leave.
    (?) So, I've been subjected to 4 different teaching styles, from
    best (Rob) to one guy who sat on the floor, with eyes like roadmaps
    who laughed an *awful* lot (Could've been half my playing, half
    the little green man in his head telling him silly jokes).  Still, I 
    don't think Acton music's that bad.  Frankly, I would choose Acton 
    over Mr. C's, mainly, because I despise the guy to runs Mr C's.  
    
    		But that's my opinion.
    
    I don't know the going rate of lessons over there.  But I guess
    they've got a couple hotshots (ooh!  The HAIR!!) that I suppose
    would provide marginal instruction.
                                                                    
    					/craig
    

    I STARTED PLAYING THE BASS LAST SEPTEMBER, AND I HAVE LEARNED FROM
    MY MISTAKES. I BOUGHT A NEW "PHANTOM" BASS (AN UNKNOWN BRAND) FOR
    $279. ALTHOUGH 
    I DON'T COMPLETELY REGRET BUYING IT, I HAVE BEEN HAVING SOME PROBLEMS
    WITH THE CONNECTIONS INSIDE THE VOLUME KNOB ON THE BASS. IF I HAD
    I HAD IT TO DO OVER AGAIN, I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE PUT THE SAME AMOUNT OF
    MONEY INTO A USED, NAME-BRAND BASS.
                   
    ANOTHER MISTAKE I MADE WAS TO SKIMP ON A CHEAP ($140) GORILLA AMP.
    IT WAS A PEACE OF CRAP. WHEN I FOUND SOME FREINDS TO PLAY WITH,
    I COULDN'T HEAR MYSELF, EVEN AT FULL VOLUME. I NOW HAVE A PEAVY
    TKO75, WHICH I AM PLEASED WITH. 
    	AS FOR LESSONS, I BELIEVE IT DEPENDS ON HOW SERIOUS YOU ARE,
    AS TO WHAT YOU SHOULD LEARN IN LESSONS. I TOOK UP BASS FOR FUN.
    I CANNOT READ MUSIC AT ALL, YET I AFTER FOUR MONTHS OF LESSONS AND
    PRACTICE, I AM NOW IN TWO BANDS; NOT GREAT BANDS, BUT NOT TOO BAD
    EITHER, AND I'M HAVING A BLAST.  IF YOU PLAN ON BEING REALLY SERIOUS
    ABOUT IT, YOU SHOULD
    DEFINITELY LEARN TO READ. LEARNING TO READ MUSIC TAKES A LOT OF
    TIME AND EFFORT, BUT IT IS DEFINITELY FOR THE BEST IN THE LONG RUN,
    IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT IT.
         

     I am 17 years old and have owned an electric guitar for about one
    and a half years. I took lessons for about a half a year. The reason
    that I quit my lessons is because my teacher wasn't very good. He
    was a very good guitar player, but when it came to teaching he would
    always show me something then goof off for the rest of the lesson
    and have me try to figure out what he just showed me and he didn't
    really help me. So I would go home not knowing exactly what it is
    I am supposed to be practicing. Be cause of this i lost interest
    and quit my lessons. Now I really would like to play guitar and
    take lessons again. I am very willing to practice a lot, if I know
    just what I am supposed to practice. I live in Marlboro,Ma and work
    second shift in hudson. So i am looking for a good guitar teacher
    who has enough patience to teach me and can teach on weekends or
    in the morning. I like to play all kinds of music but i love rock.
    No heavy metal just medium rock. if you think you could help me
    send mail or reply here. node- VAXINE::LEFEVRE. 
    
                                              -LAURIE "JUST A CO-OP"

>    < Note 802.0 by VAXINE::LEFEVRE >
>    -LAURIE "JUST A CO-OP"
    
    Any relation to Mylon LeFevre?
    
    I sympathize with a student who yearns to develop their musical
    potential.  Unfortunately, I don't live anywhere near HLO.
    Maybe some other kind soul will help out.
    
    Mike

    Sorry no relation to Mylon LeFevre. 
    
                                -laurie

>    < Note 802.2 by VAXINE::LEFEVRE >
>                           -< Lefevre or LeFevre ? >-
    
    It's LeFevre (pronounced La-fev-er).  He was a well known studio 
    guitarist/writer back in the 60s for such notables as Elvis Presley, 
    Beatles, The Who, Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath.
    
    He's now known as the leader of one of the more popular Christian rock 
    groups, Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart.
    
    Mike

    Wow thats interesting. Well i guess my name is different anyway.
    Mine is Lefevre its French. And pronounced Lafave. Well i've seen
    lots of different spellings for that name, like Lefebvre. Well back
    to the subject of guitar. I really do want to start my lessons again.
    So if anyone can reccommend me to any good teachers in the Marlboro
    area that would be great. Thanks for the reply though. 
    
                                              -laurie "just a co-op"

    Hi Laurie,... another CR fellow guitar player.  Right in Marlboro,
    there's a church associated w/the Middlesex Community Music School.
    ...right on Rt 85 up the road from Keepers II (St. Stephen's?)...
    they give guitar lessons.  There's a new guy starting there named
    (robert?) Butler, who's supposed to be pretty good.  I have some
    literature on this if you need.
    
    /Paul
    

�    There's a new guy starting there named (robert?) Butler
    
	Yeah, Rob Butler. I've been waiting for an opening with him at
	Acton Music. I took a few lessons with him there, but had to
	drop out due to other commitments. I like him.

	Could you make me a copy of information too? I'd really appreciate
	it!

Thanks,

	Larry
	PK02-1/M23

    Yes thank you. I would be interested in more information about lessons
    
    with Rob Butler. Like maybe a number i could call to get in touch
    
    with him. Also what kind of music does he teach? Whatever info you
    
    could give me would be a great help. I want to look into lessons
    
    with him. Thanks.
    
