Jazz Guitar Skype Lessons: what you should know.

Mike Hayes

Jazz Guitar Skype Lessons?

Seriously, can jazz be taught?

And just how effective could jazz guitar lessons over Skype be?

These are all good questions and probably right now you are most likely thinking it can’t be done.

That’s understandable and to be honest a healthy dose of cynicism is good for you.

As a guitar teacher who actually uses Skype to teach jazz guitar, I can tell you that it DOES work

IF the student has the ability to concentrate and has a passion for jazz and IF the teacher understands the limitations of Skype technology and works to reduce those limitations and keep them to a minimum.

Just imagine immediate answers and help.

Are you sick and tired of jumping from one YouTube video to the next and end up feeling like you are banging your head against a brick wall?

You’re in a never-ending battle trying to find your way through a revolving door trying to make some sense of all the information you are confronted with.

Instructor “X,” says do this while instructor “Y,” says no don’t do that do this instead … the result is you feel like “eating your guitar” and walking away from the whole idea of learning jazz.

We’ve all been there.

You’ve got a library of DVD’s, books all sorts of software but you’re not even remotely sounding like Barney Kessel or Wes Montgomery.

Well, in many respects Skype lessons are BETTER than video lessons, whether the lessons are on DVD or YouTube because you get to ask questions which you cannot do with the other video type lessons.

Skype lessons, in essence, are like interactive videos. Whereby you receive instant feedback on your playing and YOU get to ask questions directly to a real player/teacher whom you have personally selected and whose opinion you respect.

Can I be totally honest with you?

Learning Jazz can be difficult…UNLESS you’ve got a competent teacher who has the necessary skills AND the ability to pass those skills onto the student.

Unlike learning a basic three-chord country tune or the standard four-chord pop tune there’s a lot more to learning how to play jazz guitar.

In fact, most people who come to the guitar via the rather dubious route of entertainment and do not know anything about the realities of studying music.

The real problems start rearing their heads when a guitarist wants to make the transition from pop/rock/classical or country guitar to learning jazz guitar.

Django Reinhardt

Jazz Guitar Skype Lessons – do they work?

Before we go any further let me ask you a question.

Do You Want to Be a Better Jazz Guitarist?

If you answered “yes” read on, (if your answer was “no” head on back to YouTube and may the force be with you).

For the benefit of those who want to be a better jazz guitarist

Here’s what you need to know …

Music is a language and jazz is a dialect of music language if you really want to play jazz guitar you need to have direct contact with someone who speaks the language of jazz.

Someone who can decode jazz guitar and the learning process fun for you.

After 35+ years of teaching guitar, I’ve found that guitarists who explore jazz often become frustrated with their progress.

The great news is that through the magic of technology it’s now possible to learn directly from a teacher who speaks the jazz dialect.

You can now overcome these musical roadblocks in a no-pressure environment in the comfort of your own home at a schedule that suits you.

Working as a team we build your confidence and increase your skills.

"You can't learn flying from a guy who has never been off the ground!"  
 
Over the years I've worked with the best all the big names particularly on guitar: Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis, Charlie Byrd, Martin Taylor, John Williams ... great jazz musicians like Dizzy Gillispie, Stan Getz and Frank Sinatra.  
 
Apart from being a very accomplished performer, Mike has all of the teaching skills, and most importantly of all ... he has the ability to pass them on!  
 
A motto that's stood me in good stead throughout my life has been.  
 
"You can't learn flying from a guy who has never been off the ground" and I can assure you that Mike has really been off the ground, and I'm sure that you will benefit from his skills."

Bruce Clarke

Bruce Clarke, Professional guitarist/musician, www.cumquatrecords.com.au ~ Melbourne, Australia

Learn more about my background, performing experience, and teaching credentials by reading my Bio Page.

Here’s an interesting fact …

“20% of children study music, 70% of adults wished they had”

Can this really be true?

Yes, it is and while you are pondering that thought you might like to check out the benefits of playing a musical instrument and how playing music helps your brain more that than any other activity. Check out the article here.

But you’re probably not that surprised … most people would like to participate in music-making.

Here are just some of the benefits of learning music

• Increases the capacity of your memory
• Fosters your self-expression and relieves stress
• Sharpens your concentration

Facts about jazz

Jazz is an audio tradition … it can’t be written down.

It’s not about a style. Jazz is much more than a style. Jazz is not about a style rather it is a conscience of music – jazz is a way of thinking.

It’s a music that demands that you be yourself

Is our studio a ‘good fit’ for you?

Before we go any further have a listen to a sample of my playing to see if we’re on the same page.

What about You?

Let me ask you some questions …