LESSON FAQ
In addition to his work as a recording and performing artist, Sean has been offering private and group music lessons since 1991. A third-generation music educator, he has taught guitar, ukulele, mandolin, and bass guitar to hundreds of people in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Whether you are a beginner who wants to develop a solid foundation or a seasoned player looking to refine your craft or broaden your horizons, Sean can help you achieve your goals.
Q. Why should I take private lessons?
A. Someone once said, "Fools learn from experience, but the wise learn from the experience of others!" Learning to play the guitar can be a complicated process that can sometimes be more frustrating than fun. Though the internet can be a valuable resource to students of guitar, there is also a lot of misinformation out there that can seriously hinder your growth and create bad habits that can take years to correct. Why struggle unnecessarily and possibly even give up on guitar, when you can simply learn from someone who has a proven track record of helping students grow and become successful musicians?
Q. What can I learn through lessons that I can't learn by myself?
A. As a beginner, you don't know what you don't know. On your own, you can't get important feedback about your technique, tone, or phrasing. Those things can only be learned with the help of someone else. Just like learning a foreign language, you might be able to learn some of the parts - a word, a phrase, some grammar - but you need to interact with another person to get any good and to learn the flow of the language. Music is the same way.
Q. What are some of the things I'll learn with Sean?
A. You will learn things that will help you with your specific musical goals, while at the same time learning things that every musician should know:
- How to play in an easy, relaxed manner.
- How to develop good tone.
- How to work with other musicians and play in a band setting.
- How to read and write music in a way that relates to the style of music you are learning.
- How to compose your own music and improvise.
- How to survive in the music business.
- How to choose the right gear for your needs and how to use it properly.
- Much, much more!
Q. What are some of the styles of music Sean teaches?
A. Blues, rock, jazz, country, classical, metal, pop... and more! Unlike a lot of teachers who merely know some songs or riffs in a certain style and can only show you how to copy what they do, Sean has formally studied the theory and technique that goes into a wide variety of styles. Further, he's put his knowledge to use in the real world, both on stage and in the studio. He'll show you how to become a pro-level player in any style, because he is one!
Q. Why should I take lessons from Sean, as opposed to any other teacher?
A. Only you can decide which teacher is right for you, but there are a few things to consider when making a decision about where to take lessons. First, is the teacher a good player and musician? It is nearly impossible for a teacher to make you any better of a player than they themselves are. Sean has a large body of recorded work that shows his flexibility and skill as a musician. Second, look at the teacher's experience and education. Do they have the kind of music background that suggests that they have a deep and comprehensive understanding of the instrument and music in general? Sean has studied music formally for more than two decades, including at the university level. His studies have included training in composition, theory, conducting, and arranging, in addition to his guitar-focused studies in classical, flamenco, and jazz guitar. Growing up in a family that has worked in the music business for more than 50 years, he has also had opportunities to meet and learn from some of the best rock and blues guitarists in the world. Finally, students should look at the quality of a teacher's students. Are they any good? Many of Sean's students are accomplished professionals who perform at the best concert venues in the area, record and release albums, and teach music - just like he does.