Assiduus usus uni rei deditus et ingenium et artem saepe vincit
~ Constant practice devoted to one subject often outdoes both intelligence and skill ~
Lee Gattenby Music, Lessons for serious students in Kenai, Soldotna, Sterling, Nikiski, Kasilof, Tustimina, Ninilchick - Alaska. Areas of instruction include: Vocal coaching, Drum (single snare and drum kit), Electric, Acoustic, Classical, Bass - Guitar.

How to choose a music teacher

Music has advanced far beyond the time when someone could teach himself (or herself) to become a world class player. If your ambition is to become a competent player and a competent musician, you need a competent music teacher. Even if your goals are more modest, you can reach those goals far more quickly, easily and efficiently with the guidance of the right guitar teacher. There are hundreds of books, instructional videos, CD-ROMs and, of course, the internet. Even though a lot of information is readily available, there exists a lot of incorrect, incomplete and otherwise bad information (this is especially true for a lot of information found on the internet!).

You will need the aid of an excellent instructor to teach you how to fully understand and apply the correct information. You can save yourself a lot of time this way. Remember that text books, CD-ROMs, instructional videos and the internet cannot answer your specific questions. They cannot offer you advice on your playing, song writing, ear training, etc. They cannot listen to your playing and point out any mistakes or flaws that may be present. Some text books are great and I have seen some pretty good CD-ROMs out there too, but you still need the aid of an excellent teacher to guide you through everything and to help you to develop your abilities and musicianship correctly and efficiently.

Great teachers manage and schedule new materials and effectively explain its importance and meaning. A teacher should encourage you when you are doing well and correct you where you may have gone wrong. Good teachers will show you how to better organize your practice

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Connections homeschool, IDEA homeschool, Raven Correspondance School


Please call Lee direct at (907) 252-5347 or fill out the contact form for more information about lesson programs and availability.

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Learning music for the first time?

You will find three different lists below for adults (age 18 and above), parents, and younger students (under the age of 18).   I value dedicated students as much as you value an excellent instructor.  I have provided a checklist for your own self assessment.  If you can check most of the statements (around 75% of them) then you (or your child) are ready for .

ADULTS:

  • I have a good quality (guitar, drum, bass) that I can practice on regularly.
  • I can commit to at least three lessons a month.
  • I can practice at least 2-3 hours a week.
  • I am confident that my desire to learn is a source of motivation.
  • I am sometimes referred to as a perfectionist, and will not quit until I achieve my goals.
  • I thrive on taking on new challenges.
  • I understand that while playing music is enjoyable, I need to practice to improve my skills.
  • I will get my instruments maintained, tuned, and repaired when advised to do so.
  • I understand that to play both by ear and by notation are important.
  • I understand that music theory is important.
  • I am ready to take direction from a good and knowledgable .

PARENTS:

  • If my child is under the age of seven, I will help monitor practice.
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