Lessons

For all of my students, I emphasize classical technique in the context of the student's favorite musical genre.  My specialty is classical guitar, but I also teach rock, jazz, blues, and all other forms of guitar music.  In addition to guitar skills, my lessons include ear training and music theory lessons to develop the students' understanding of music.  Above all else, my primary goal in teaching is to provide an appreciation for music and the arts, and to help the student foster personal growth, a positive mindset, and a lifelong devotion to a fun and beautiful hobby.

For specific rates and availability, please contact me directly at brendan.lake@gmail.com

Some lesson topics include:
Beginner: How to read music (tablature and/or standard notation), how to read chord charts, beginning chords, single string melodies, tuning the guitar, finger picking/using a pick, strumming patterns, basic ear training, chord progressions, Blues patterns, basic musical elements (i.e. dynamics, rubato)

Intermediate: Chord patterns, scale patterns, advanced rhythms (reggae, bossa nova, etc.), sight-reading techniques, memorization techniques, performance preparation, alternate tunings, rest stroke/free stroke, tone production, general music theory (understanding keys and harmonic patterns to predict or remember music)

Advanced: Flamenco techniques, arranging music for the guitar, performing chord-melody textures, advanced jazz chords, pedagogical/teaching techniques, advanced music theory (modulations, exotic chords, etc), guitar repertoire and literature