                                             -Laurie "just a co-op"

    
    Hi,
    
    Speaking of Acton Music, I am taking lessons there with a guy called
    Danny <somethingitalianlastnameIcantremember>, he is a good teacher
    for me, I have been playing quite a while (self taught) and needed some
    basics like barre chord techniques and blues scales. I think he
    would be good for a beginner, he spends most of the lesson teaching
    you stuff to work on at home, and then the rest working with you
    on stuff thats giving you trouble or something you're trying to
    learn from an album.
    
    Steve (Proud new owner of an Ovation Legend :-) )

    That sounds like a good thing i should look into except, i work
    on second shift so i can only go during my dinner break. i don't
    think i would have time to go from hudson to acton and have a guitar
    lesson all in one hour. thanks anyway.
    
                                               -laurie

    
    He does lessons at his home during the day too, other days he does
    session stuff.
    
    I don't know where he lives, I'll ask him when I see him next.
    Don't give up yet.
    
    In the meantime you could buy a book, "The Guitar Handbook" is very
    good.
    
    Keep on strummin'
    
    Steve.
    
    

>    < Note 802.10 by IMOCAE::HIRD "I'm in the agony of Slipperpain" >
>    
>    In the meantime you could buy a book, "The Guitar Handbook" is very
>    good.

    Would one be able to find this book as B. Dalton's or Walden books?
    
    Mike
        

    Also, who's the author of The Guitar Handbook?
    
    Thanks
    
    John

    The author of "The Guitar Handbook" is Ralph Denyer, and I can't
    recommend it enough ! It's one of the most comprehensive guitar
    books around. Buy one today ! 
    
    Andy
    

    Thanks, i will buy the book. As far as the beginning of this topic
    
    goes, i called the middlesex community music store. They said "rob
    
    butler" was going to teach there but now he is not. So i gave them
    
    my name and number and theyre gonna get back to me when they find
    
    a replacement. Thanks for all the help, it is greatly appreciated.
    
                                                          -laurie
    

    re .15 rob butler is gone
    
    oops, sorry about the type error. i just read it and i put middlesex
    
    community music store. What i really mean is middlesex community
    
    music school.

                                                 -laurie

    mr.c's main st. marlboro has 3 teachers. They charge $10.00 per
    half hour, or $18.00 per hour. If you are a beginner then i would
    suggest Randy or Shawn. If you are pretty good, are in a band, or
    have successfully been taking lessons for a while you should go
    to Rob. Rob will not teach beginners he teaches only advanced students.
    All three of them are good teachers and good people. I clean the
    music store once a week there, the people there are really easy
    to get along with. If you are an advanced player, i wouldn't go
    anywhere except there - to Rob. And what they say about " never
    buy anything there"... true in some cases you just have to watch
    out for what you buy and check the prices. Somethings there are
    a good deal some are not so good. compare and decide for yourself.
    Good luck. 
    
    P.S. what ever happened to Rob Butler, i heard he went to middlesex
    community music school, but i called there and they said he decided
    not to teach there.
    
                                                       -laurie

 
    I am looking for an instructor in the Westford or Groton area. I
    have had about 24 lessons over the last 20+ years and realize that
    this old man needs more. I need a hobby in my older years, which
    is just around the corner. Does anyone know of such a person? I like
    blues and Jazz. 

    			         OK
    
    	   This one should cause a lot of talk...
    
    	   I've been playing for two years now. I've never taken 
     	lessons for fear of getting cornered by a 'you should play
    	the way I play' teacher, and i've only 'jammed' (i hate that
    	term) with a few people, all of which are self-taught.
    
    	   Here's the prob...all these people i've jammed (err) with
    	say i've progressed past them. But where should I be after two
    	years? How do I know if, and what, i'm missing out?
    
    	   What should I know as a two-year old? Where should I stand?
    	And does anyone know a good substitute for the word 'jamming'
    	(cringe)?
    
    						Les
    

    
    Hey Les,
    
    You don't know a Steve Fister do you?  Wicked guitarist!
    
    anywho, I hate the word `Jam' also, but for substitutions there
    really isn't `one' word i can think of to replace it.  I usually
    say `I got together with so-n-so to bounce ideas', sounds better
    and more accurate than jamming.
    
    Where should you be after two years?  Well, I'd say that after two
    years, you should know the names and notes on the strings up to
    about the 7th fret area.  You should know most open and barre chord
    forms.  Maybe a few scales and have some dexterity already work
    out for picking/strumming.  Some people also can read *ok* by this
    point, but that all depends on what you're really into.
    
    You may want to try a few lessons and see how they go.  You can
    always learn something that you're not familiar with, and you
    can always drop them if you don't like them.  Just a recommendation.
    
    Buck 

	> Some people also can read *ok* by this point, but that all
	> depends on what you're really into.

	After 20 happy years of playing, I'm ashamed to say I can neither
	read nor write.  It never bothered me before, but now that I've
	got into serious composition, I feel it's a real downer - specially
	when you want to give someone *else* a copy of your ideas.  Btw, I
	never took lessons and feel that's let me open up to other people's
	style a lot more.

	/ravi

        That's right ...  I'll give lessons in your home.
        
        You don't have to go anywhere.  
        
        Curently covering the 495 belt  from Andover to Marlboro, but
        will consider other locations on a case-by-case basis.
        
        Specializing in rock, blues, and jazz-rock fusion improvisa-
        tion.    Have  a text to help  you  with  the  method  to my 
    	madness.  Scales, chords, voicings, modes.  Not too much 
    	theory, just practical applications.  I don't teach site-
    	reading.
        
