Classical & All Styles Guitar
Tom teaches a wide range of techniques:
- Classical Guitar: Begin with Aaron Shearer's books I & II and then branch out into classical guitar pieces such as those by Bach, Sor, Tarrega, and Guiliani. Students as young as age 4 ½, and anyone from absolute beginners to advanced players are welcome.
- Contemporary Fingerstyle: Learn fingerstyle steel string guitar with alternate tunings.
- Folk Guitar: Everything from basic campfire guitar picking to traditional styles of the 19th and 20th centuries. Learn ear training and accompaniment styles.
- New Flamenco: Explore music from Spain and Latin America. Learn tangos and boleros.
- Jazz Guitar: Chord theory and improvising techniques. Explore standards and learn how to play in a combo.
- Rock and Blues Guitar: Fundamentals of rock and blues guitar, including how to jam with the aid of numerous jam tracks.
- Twelve-String Guitar: Basic and advanced technique for twelve-string including backstrokes, high octave playing, and walking bass lines.
- Ten-String Guitar: The
grand piano
of classical guitar. Learn fingering and technical issues specific to this instrument.
Bass Guitar
Tom will get you grounded in jazz, rock and blues bass with a strong emphasis on music theory. Students learn the fundamentals using a variety of method books and playing music in a number of different styles. The object is to become a solid bass player.
Mandolin
Tom teaches mandolin from a classical perspective using Giuseppe Branzoli's method book from 1892 and advanced plectrum technique. He also teaches old time and bluegrass mandolin using Mel Bay and Hal Leonard method books. He prefers for young mandolin students to be at least eight years of age.
Banjo
Most banjo students want to learn basic bluegrass and old time music, which Tom teaches using the Mel Bay and Hal Leonard books. He also teaches classical banjo, requiring an ability to read music. His classical approach to banjo is noteworthy and employs a variety of tremolo techniques.
String Bass
Tom's string bass instruction is best suited for (and has been successful with) local school-age students who play in orchestras or jazz bands. Tom uses Janice Tucker Rhoda's books I and II. He also teaches adults beginning to intermediate bass. Advanced students should look elsewhere for training.
Ukulele
Tom can take you as far as you'd like to go on soprano, tenor, and baritone uke from the principles of an absolute beginner, to advanced chord theory and complex strumming styles.
Tom's Background
Learn about Tom's training and performing background.
