Private Music Instruction:

Classical Guitar:

The classical guitar instruction is based primarily around the use of the Suzuki method which focuses on the mastery of repertoire, but is also supplemented with exercises to build solid technique and note reading abilities.  The study of this style of guitar requires a correctly sized "classical" guitar and foot stool.  Please contact me before purchasing a guitar to ensure that the student gets sized correctly.

Electric & Acoustic Guitar:

The instruction for non-classical guitarists focuses on building strong technique, reading a variety of notation types (standard, chord symbols, tablature), and improvisation.  A variety of materials are used to accomplish this with the choice of songs studied being determined by the students interest.

Double Bass:

Instruction uses the Suzuki method for mastery of repertoire as well as other materials for technique.  Lessons can be supplemental to an orchestra program or stand alone study of the instrument.

Bass:

Instruction focuses on building strong technique, reading a variety of notation types (standard, chord symbols, tablature), and improvising bass lines. A variety of materials are used to accomplish this with the choice of songs studied being determined by the students interest.  I also teach classical double bass and upright bass lessons.

Band Instruments:

Instruction is offered for primary concert band instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion). This instruction is great for those just getting started on an instrument or for intermediate students that need more advanced work or to prepare for music festivals.  The goal is to compliment the existing instruction the student is receiving in an instrumental program or to provide complete instruction for those students that do not have access to a music program.

Enrollment:

I am accepting students for lessons this fall at my home studio in North Hero and at the Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester.  Enrollment is open for the Island Arts guitar classes listed below for both classes up to the start of the course.  The Vermont Guitar Ensemble will start the end of September with more details to come soon.  Web cam lessons are accepted at any time by request.  Contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for lessons and use the registration link below for the Island Arts guitar class.

Classes:

Guitar Improvisation/Soloing - Fall 2010

5 week course:
Wednesdays 6-7pm, Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27

Instructor: Andrew Rousseau
Learn to solo/improvise over the entire neck of the guitar in any style!  No previous soloing experience required.  This class will cover soloing in multiple positions and modes over the full fretboard.  Students of all ability levels will find this class useful for learning and expanding their ability to solo.  Those with previous soloing/improvisation experience will be given more challenging instruction.  All you need is a basic knowledge of reading chord symbols and tablature.  Materials will be supplied by instructor.

Maximum number of students: None
Student's age: 10+
Location: South Hero Congregational Church
Tuition: $TBD

Island Arts | Course Brochure | Registration

Introduction to Guitar - Fall 2010

5 week course:
Wednesdays 6-7pm, Nov. 3, 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8
Instructor: Andrew Rousseau
This course will introduce you to multiple styles of playing the guitar. From basic chords to reading standard notation and tabliture, you will get a solid foundation that can be built upon to help you study any style of guitar in the future. This class is for the absolute beginner or for those with extremely limited skills. All you need is a functioning guitar. Materials will be supplied by instructor. Please bring a functioning guitar.
Maximum number of students: None
Student's age: 10+
Location: South Hero Congregational Church
Tuition: $TBD

Island Arts | Course Brochure | Registration

Vermont Guitar Ensemble is accepting new members. 

This group will start at the end of September 2010. 

More details to come!

Locations:

Colchester:

Lessons are held at the Elley-Long Music Center one afternoon each week.  The music center is located at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester off of Route 7. 

Rate: $28 per half hour

North Hero:

Lessons are held in my home studio which is located on Route 2 approximately 1.5 miles from the draw bridge.  

Rate: $25 per half hour

Via Web Cam:

For students that live well outside of the areas listed above, there is the additional option of having your lessons remotely via web cam.  It is preferred to be able to meet in person a few times throughout the year, but instruction is available entirely remotely.  Please contact me for rates.

About Instructor:

ANDREW ROUSSEAU has over 10 years experience teaching instrumental music. He holds a Bachelor's degree in music education and a Masters degree in music technology. Andrew has taught hundreds of students the basics of guitar through his public and private teaching. He has directed middle and high school bands and taught master classes in low brass.  Andrew's primary instrument is the classical guitar (with extensive experience playing and teaching jazz, folk, and rock guitar as well) and his secondary instruments are trombone and double bass.  Through his public school teaching he has taught beginners through intermediate players of all band instruments.

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it