        You set your own schedule.    1  hour  per week, 1/2 hour per
        month, up to 2 hours per session, whatever fits your learning
        curve / budget.
        
        $20 per hour.  Send MAIL> for prompt response.

    

     There's this guy I Marlboro I know who works third shift who is
    willing to teach in the mornings.  His mail node is MPGS::HASTINGS
     Try him he knows his stuff and is not expensive.
    Good Luck !!!
                             Tim

                            -<See Billy>-
    
Send him to Billy Lee's Music located at 855 West Boylston St. in Worc.
    Tell Billy you want Brian Kimball for instruction. Brian has been
        with a band called Dark Horse since it began. He's a fine teacher.
    
Billy Lee's is almost diagonally located from Kurlan's.
    You can phone (508)853-5812.  Tell him I sent yu.
    
       Paul.    	                     

    There are many fine guitar teachers at Clemente Studio in Worcester.
     I would highly recommend Rich Falco and Jay Tyner there.  Also
    I would recommend Rick Lindberg at Kurlan's.  You can always call
    Union Music Co. in Worcester and get some recommendations from them.
     If the 17 y.o. is interested in learning rock (and what 17 year
    old is not interested in rock?)  someone at Union can recommend
    a teacher.  I have found that most teachers worth their salt will
    charge about the same.  Also, look for a teacher who will teach
    some theory and teach how to read music - not just chords.

    Several years ago, I took on a couple of friends and kids of friends
    as music students.  But I didn't call myself a "teacher" cause
    I didn't want to inflate their expectations of what I could do
    for them.
    
    I carefully honed my image as one of "coach" - someone who didn't
    give them lessons, so much as "tips".
    
    Well, it looks like I may end up being a teacher after all.  The
    first reason is because I enjoy sharing what few insights I've
    had into playing - the second reason is that I love working
    with kids (I have none of my own), and the third reason is that
    there's about 5 or 6 adults and children whom I really like
    that really think I can "teach" them.
    
    My initial reaction?  FEAR, INADEQUACY, etc. etc.
    
    I know that some of you guys have taught.  As coach I've sorta had
    the luxury of "helping" rather than "teaching".  
    
    The first thing I wanted to do was get a course plan going.   Problem
    is, I really don't know what to cover and in what order.
    
    Do any of you experienced teachers have something on the order of
    a course plan that you could share with me?
    
    I imagine it would like something like this:
    
    1) Explain the instrument itself
    
    2) How to tune it
    
    3) Ultra-beginning theory (note names)
    
    4) 1st position chords
    
    I mean, I'm really at a loss to figure out what to do.  Some of the
    people I'm teaching have a good foundation of basic theory, others
    are just starting out.
    
    I know that my first lesson to any student at any level will be one
    of those "Zen of guitar playing" type things.  For example, I want
    kids to understand that I don't teach them guitar, they learn it.
    
    That is, "learning" is not a passive thing that the teacher "does to
    you".
    
    	db

    
    As a teacher, I try and tailor the lessons to the students personality
    and focus.  If I get a teenager who things Yngwie is god, then I will
    tell develop a course of theory, chop builders, and music appreciation
    and listening to get him on the course to playing yngwie-like leads.  I
    work his focus of fast leads AROUND music in general, so he learns it
    all while he thinks he's mainly learning how to play like yngwie. 
    
    For a basic beginner, I teach them about their guitar...if its electric
    how they can manipulate it for different sounds, and learn the
    controls.  Also, I teach them the indirect stuff like how to get the
    sound they want from their amps and effects to make them sound the best
    they can.  Music wise, I do a little of everything, but again its
    focused on the individual.  If a student idolized Bob Weir and wanted
    to be the ultimate rhythm guitarist, we would work on chord forms,
    rhight hand rhythms, ensemble playing, reading rhythms, voicings, chord
    spelling, all the rhythm orientated stuff, but sneak in the otehr
    stuff, like reading music (charts), theory, ear trianing.
    
    I don't start them off with 6 months of chords, then a few blues
    scales, then a few major scales, then reading for two years.  I start
    off with chords and open string melodies at first, with lots of right
    hand excercizes, but soon they get a weekly diet of Chords, scales
    (both blues and major), theory, and excercizes.  This is reviewed and
    built upon...it builds them into the well rounded guitarist. 
    
    Think of it like this:  If the kid wanted to be a body builder, would
    you have him work on just his biceps first?  then his lats, traps, and
    delts??  No, you would start him off working all the major muscle
    groups at once, and them build the weight slowly on all the muscle
    groups at once, so the body grew symmetrically...being a player is the
    same...just substitute music for weights!  ;^)
    
    Buck 

    I "coached" two of my cousins years ago. One gave up on the instument
    after a year, the other makes his living playing. 
    
    After instructing my cousin Bruce for about a year, it was clear
    that he had learned all he was going to from me. Teaching someone
    else really pointed clearly at the holes in my own background.
    He was hungry for more and more knowledge, and was playing with
    his schoolfriends (junior-high). They played at all the school
    dances. I kept encouraging him by lending him equipment for
    gigs, giving him tapes, etc. but he clearly was determined to 
    make it as a guitarist own his own. To this day, he is 28 years
    old, and has never worked any job other than playing music.
    
    I set him free, around the same time that I was moving 50 miles
    from my home town. He took lessons from a Berkely/Brookline S.o.M
    grad for a while, then switched to a guy named Mark Marquis from
    Leominster. To this day, he still takes lessons from Mark.
    
    When I was teaching him, I started off with a Mel Bay primer I
    had kicking around, and when we finished that, we moved right
    into the Berkely book. I took him 1/2 way through the Berkely
    book but hit a brick wall when we got to the second section
    on playing in differant positions. Sure I can play in various
    positions, but try reading and teaching this stuff. Clearly
    you can't teach something that you yourself haven't mastered.
    
