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There is a tremendous amount of information and tutorials available on the internet and videos, but they will not be able to let a student know why his string is buzzing, or where the thumb on his/her fretting hand should go, or when is the best time to take your hand off a chord to go to another, or that the way he is sitting will cause pain and back/shoulder issues years later. There is nothing that will take the place of an experienced teacher to help guide students through the early phases of learning the basics. There are many tricks that can be shown to help learn the dynamics which bring the music to life and help an experienced player get the sound s/he is looking for.

I began teaching private guitar in 1978 at Burt's Village Music Store in Cameron Village. When the store moved to Cary (Shoppes of Kildare) ten years later, a private studio was created at home. The early days:  taught group lessons for the City of Raleigh's Parks and Recreation Department, the YWCA and the Community Schools until 1983. In 1979 I began teaching group classes at NCSU and continued through the spring semester of 2007. Group lessons are still offered at the home studio which is conveniently located near the NCSU campus with ample parking and an environment conducive to learning. Read more about the classes as well as private lessons below. Most folks want to be able to listen to music and then reproduce what they hear. This is what we will work on in private and group lessons. This skill does not happen quickly, but with understanding some theory and after playing many chord progressions and rhythms, much of what we hear can be recognized and played.

 

 

PRIVATE LESSONS

Teaching at home studio: (right off of Wade Avenue, near NCSU, Meredith College, Peace, downtown....convenient from ALL locations)  These are $100/month (4 or 5 30 minute lessons---how many ever there are of that particular time slot) or $25/30 minute session. 45 minute lessons are $125/month of one lesson per week or $35 for one 45 minute session. $45/hour session. First lesson is free to see if we're a good match!

From beginners to folks who have played for many years! Children age 11 is a good time to start, but some kids younger than this may be ready. It's difficult to determine over the phone----bring your kid by for a free assessment! Bett enjoys teaching all levels in many styles, primarily rhythm, finger style, open and alternate tunings. Folk, country and pop music, a little jazz, always trying to find new interesting arrangements for old songs. She mostly enjoys helping folks learn the kind of music they want to learn, and especially helping songwriters with their own music, guiding them through the process with theory and many rhythmic choices and styles. Lessons are sometimes recorded on a Zoom H4N digital recorder and emailed to students so they can hear and practice with an MP3. Music is taught through chord diagrams, tablature and or music notation, whichever is easier for students to understand.

Students at the home studio MUST like dogs! If you're not comfortable around them, they can be put in another part of the house. Three Border Collies is a herd of herding dogs! They're great fun and love people, but we understand that not everyone is a 'dog person'! Speak up! Email me or phone (919) 787-6378 to set up a schedule!

 

 
 

GROUP GUITAR

                  NEXT CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEK OF JANUARY 17TH & 18TH

IT'S NOT TOO LATE!

Students who join the second class meeting can easily catch up. there is room for one more in Tuesday's class. email me to make it your spot!

These classes are primarily for rhythm and accompaniment music of different styles ranging from folk, country and pop working with rhythms and finger patterns. Theory is introduced as necessary. Guitars are provided for folks who do not own one. These are available to take home to practice, but the class must be paid for first, but not necessarily all at one time...This fee does not need to be made at one time. Beginner and Intermediate classes are open to the public to people 17 years of age or older. These classes are small ~ 5 people, sometimes less!

Cost of the class is $175.  Classes meet for one hour and fifteen minutes each week for 12 weeks. All written materials are provided as well as MP3s which are sent each week to work with at home. Each week, email will be sent to follow-up on what was covered in class. These classes cover a tremendous amount of material, but please don't let that deter you from joining. Students can take the material, lesson notes, and apply them at their own speed. NO ONE is asked to play alone....We all play together. Group lessons are SO MUCH FUN!

Two beginner classes are offered....choose which one that best suits your schedule. If you cannot make the class on one evening you may come on the other---but please let me know in advance!
BEGINNER CLASSES:  
    See objectives of class here  
   
Sample lesson. (House of Rising Sun) Sample mp3 (Amazing Grace)
    Tuesdays at 6 PM beginning January 17th.
    Wednesdays at 6 PM beginning January 18th
INTERMEDIATE class
    See objectives of class here  
    Sample lesson. (Sweet Home Alabama)Sample mp3 (Identifying licks)
    Tuesdays at 7:30 PM beginning  January 17th.
Please email me to get more information and to reserve a spot!--- or phone (919)787-6378. Directions will be sent to everyone prior to the beginning of class.
Not only will students learn how to play the guitar, but will learn about the history (stories) of the of the music and composers as well as necessary theory is taught as needed. Reading notes is NOT taught, but reading music is! Classes are great fun, and move along quickly, so it’s important for students to develop good practice habits and not get discouraged if not enough time is devoted to learning. Also, it's necessary to bring a good sense of humor and be able to laugh at yourself!

If you can find 20-30 minutes a day to practice, this should be sufficient. It is not necessary to keep up. If you get behind, come to class anyway. Your fingers can catch up later! NO ONE IS ASKED TO PLAY ALONE!!!!  

The REAL PLUS of group lessons is that guitars are provided for folks who do not own one. These are available to take home to practice, but the class must be paid for (in part) first.

 

Bett has been inspired by, learned from and played with some of the BEST musicians in the world

above: Bett with Al Petteway rehearsing for a number at  Little Lake Hill House concert



above: Bett with David Roth
below: playing with (but not shown) John Walsh and Paddy Keenan

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