Gary - Music Theory Instructor - Strasburg
1st lesson free
Gary - Music Theory Instructor - Strasburg

Gary's email address and phone number have been validated.

Gary

  • Rate Ksh. 6,488
  • Response 1h
Gary - Music Theory Instructor - Strasburg

Ksh. 6,488/hr

1st lesson free

Contact

1st lesson free

1st lesson free

  • Music Theory

Experienced tutor in Music theory in Strasburg, Gary offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

  • Music Theory

Lesson location

About Gary

We recognize that individuals vary in their styles of learning. While auditory and tactile learning are central to music education, there is more than one way for a student to arrive at a concept. We assess a student's learning style, music preferences and personal goals and incorporate them into individualized lesson plans which optimize the student's musical progress. We travel to the student's home for convenience, and also hold lessons in our Strasburg studio for the more budget-minded student

I enjoy helping people achieve their musical goals, whether they are adults or children. I am usually able to establish good rapport with children and it is gratifying to watch them grow as musicians and as people. Sometimes I attend their school plays, band concerts, etc. I learned that from an old music teacher, Willis Keeling, who I loved and who would often visit a club I might be playing, back in the 70's. Many students who have moved away and/or grown up remain in contact with me. I was touched when a mother told me that her two young daughters, both of whom I had taught for over three years, had asked, upon learning that her job was taking the family to California, if, "Mr Gary was going to move our there with them". It is as though, sometimes, I almost become part of the family. Things like that make this a nice life. I also LOVE to perform, but that is another matter entirely.

Initially, It was a way to supplement my income while in music school. Then I learned that I was good at it, and that I truly enjoy the work. I have a very good rapport with children and it is very gratifying to watch them grow a people and as musicians. I have students who have moved away and/or grown up with whom I stay in touch, even years later. It's as though, in some cases, I've become almost part of the family. That is hard to walk away from.



I graduated with a bachelor's degree from Shenandoah Conservatory with a concentration on Bass guitar. I studied the basic classical piano required of all conservatory students, in addition to several additional semesters of jazz piano and jazz guitar. I have played bass in many ensembles in diverse genres: Folk, Funk, Rock, Jazz, Jazz / Classical fusion (Claude Bolling) and even some country. I perform as a solo artist on guitar and voice doing "Americana"; Everything from 30's jazz, standards, most any acoustic popular music. 

See more

About the lesson

  • All Levels
  • English

All languages in which the lesson is available :

English

For adults, I assess their learning style by interview and observation. Not everyone learns the same way and so I design lessons to fit the individual. I ask what goals the student has. What do they want to accomplish? If a student has little desire to read, I focus on playing by ear. I also suggest that they learn some basic reading skills. I had played professionally , when I was younger, without reading a note. I can tell you, from experience, that life is easier if one learns to read. If a student has always wanted tro play a certain piece (Moonlight Sonata keeps coming up), we work toward the skills necessary to achieve that goal.



I work with children and teens, as well as beginner adults, on piano. When a piano student becomes more advanced, I send them to other teachers. With guitar and bass, I work with beginners through advanced. Because of my training as a music therapist, I have worked with all kinds of students. When I lived in Texas, I worked with local San Antonio school systems to treat students with various learning disabilities. I also worked with a local veterans group to give guitar lessons to Gulf War Veterans with traumatic brain injury. I have also worked in Psychiatric inpatient settings and in Drug/Alcohol rehab. 



How much experience do they have teaching? Having a skill is very different from being able to effectively transfer that skill. Some of the best musicians in the world can be very good teachers. However, some of them simply are not.

Does this person appear to be patient? Will they be your cheerleader or a critical judge? Are they going to be a good influence on you or your child? In other words, are they positive? Negativity can drain energy. I like to focus on building upon what talent and knowledge we have, whatever that may be, rather than what we lack.

For voice students: I do not teach voice. It is extremely important to have a qualified voice teacher, with training in vocal pedagogy, not just voice, especially for children. Improper technique can be damaging. I can refer you to qualified vocal instructors in the area.



A fund-raiser in Luckenbach Texas for the above-mentioned Vets. We broke the, then, worlds record for the most guitar players all playing the same song: 1,815! .We played, "This Land Is Your Land" and, naturally, "Luckenbach Texas".



A few things worth thinking about before reaching out
What do I want to accomplish? What was I thinking of when I decided to take lessons? How will the teacher help me achieve my goals? What is the plan/process? What is my learning style? (visual, hearing, logical, verbal, physical - by doing etc.) Does the teacher assess learning style, How, How would that influence lesson planning for me?

See more

Rates

Rate

  • Ksh. 6,488

Pack prices

  • 5h: Ksh. 30
  • 10h: Ksh. 60

free lessons

The first free lesson with Gary will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.

  • 1hr

online

  • Ksh. 6,488/h

Details

For in-home lessons, the tuition is

$30 for a 30 minute lesson

$40 for a 45 minute lesson

I offer family discounts, quarterly discounts and group discounts.

Similar Music Theory teachers in Strasburg