    The only advice I can give is to pick out the really talented
    students, and know when to set them free. When you get to the
    point when they are gobbling up the information faster than
    you can dish it out, maybe they need some supplimental
    material, or maybe they should try a new advanced instructor.
    
    If you are teaching multiple students, you might want to arrange
    an occasional group lesson, so the students can get some exposure
    to other's playing levels, or maybe you could rent a video and
    play it for the "class", then reflect on the ideas presented as
    a group.
     
    Hope this helps
    
    Mark
    

                                                                          
    	I'm no teacher, Dave, but I have a suggestion for those early
    lessons. I recall that one of the things that was very confusing
    to me when I began learning was the importance of "proper pitch". 
    
    	The guitar can be somewhat arbitrarily tuned - "A" could be 400hz 
    or it could be 480hz and the guitar would *still* play as_a_guitar if 
    the *relative* tuning of the strings was maintained. It might even
    sound "OK" too.
    
    	So, when you talk of "tuning the guitar", there are really two
    different aspects: the absolute tuning (where you respect or disrespect
    the note_frequencies that are the convention) and the relative tuning
    of the strings (where you respect or disrespect the relative string
    tuning convention of the guitar). 
    
    	While I knew how to tune up a guitar in the relative sense,
    I had trouble for a long time (before the flood of the $19.95 guitar
    tuners) recognizing "proper pitch", something an experienced player 
    takes for granted; "Sure that's an E!". I even built myself a tuner, 
    so that I'd have _a chance_ of "getting there", in terms of sounding 
    like what was being played on the radio or whatever. I remember
    tuning up my first G string with it - and sure enough, the "twang"
    on BOC's "fear the reaper" song (which happened to be on the radio)
    was immediately recognized as an open G string.
    
    	There's nothing worse than having your instrument "all tuned
    up" and then finding that *none* of the notes available on the
    fretboard seem to "match with" something or someone you're trying
    to play with. The reason for this is because the *absolute* tuning
    betwixt the two is not the same. This concept, while it may seem
    "trivial" to the experienced player, can really hang up someone
    who's just learning!
    
    	Recognizing this and knowing what to do about it, perhaps "ought"
    to be part of the "how to tune your guitar" lesson in your curriculum.
    
    	Joe Jas
    

    Thanks for the replies so far.
    
    Have to thank Bill for reminding me not to focus too much on
    technical and theoretical stuff and be sure to give the kids
    the correct dosage of "what they want".
    
    I certainly think that the hardest part with the kids is maintaining
    their interest.  It's also probably the most important part so I
    gotta watch myself.
    
    I have a tendency to go "A.R." (Anal Rententive, or overly analytical) 
    about the guitar.  It works for me - it probably doesn't do much
    good for someone who's 14.
    
    Anyway, it's kind of an exciting prospect to work with someone from
    the start.  I also know he's going to practice cause he has taken
    some accordion lessons and practices a lot without ever having
    to be told to.
    
    	db

    I'm a little late on my reply but I recently read the notes and 
    felt like throwing in two bits.  I've listed some tips on things
    I've learned over the years.

    	- have your students purchase a metronone  (we use this for 
    finger excersices and coordination studies.  Through the years I 
    have found that many, many, so-called great guitarists have terrible 
    timing.  Using the metronone in the beginning will alleviate these 
    troubles as they might have developed).
    
    	- chord charts (have the student learn different chords each
    week and show him/her how they can apply the chords - i.e. popular
    songs.  Learning chords on there own is fine but I find that students
    REALLY get to know them when they can use them in their fave tunes).
    
    	- never forget to introduce the use of the pinky! (god, it's
    sickening to see how many guitarists don't use it).
    
    	- introduce new guitarists (chances are your students are going
    to look to you for direction.  If you can turn them on to what you
    consider to be good guitar players, you may help influence them
    to a new style, new sound, new technique, whatever.  I add this
    comment because many of the students that I've taught over the years
    come into the lessons with a very narrow spectrum of folks they
    listen to and once they get a taste of other offerings it tends
    to open a new can of worms).

    	- as the lessons develop, introduce the use of the picking hand
    as well as the chording hand.  Learn and teach different fingering
    styles (i.e. classical, Kotke, etc.).  The more you can learn the
    more you can pass on.
    
    
    Joel

I am ready to begin taking lessons.  The local Community Music organization has
a fellow with a BA from Berkeley that teaches guitar and electric bass.  This
fellow has been recommended to me.  Their rates are:

	$15 for 30 minute private lesson
	$20 for 45 minute private lesson
	$25 for 1 hour private lesson

You need to commit to a school year of lessons (30 weeks), pay half of the money
up front along with a $15 registration fee.

How does this compare to the going rates for lessons?

I like the idea of studing with someone who has some theory background and the
location of lessons would be very convenient (I live in Winchester,MA).

    
    I think the prices are reasonable for a *good* teacher.
    
    I like the idea of the committment thing. I taught at Sudbury Music
    Center for about 6 months. Half the time, students wouldn't show
    up, or not be prepared, or stop after 2 lessons. It was a big waste
    of my time. I ended up vowing to never give another guitar lesson again
    in this or any other life... and teaching is what I went to Berklee for.
                                                      
    Guy
    

That's a reasonable arrangement.  A professional music teacher has *got* to 
have some financial committment from the student in order to stay in business.
It's a marginal and risky business at best.  I gave up full-time teaching as 
soon as I learned I was gonna be a father.

