Classical Guitar and Music Theory Instruction

Private Instruction

Guitar Technique, Music Theory and Reading Music Notation

Baird Guitar Studio, located in Milford, Connecticut, offers private lessons in a comfortable, convenient and informal setting.

Guitar Technique

Guitar Instruction includes classically-based, finger-style guitar technique: left hand/right hand coordination, strength, flexibility and speed building, tone production, music interpretation, and repertoire building. Lessons emphasize cultivation of productive practice habits and relaxation to optimize practice time, enhance memorization skills and to prepare students and working guitarists for more confident performance experiences.

Music Theory

Foundations of music theory include analysis of the 3 main components of music: rhythm, melody and harmony. Learn how scales and chords are constructed and woven together into the musical fabric of counterpoint and chord progressions. Analyze musical compositions to better understand phrasing, imitation, thematic material, contrasts and period style. Realize how the elements come together on the guitar to create complete contrapuntal music: melody, bass and accompaniment. Explore accompaniment styles for playing guitar with voice and other ensembles.

Reading Music Notation

Learn to read music using the complete guitar fingerboard. Speed up the process of learning musical pieces through score analysis. Learn to read music while studying guitar technique and develop into a complete musician. Centuries of music from all over the world become available to your fingertips when you can read standard musical notation.

Performance Opportunities

In cooperation with the New England Guitar Society (NEGS), students are offered opportunities to play guitar in the informal setting of NEGS monthly meetings; in a friendly environment with fellow guitarists and classical guitar students. Additionally, formal recitals are arranged annually for NEGS members (www.newenglandguitar.org). NEGS meets monthly in the acoustically rich concert hall of the Milford Fine Arts Council (www.milfordarts.org).

Learn more, in less time

Guitarists of all styles benefit from building a firm technical foundation and a solid music theory background. Develop a richer tone. Learn to play polyphony: melody, accompaniment and bass simultaneously. Acquaint yourself with the rich 400-year-old musical heritage of the classical guitar repertoire. Learn to be a better guitarist, performer and musician.

Guitar Summer Workshop 2007

The Guitar Summer Workshop is a 4-week program that meets during the month of August at the Milford Center for the Arts in Milford, CT. The workshop runs for 4 weeks, 4 days a week, culminating in an exciting student recital for friends and family.

The program covers Fundamentals of Guitar Playing, Musical Notation, and Performance Skills with Musical Games. Guitar instruction illustrates fundamental right and left hand techniques for finger-style guitar playing as applied to the classical guitar.

Guitar Summer Workshop Class of 2007

L to R: Derek, Christoper, Andrew, Cem Duruöz, Jamie, James Baird, Jessie and Kevin

Again this year, now the 4th year in a row, the Guitar Summer Workshop was an enthusiastic success. Students learned to read music and perform in ensemble, as well as worked up solos and duets. This year's program featured works by: Beethoven, Pachelbel, American, French, and Russian folk songs, as well as original compositions and arrangements of rock tunes.

Backstage - Front: Andrew, Jamie, Kevin, and Jessie; Back: Derek and Christopher

Backstage: "Rockin' Out"

Guitar Summer Workshop Class of 2006

L to R: Jennie, Sandra, Ariel, Jonathan, Stephanie and Jake

For the 3rd year in a row, the 2006 Workshop was a grand success. The students practiced hard to produce another beautiful recital. Works by Beethoven, Haydn, Pachelbel and traditional folk songs.

To schedule a free consultation regarding guitar and music instruction:
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