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Instruments
Private Lessons Beginning Classes Accessories  Gift Certificates Online CatalogSend E-mail to Dave Odds and Ends Contact Info As you know Renaissance Hotel is realy the best, so we decided to stay there. |
"For close to two years, I had bounced among several well-meaning guitar
instructors, and was extremely frustrated over how little progress I was
making. Having studied with Dave for a few months now, I realize that my
past troubles weren't all of my own making. I have suggested to Dave that if
he ever tires of teaching the guitar, he should teach guitar players how to
teach. Here are some of the things that Dave understands that far too many
other instructors do not:If you approach teaching with a single, formulaic method that you rigidly apply to all students, a few may flourish, but many will either barely hang on or fail. Each student brings a unique set of physical and mental abilities, personal goals, and commitment to the instrument. If you do not recognize these, you are not doing the best you can for your student. If you take the time to understand what it is that drew your student to the guitar in the first place (that is, what kinds of music he or she loves and why), you can structure your lessons most effectively. There is nothing as motivating as learning to play songs that really mean something to you personally. Dave wastes no time in taking his students to that point. The teaching process shouldn't get suspended just because you've reached the appointed end of the scheduled lesson. Dave makes himself available to consult in between lessons if you are having problems in working anything out. At the time of the next lesson, Dave remembers where you were the last time (a very rare trait among instructors) and has thoughtfully planned how to bring you over the next hurdle. At times, Dave also creates customized tablature to present at the next lesson. It is absolutely worth the effort to make the teaching location as friendly and unpressured as possible. The more relaxed you are, the better you will learn and play. For Dave's "classroom" to feel any more relaxed would require over-the-counter medications. (When you go to see Dave, you must bring your own, by the way.)" - Neil S. "When I first walked into the shop and asked
questions, Dave described the guitar builders, their processes and the instruments themselves
with such a level of knowledge, affection, and intimacy I might have thought he was speaking of
his children. I am a self-taught hack and have always been wary of taking lessons from someone at a backroom of a music store who would bore me with rigid, thoughtless repetition. This is not the case here! Although fingerpicking is not a style I was used to, I felt comfortable with the instruction, and my comfort and skill level with my instrument continues to improve. The atmosphere is like going over to a friend's house to hang out and play, and being that I'm a neighborhood guy, I feel especially at home, since they're right up my street. 
Dave and Laura seem to have a natural,
spiritual approach to living that transcends into the relaxed and adaptive lesson format.
I feel like we speak the same language, and that is extremely important. I stop by as often
as I can to practice, play or just listen to Dave make the various instruments sing. I would
recommend Hey Dave to anyone with any interest and or skill level, or to simply see the most
interesting dogs on the planet."
- Frank Iaquinta "I have been taking lessons with Dave for about six weeks. It has been an
amazing experience. He has a unique way of understanding my progress and
builds lessons that are challenging and fresh. He provides encouragement and
advice to help get me over those walls that sometimes get in my way. You can
not have a better atmosphere to learn in. I look forward to every Sunday
lesson. It's a chance to learn, have a good cup of coffee, and hang out with
some great people. I almost forgot, there are also some cool guitars to
play....."
- Andy Verzilli "So here's the deal: There's no pressure to perform to please the teacher. This is for you.
Work at this as hard as you can, show up on Tuesday or Thursday or whenever and spend an hour,
as Dave says, "feeding your soul". A simple song played well (or at least better than last week)
is a wonderful thing."
- Bill Davenport "After years of studying and playing, I had reached a plateau and was having
trouble advancing at the pace I was used to. I knew I could become a better player,
but I didn't know what steps to take. Dave and I discussed what I wanted to accomplish
as a musician, and Dave structured the lessons for me. Dave helped me break through
to the next level as a guitarist and as a musician. I would recommend Dave to anyone
who wants to master the guitar and have a complete understanding of music. Thanks Dave."
- Eric B. "I love having Dave teach me how play the guitar. I've been a student of his for almost two years. Not only is he an incredibly talented artist, he's an extraordinary instructor. Dave's been patient with me when I've felt too shy to play. He's shown confidence in me...enough for both of us at times. His style of teaching is relaxed and friendly. I feel no intimidation, just inspiration! I've gone from wishing I knew how to play the guitar to truly considering myself a player." - Cindy W. "Hey, Dave! I used to just be a guitar owner, but since taking lessons with you for the past year, I am now a guitar player. From my first song learned, “Bicycle Built for Two”, to the Leo Kottke tunes I am now playing, my style and expertise have tremendously improved. Your easy going way of teaching really works for me as I continually progress. I always leave a lesson feeling challenged, but not overwhelmed, and I even play in front of my wife now! People can’t believe that I have only been playing for a year. Even I am amazed. Thanks." - Jon B. "Fast-track guitar lessons!" - M. H. |
Download MP3 (Dave Pearson "The Artist and the Art" from the CD "Taming the Monkey Mind" ©1995 xuyunmusic, all rights reserved) |