Bob

    
    I've just started private lessons myself, studying with a professional/
    studio player to learn Jazz, theory, reading, chord contruction,
    fingerboard harmony, etc.. His prices are $15 for � hour $25 for
    an hour, as well. It DOES seem expensive to me, but I believe that
    the teacher is good, (going well after 2 lessons!!). I pay 1 month at 
    a time. It's going back to school for me, studying guitar instead
    of Computer/Math. 
    
    Phil.

    
    

    
    
    
    	Up heya in Maine the going rate seems to be about � what's been
    talked about so far.  My instructor is a graduate from our local
    university and charges 7.50 per half hour and $15 for an hour.  I'm
    required to pay for lessons that I cancel less than 24 hours before
    they are scheduled, but I'm not responsible for paying for lessons for
    which I give better than 24 hour notice.
    
    
    Steve
    Jazz??

Currently paying $18/hour-long lesson in Colorado Springs for music theory/
technique type lessons.  We meet anywhere between once and 4 times a month. 

My best guitar teacher charged me $15/hour, about
a year and a half ago. This was done from his home, 
so he had very little overhead.

We had regularly scheduled lessons, once per week,
but both remained very flexible to cancellation.
When he got very busy, or stayed up too late the night 
before at a gig, he called me and rescheduled the lesson.
The same from my end. I appreciated it.

The flexability in calcellation was one of the
best things about the lessons. I understand that
it may have been less than optimal for him, but
it seemed to work for both of us. I learned more
that I have been able to apply.

I would NEVER sign up for a year commitment, especially
if I didn't get some kind of a tuition break. The most
that I would commit to would be a month. You should
at least get a month or two's worth of lessons before
you sign with this guy for a year. It might take that long
to find out if you are compatible, and if he is any good
at teaching "YOU". 

If this teacher won't go for a few lessons before you make a
long commitment, I'd go elsewhere. And, just because he has
a Berkley degree, doesn't mean that he can teach. Take
a test drive before you buy.

Just my opinion,
Rick

RE:-1

Remember that this is a community music organization.  They only arrange for 
classes by the year.  I have found out that he also teaches a local music store.
I will be calling there to see what they have available.  I agree about the
year's commitment.  A lot can happen in a year.

    I finally ran across a copy of Ralph Denyer's "Guitar Handbook" at a
    local bookstore.  It lists for $19.95 but looks to be very
    comprehensive, especially when compared to other offerings.
    
    I guess I'll break down and get it! :-)
    
    Mike

    I have learned the Classical guitar for the last 15 years (I'm 22)
    and I would love to start learning to play Bass.
    The only problem is that my hands are small and, while I can manage
    the stretches on my Classical guitar, I am worried that I won't
    be able to manage a bass. I had a go on a Fender Precision and found
    it a bit of a struggle.
    Are there any basses which are a little easier to play, or must
    I choose some other instrument to lose my heart to?!
    Thanks in advance,
    Julie

    Try an older Fender Jazz Bass, they are smaller at he nut.  The
    new Fender Basses all seem to use the sam esize fret board so, try
    an older one, say eaarly 70's, late 60's.
    
    
    Don

    
    There are basses with shorter scale lengths.  Fender invented the bass
    guitar and came up with a 34" scale (string basses tend to have 42" or
    longer scale lengths).  Gibson countered with a 30" scale and some
    makers (Alembic, notably; got $2500?) came up with a 32"  "medium"
    scale.  The shorter scale basses had some popularity but most were
    phased out by the late seventies, but can be had used.
    
    However, it's best to learn on a long-scale bass since if you ever go
    to upgrade you will find it hard to find high quality instruments with
    short scales.  Fender made some, for instance, but they were intended
    as "beginner" instruments.  I started out on a 30" bass for the reasons
    you have stated but had to eventually bite the bullet and move to the
    34" scale.  Now I feel quite comfortable on it and my remaining 30"
    bass actually feels "small".
    
    As the previous reply stated, the Fender Jazz Bass has a tapered
    fingerboard, so that the strings are not spaced as wide on the
    Precision neck.  Many other basses on the market have a similar taper,
    the Guild Pilot a notable example.  Rickenbacker basses also have more
    slender necks, both in terms of fingerboard width and the actual
    thickness (front-to-back) of the neck and are worth looking into.
    Check out older used Fenders as well, over the years Fender has had
    many different neck profiles.  The early sixties ones are quite slender
    while the ones from the seventies seem more like tree trunks!!!
    
    							Brian

    I also have smallish hands, so I can relate to your problems with
    basses. The Fender Jazz Bass is definitely much easier and more
    comfortable to play if you have small hands. Precisions are about the
    largest neck of any bass. There are also many other basses to choose
    from. Gibson basses, while not famous in all circles for their tone,
    mostly have narrower, more comfortable necks. Hofner Beatle basses,
    some Guild basses, etc, etc. I think in general that semi-hollow body
    basses have narrower necks, while those modelled after the Precision
    will have wider necks.
    
    Now that I've said all of that, let me add that a lot of it is just
    what you're used to. When you're first starting out the Precision may
    feel very awkward, but if you played it enough to get used to it I
    don't think you'd find that your hand size was a real problem. It is
    definitely a great bass (although I personally like Fender Jazz Basses).
    
    - Ram

    
    I should add that you may want to consider that bass fingering is best
    done *not* like guitar fingering in the lower positions (closer to the
    nut).  Using a three-fret spread (i.e. index, middle, ring/thumb
    combined) is how string bass technique developed.  Trying for four fret
    stretches on a bass is pretty hard.  I typically use three fret
    stretches until I get above the fifth fret.  It's a lot more
    comfortable!!!

