Notes From Helen

Introduction to Guitar, Ages 9 - 12, Thursday 6:15 - 7 PM 1/21 - 2/25
Learn the basics of playing guitar from the ground up; how to hold the guitar, play single notes, chords, and accompany songs. Students must have their own guitar. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about finding and choosing a suitable beginner guitar.
6 Sessions $112.50

Introduction To Guitar, Teen - Adult, Wednesday 7:00 - 8:15 PM 1/20 - 2/24
Learn the basics of playing guitar from the ground up; how to hold the guitar, tune, play single notes and chords, accompany songs using strumming and fingerpicking, and how to play solos. Fundamentals of music such as rhythm and song structure will be covered as well as exercises to develop finger strength and dexterity. Lots of “hands-on” experience playing together as a group in a variety of styles tailored to the interests of the group including pop, rock, folk, blues, country and perhaps even a touch of Spanish Flamenco. Students must have their own acoustic guitar or electric guitar and amplifier. Instructional materials will be provided.
6 Sessions $150

Guitar Performance Workshop, Monday 7:00 - 8:30 PM 1/18 - 1/22
Do you spend a lot of time practicing music on your own, feeling like it is going pretty well, only to perform under your capabilities when you play in front of others?

Would you like to transform your stage fright to stage excite-ment?

This workshop is an exploration of ways to work with the energy of stage fright and turn it into something positive so that one can perform more effectively and enjoy it along the way!

I will offer various techniques and tips from mindset, ways to prepare in practice sessions to ways to calm down before and during performance. There will be an opportunity for participants to perform and share with the group if they wish to do so. We will also do some group guitar work. 

This is a topic near and dear to my heart as I have contended with stage fright since I was a child. Years of study and performing have helped me to work with that energy, enjoy performing, compete effectively in guitar contests, and win the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. I have helped a great many students from amateur to pro gain more comfort onstage.

This is an advanced beginner/intermediate level to advanced class level for guitarists and guitarists/
An in-depth exploration of ways to work with the energy of stage fright and turn it into something positive so that one can perform more effectively and enjoy it along the way. The more a performer enjoys what they are doing the more confidence they have which helps for a stronger presentation all around. I will offer various techniques and tips from ways to prepare in practice sessions to ways to calm down before and during performance. Every class there will be an opportunity for participants to perform and share with the group if they wish to do so. We will also do some group guitar playing. In the last class we will invite a larger audience to come enjoy a mini concert.

This is a topic near and dear to my heart as I have contended with stage fright since I was a child. Years of study and performing have helped me to work with that energy, enjoy performing, compete in guitar contests, and eventually win the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship. I have helped a great many students gain more comfort onstage. I have seen individuals go from being practically inaudible when singing, or being debilitated with shakiness and nerves when performing on guitar to happily appearing at open mics, playing for loved ones, at parties, in concert and in competitions.

6 Sessions $180