Robert Smith

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

I have been playing the Classical Guitar for over 20 years now.  I began studying the piano at a young age.   I played for many years, but transitioned over to the guitar as a pre-teen.   Through my teen years I studied both acoustic and electric guitar.   At the age of 19 I began playing classical guitar after hearing a gentleman play at a local music store.   I have played nothing but classical guitar since.

My Musical Education Background

I took classical guitar lessons for several years as an older teenager - I progressed quickly being already able to read music from my piano lessons as a child and playing guitar in my pre-teen/teenage years.

I could relate to Andres Segovia who also had a humble upbringing in a family who did not support his musical studies, so I always found a way to support and finance musical lessons myself, and in most cases was the "professor and pupil in the same body" as Segovia once said of himself.

Genres and Subjects Taught

Classical Guitar

Lesson Rates

In-person at my house

First lesson/meeting is free!

$30.00 for 1/2 hour lesson

$50.00 for 60 minute lesson

Lesson in-person can be paid each week at the beginning of each lesson, or paid monthly which is due at the beginning of the first lesson of each month.

On-line Skype lessons are available for the same rate, but monthly payments are required, due before the start of the first lesson of each month.

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

SKILL LEVEL

Typically prefer to start with beginner students (those who have never played guitar or classical guitar before) or individuals who maybe play guitar who are looking to study classical guitar.

AGES

Child to adult.   6-9 years of age is suggested to begin classical guitar lessons mainly so the hands are able to stretch the width of the guitar (classical guitar necks are a bit wider than steel or electric guitars - smaller hands may make it difficult to play) and a better understand of systematic basics are typically learned by this age which helps in understanding the basic fundamentals of music, like counting beats per measure, etc.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PRIVATE LESSONS 
Mastering the Classical Guitar is a lifetime journey -- not something that can be accomplished in a few lessons, but only over a lifetime of practicing. With one-on-one lessons, we will lay a strong foundation to build continued progress by focusing on proper posture, how to hold the guitar, music theory, and left hand and right hand techniques. This established in the very early stages of classical guitar studies will ensure a continued growth and learning experience, as well as future successes. The lesson books I use for these studies include Andres Segovia's study of diatonic major and minor scales, Mauro Giuliani's 120 studies for right hand development, along with Frederick Noad's Solo Guitar Playing lesson books. 

I take my time with each lesson and focus on the individual needs of each student, going at a pace that is best suited for their success. I do not progress on to the next lesson until there is a complete understanding and a comfort level is met. Again, learning the guitar is a journey -- not a destination to get to quickly. 

Lastly, it is all about having fun. No pressure. No hassles. No hurry. Just simply relax and have fun. It is true what they say -- practice does make perfect. But perfection cannot be achieved quickly. By relaxing and taking things slow, you will excel more quickly, and more importantly - correctly! 

Lessons are based on tested methods in guitar pedagogy as well as neurological and psychological processes of skill acquisition and expertise. My goal, as a teacher, is to help students learn to practice effectively and efficiently in order to develop the necessary form to build and maintain muscle stamina which will improve and maintain high-level musical skills. 

 

WHAT YOU WILL NEED 
A nylon stringed classical guitar -- not a steel string. If you are just starting out, I suggest purchasing a beginners guitar. Also, a foot stool or an ErgoPlay guitar support. And a guitar tuner.
I will provide the information for lesson books and where to purchase them. 

My Musical Influences

I began studying the piano at a young age.   I played for many years, but transitioned over to the guitar as a pre-teen.   Through my teen years I studied both acoustic and electric guitar.   At the age of 19 I began playing classical guitar after hearing a gentleman play at a local music store.   I have played nothing but classical guitar since.

My influences musically have been Christopher Parkening, Julian Bream, John Williams, Elliot Fisk, Liona Boyd, and most recently Ana Vidovic.  I would say I typically emulate the emotional gentleness and subdued nature of Christopher Parkenings interpretations, and Julian Bream's style with his liveliness, color and tone.

I'm drawn to artists who are not merely "technical" players but rather "emotional" players - whos abilities move the listener - not just wow them with techniques and speed.  I've always appreciated a player who can move me with a simple piece like Lagrima over a technical guitarist playing Asturias Leyenda perfectly but without heart and feeling.

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