    I know a player in very popular and active Boston based blues
    band.  He's mentioned on several occasions that he likes to use
    Precisions (he has fairly small hands as well) because it forces
    him to simplify his style.  The fact that it's a bit harder to
    get around on the Precision neck is actually considered to be
    a plus for him.  Overplaying bass lines (naw, we never do that
    do we?) would to tend to get in the way of that style of music;
    the P-bass makes it easier for him to stay "in the pocket".
    
    Just an interesting point of view.
    
    /rick

    Check out a Fender Precision LYTE - - the neck is smaller than that of
    a Strat.  It's a breeze to play.  
    
    Dan

	It might just be your getting used to playing a Bass Guitar. 
	Were you playing a steel string or nylon string before??
	Basses take a bit more hand strength to play than any good
	6 string. I assume that you were either playing with a pick
	or using your fingers. Plucking with your thumb is a bad habit
	that should be quickly overcome. Switching to Bass from a regular
	guitar takes time & practice. I play a double neck 6 string/Bass
	and I swap back & forth frequently (I play in a duo). If I play 
	too much Bass, my left hand wrist gets sore until it gets built
	up.

	Stick with a 34 inch (P Bass) scale, as it is probably the most
	common. Once you get used to it, you'll find that playing a
	Fretless bass (of the same scale length) is actually pretty easy,
	but it's more precussive (listen to Jaco sometime, you'll see
	what I mean) & potentially more expressive.

	Also when you play bass, the way that you pluck the strings has
	a big effect on the sound. Finger tips sound different than a
	guitar pick (use at least a medium, otherwise it will break
	very quickly). You can also slap the strings with your finger tips
	or hand & get a very punchy tonal quality.

	Bass is a fun instrument to play & how you play it effects the mood
	as well as the drive of any given song.

		Jens_who_played_bass_for_years_before_switching_to_guitar

    Thanks for all the replies - I shall be taking a list of the basses
    mentioned to the local music shops and requesting that they let
    me try them out. I shall probably feel something of a fool because
    I can't play properly yet, but I suppose they're used to that kind
    of thing!
    I hadn't realised that there was such a differing choice - I felt
    quite disappointed when I realised that the Precision was too much
    for me as I really liked the sound of it - but if I can get a less
    awkward bass to play, I'm happy!
    
    I hope I will be able to sign in as a bass player one day!
    
    Thanks again,
    Julie
    

    stew mac has a pocket bass for $ 135.75 screw together kit of unfinished
    wood  22 1/2 " scale 
    
    looks like a good start 

    I just transferred out to Colorado from Mass, and I'd like to get 
    recommendations for a guitar instructor in the 'Springs area and
    general price info.
    
    I've been playing acoustic guitar for about 6 months and I'd like
    to keep up with it.  I'd like to find an instructor with interest/
    ability in C&W music (dirty words back home. ;-).  
    
    Please send me mail at CSC32::BAER.
    
    Thanks.
    
    Caroline
    592-4609

    Hi Caroline,
    
    I used to take lessons with a guy named Chris Kostka here in Co.
    Springs.  He doesn't concentrate on C&W though, but he's strong in many
    areas.  He taught me a lot about music theory, scales, picking
    exercises, some classical pieces, some rock pieces and such.
    
    He's very pleasant and knowledgable, I highly recommend him.  He
    charged $10 a less a few months ago.  His number is 574-9366.
    
    My friend J. So (CSC32::H_SO) had taken lessons from someone that he
    really liked here in town too, but I can't remember his name.  J. reads
    this notesfile, so I'm sure he'll be glad to fill you in.
    
    Greg
              

Hi Caroline.  Welcome to the Springs.  Mary Zinn is an excellent instructor, and
she will teach in just about any style.  I took classical from her for over
a year, and I remember some of her folk/rock students.  C&W would be no problem,
I'm sure.  Good luck.

/Mike

    
    RE: .1...Hey, Greg, dude, dude, dudu, I mean dude!  You actually called
    	me "friend"?  You know not what you do!  Can I like mooooch off some
    	of your equipment since we're "friends' now?     \   
    							8^>  extra wide
    							 /     grin!
    
    Seriously, I took lessons for only 2 months last year when I first
    started SERIOUSLY consider playing lead (almost exactly a year ago).
    Took lessons from Michael Miller; one of the neatest guys I ever met!
    Next to Greg, of course!  Brownie point #1
     
    Welcome to Colorado Springs, Caroline!
    Try calling Michael Miller Studios and talk to him a while, that's how
    I got with him.  This guy can play *ANYTHING*!  And he's the most 
    patient guy in the world, too!  Again, next to Greg!  BP #2 8*)
    He's in the white and yellow pages.  Just don't think about my playing 
    when thinking of Michael's credentials; his instructions had nothing 
    to do with MY inability to play 8( .
    
    Whatever you decide, good luck!  I hope you'll find a good teacher.
    I do highly recommend Michael, though.  Compared to year ago, I can 
    sorta fake it and make people believe I know what I'm doing, when
    I actually have no idea!  Michael is classically trained(college), 
    and now, he's really into jazz.  He taught me alot about improv!
    But of course, compared to me, Greg is God!  BP #3 (I really want
    his ADA! 8*)  )
    
    Looking forward to meeting you!
    
    J. 
    I know that Rice Music in town gives music lessons, and I had a friend
    (yes, I did, and now Greg's calling me friend, I'm really touched,
    you guys!) that took lessons there and he said a lot of good things 
    about that place.  As far as equipment goes, Walter at Rice is really
    good-tell them Greg sent ya; if you tell him I did, you're liable to 
    get lynched! 8)

    Really now, J.!  I don't think I've ever been complemented that much in
    my life, even my parents don't like me that much...
    
    >Greg is God! 
    
    I could agree with the rest of 'em, but this one's just *toooo* much! 
    
    ;^)
    
    Greg

    Now that he mentioned it, has anyone ever seen Greg & God in the same
    place? ;-0
    
    Mike

	You might check out some of the many C/W pickers around the
	CX03 building. There some that are apt to want to get together
	and say hello.

	Re. -1

	I've never seen Greg and Mr. Ed together at the same time either.

								Jens

    >	I've never seen Greg and Mr. Ed together at the same time either.
    
    ...but I have heard myself likened to a horses rear end before.

    
    A guitar player goes to heaven(like they all do ;-)  ) and sees all 
    these guitar greats walking around!  Randy Rhodes, Jimi Hendrix, etc,
    etc!  And he says, "Wow! this is great!  Maybe I can learn something 
    from these guys!"  Then he sees this strange looking dude walking
    around with a guitar and he asks, "who's this guy?"  The guy next to 
    him says, "Oh, he's God, but he thinks he's Greg House!"  (tah, dum,
    dum!  8-D
    
    OK, OK, so it's a cover joke!
    
    J. 

    
    
    since I know Chris I take lessons from him it is $10/hr at your house
    I also know "J" and he is touched....; ).....and Jens he probably can
    part his hair with a wave of his hand.....; )........
    
    
    
                             73's & 88's you all.....
    And welcome to Colo Springs.....expand you pickin & grinnin...; )...
    
    
                                   Kevin

    
    RE: -.1 >>I also know "J" and he is touched....; )
                     ^^^^
    
    Hey, Kevin!  Are you sure you wanna admit that???  In public even???
    
    J. 
    
    5150 all the way!

    Hi Guys!  
    
    I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond.  But now that I finally 
    get a chance to get back in here...
    
    Thanks for all the input, the mail messages, and welcomes.  :-)
    I've been itching to get out to Colorado for months and can't 
    believe I actually made it.  The guitar's a bit dusty (and stopped
    wagging it's tail weeks ago), but hopefully it won't take me that
    long to get back into the swing of things...  (No pun intended ;-)
    
    I can't wait to get back into playing!  I'll start calling around
    tomorrow or Monday and see who has cast-iron ears and the patience 
    to help!  Now if only I could find my music...
    
    Can't say as I ever met god yet, but I'm familiar with lots of horses'
    asses!  ;-)  Er... Can I say lookin forward to meeting the rest of
    you?!  (Just kidding guys!)
    
    I'm over at CX03-2/I2, if any of you are in the area stop by...
    
    Thanks again,
    
    Caroline
    
    

    
    RE: -.1
    Wrong move, Caroline.  Now, Kevin knows where you're at, he might 
    even visit you...OH, NO!  It's the Burbs! 8-0
    
    J.

    
    Watch it "J" I jes might vist you,I gots me a crome plated chainsaw I
    wanna try out(meebe on this contraption you bilt??).....; )
    
    
    
                          Kevin
    Braaaaaack.....zooooooommmmmmm.....zooooooommmmmmmmm....umm umm umm
    umm..........
    
    

    help needed............
    
    
    I recently completed an 8 week course at the local vocational school on
    begining guitar. I loved it. now I'm looking to increase my skills.
    Does anyone know of
    
             1) someone in the marlboro/hudson area that gives lessons
    
             2) any self instruction courses available, looking for
                something with book and audio tapes (i can't remember
                some of the tunes too well at this time).
    
    I am not a learner of notes, but of chords...
    
    
    also if anything like this was already in a previous note pls direct
    me.
    
    
    Thanks
    
    Dave
    
    Chips::comerford

    Looking for folk/blues guitar teacher in the Salem/Derry NH area.
    Anybody have any recomendations???
    

    A friend of mine is looking to purchase 10 guitar lessons for her
    husband for his birthday.  She says that he plays mostly James
    Taylorish type music.  Can anybody give some opinions of guitar
    instructors in the Nashua, NH area?
    
    Thanks!
    
    -- Kristy

    
    Have Buck give him lessons.  He knows all Barry Manilow's songs, I hear.
    8^)
    
    J.

    I apologize if this is a misplaced note.  I just discoverd this notesfile,
    and I did a little poking around, but I couldn't find a note dedicated
    to instructors.
    
    I am currently taking lessons from someone in Arlington (MA), and my
    instructor said that he'd like to take on at least one additional
    student.  He's not a professional instructor (if there is such a
    thing); he's a freelance writer who needs the money!
    
    I think he's a good player, and I like his teaching style; he's
    pretty laid back and willing to do just about anything.  It's a good
    style for me, but it may not be for others.  He charges $20/hour.
    
    If you're interested, or know of anyone who might be, please send me mail 
    or reply to this note.
    
    Leslie

    Thank you SO much. :-) :-)

    Kristy, why don't you just drop by Daddy's on Spitbrook Road and
    ask them for recommendations...  
    
    jc

    
    That's my name, don't wear it out!  ;^)
    
    J.

  Does anyone have any recommendations for a good guitar instructor
  in the Watertown, MA area?

  The perfect instructor would be qualified to teach rock guitar,
  classical guitar and voice.

					Thanks,
					jp

    See note 1966.  Doesn't sound like a perfect match, but Arlington is
    relatively close to Watertown.
    
    Leslie

    Since I don't follow this notesfile, if you're interested in this
    teacher, please send mail to NIMBUS::HARRISON.
    
    Leslie

    re: .3
    
    Daddy's may be a bit biased - they have in-house instructors.

    Old man wants/needs guitar lessons to learn to play as a hobby to keep 
    him busy during his days of swinging  on the porch watching the grass grow
    an other things play. Blues, Jazz , slooow and easy music. elevator
    stuff is okay. Westford or Groton area is ideal. One hour lesson every
    other week is about right as my fingers move real slow and practice
    takes a long, long time. What say out there? Any takers? Anyone up
    for a challenge? 
    	

    
    	I have an interesting challenge to undertake. This past summer
    I "borrowed" a string bass from the local high school, and resumed
    playing said instrument after a 20 year absence. Being just a bit
    wiser now than at 19, i dug out my Edmund Nanny book and worked on
    all the drills my instructor at berklee could not get me to do back
    then.
    
    	Now, we have a student in high-school who wants to play. Great, fine,
    I'm happy to return the bass and get this student started. However,
    both the the student and her parents envision a rapid rampup time.
    She will primarily be playing in jazz band, she does have a fair
    amount of musical ability, but personally, I found it took several
    weeks of playing just to get my hands conditioned to deal with the
    neck and the bow. I have played guitar at least once a week for 25+
    years - at least my callosses were in shape. I have played a fair
    amount of electric bass recently - but the upright will always be
    a different animal.
    
    	I'm busy these day's plotting a strategy that does not discourage
    but at the same time, emphasizes the importance of practice -
    especially drills (the book has many fine ones).  Both her parents
    and the student do not feel they need to work with the bow - of course
    the music director and myself disagree.  I've even suggested that
    if straight pizz is all they want, get an electric bass - it is far
    easier.
    
    	What amuses me as i look at all this, is I've been really
    struggling trying to play some cello parts for some Corelli we are
    planning to do at Xmas. I know i really lost out by not doing all
    the drills for the 3rd,4th, and 5th positions 20 years ago,, and i'm 
    paying for it now.  I hope i'm successful in conveying the importance of
    not making hasty conclusions as to what you need and don't need.
    
    	The same applies to all you  guitar players. Knowledge never hurts.
    Understanding harmony, scales adds a lot of power to your playing
    arsenal.  You can see from the notes within that WJB did his homework
    on theory. If you listen to him, and after you get your jaw back up,
    you can appreciate how all that study payed off! I know I'd do it
    differently 20 years ago if I knew what I know now.
    
    	bob
    

    I would like to learn bass guitar.  Can anyone help me find a book
    to learn from.  I can read music, so I will probably teach myself.
    I am interested in jazz-popular music.  I will appreciate any
    information you can share.
    

    I've been checking out the Paul Gilbert video...this guy is insane!!
    Made me realize my right hand really does stink!!  8^(
    
    
    Buck, locking himself in the woodshed and throwing away the key

    Re -.1: Yeah, I've been checking out the Albert Lee instructional video
    and I hope there's room in Buck's woodshed for another tone-bro.  I'm
    not sure I could play some of this stuff at half-speed!
    
    John, who picked up the key Buck threw away, unlocked and entered the
    shed and then threw it away again.

    
    I've seen some snippets from Arlen Roth's instructional videos and
    they seem to be very good for blues, country, and r&b styles.
    He is pretty versatile....I probably should spring for one of
    the tapes.  I wish the local video stores carried instructional tapes.
    
    Brian, who_saw_the_key_John_left_on_the_ground_and_used_it_to_open_
           Buck's_woodshed_and_noticed_it_was_too_crowded_with_both_
           John_and_Buck_in_there,_and_then_decided_that_it_would_
           be_warmer_practicing_in_the_house_anyway.

    A lot of the videos say that they are not to be rented out.
    
    Mike who_locked_them_all_in_the_shed_and_threw_away_the_key ;-)

    I'd love to see some instructional videos, but my VCR's still broken...
    
    :-(
    
    Greg (who_saw_this_freekin_key_outside_a_dumpy_shed_picked_it_up_and_opened
          the_door_and_screamed_WHAT'S_THAT_NOISE_IN_THERE_and_promptly_
          shut_the_door_and_locked_it_up_tight)

    Anyone heard of a place called "Rosalita" in Hudson, N.H.? In
    particular, an instructor called Kevin. A friend is looking for
    some lessons, found this place in the phone book and is wondering
    if anyone has heard of it.

    Or, if anyone has any recommendations for Guitar instructors for
    beginners in Nashua, Hudson, etc. I'd appreciate that.
    It looks like many of the suggestions in this note are a few years
    old.

      
    
      re:  Rosalita in Hudson, NH
    
           If my memory is any good at all, I believe Rosalita's is one
           of those "Spanish guitar and accordion places."  I think their
           main line of business is signing people up on their rent-to-own
           program, and making money from thier instruments that way.
    
           I believe their main clientele consists of school children,
           and that they have recitals, etc.
    
           I may be all wrong about this.  Your friend may want to take
           a trial lesson.
    
           He might also trying calling the adult education center in
           Nashua, the Nashua Arts Center, the University of Lowell (in
           Lowell).  All of these places have decent instructors.
    
    
            Brian
    

	I've sampled the lessons available at Darell's in downtown
	Nashua and at Daddy's in Nashua. I've been most happy driving
	to Manchester and taking my lessons from Gerry Adams at
	Ted Herbert's.

    I live in Hudson and have some experience with the Rosita Lee Music
    Center.  It's a family run business, the family is the Latulippe's.
    
    The experience was generally unsatisfactory and, as NOTES policy
    requires, I will contact you via mail.

        As long as I'm doing recommendations today, let me mention
        Bob Wolfman in Arlington, MA. (617-646-7481)

        I've been taking lessons with him for about 3 months and I've
        probably made more progress than I've made in the last 3 years.
        His guitar instruction is very structured and gives you an 
        background in rock/blues/jazz/fusion. Lessons are an hour long, 
        weekly assignments, etc. I'm just starting his series on modes this
        week. He's a Berklee grad with lots of playing credits behind him.
        Good luck.