Classical Guitar Lessons and Music Theory

Private Guitar Lessons and Music Theory Instruction

Baird Guitar Studio, located at 117 Clark Street in Milford, Connecticut, dedicated to teaching guitar, offers private guitar lessons and small group workshops in a comfortable, convenient studio dedicated to teaching and practicing guitar. Levels of instruction range from serious beginners to conservatory students and professionals. Ages of students range from 6 to 76 years old. Amenities include a comfortable waiting room, rest room and convenient off-street parking.

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To learn more or to meet with Mr. Baird: [ Request a Free Consultation ]

Baird Guitar Studio Workshop

Baird Guitar Studio Waiting Room

Offering guitar lessons and group guitar classes in private music studio.
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Guitar Technique, Music Theory and Reading Standard Music Notation

Playing guitar and studying music are very personal experiences. Finding the right teacher with a teaching manner that suits your personality and the right knowledge to give you what you need is very important. Whether you are just beginning or have played guitar for 20+ years, private lessons with a conservatory-trained professional will accelerate your development as a guitarist, correct old unproductive habits and deepen your understanding of the music that you play. Students invariably experience surprising new musicial ideas, broaden their repertoire, and increase their productivity, learning new pieces and improving old.. A structured and balanced program of physical technical skills and music theory builds a firm foundation. Developing effective practice habits leads to overcoming technical limitations, clear interpretive thinking, greater performance confidence on stage, and greater enjoyment on or off stage. Click here for more information and to get started learning.

"I am very happy with the relationship you have with Eliot and the high expectations you place on him. He is enjoying playing the guitar and is learning so much. I am very impressed with how quickly he picks up new material. " ~ Joanne Poffenberger "My family and I want to thank you for the outstanding job you did with my son Christopher. It's nice to see him interested in something else besides computer and video games. Thank you for contributing to the change in my Son." ~ Christine Fronckiewcz

Baird Guitar studets Matthew and Iris performing on stage
New England Guitar Society Member's Recital

Guitar Technique

Guitar lessons include classically-based, finger-style guitar technique: left hand/right hand coordination, finger strength and independance, flexibility and speed building, tone production, music interpretation, and repertoire building. Lessons emphasize cultivation of productive practice habits to optimize practice time, and relaxation to build stamina. Enhance memorization skills 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 Standard 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.

John, Magdalena, Brian with Judy Handler	Judy with Brian Torres and Magdalena Abreggo
Brian Torres performs Carcassi Etude for masterclass	Matthew Cassidy with Judy Handler
New England Guitar Society Masterclass with Judy Handler - November 6, 2011

James Baird with student performers at Cider Mill Conservatory
LtoR: Gabe, Stephanie, James, Ryan, Ian and Savanah

James with Cider Mill Students - 2009 Winter Recital
LtoR: Ryan, Stephanie and Isabella

James Baird with loyal Cider Mill students - Spring 2011 - Wilton Schools
Ryan, James, Stephanie and Isabells

Performance Opportunities

In cooperation with the New England Guitar Society (NEGS), students are offered opportunities to perform for and with guitarists in the informal setting of NEGS monthly meetings; in a friendly, supportive 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).

James with Cider Mill Conservatory Students in Wilton CT - 2010 Winter Recital
L to R: Isabella, Stephanie and Ryan

James and Jessica at Tabor Community Arts Center in Branford - March 2010 Recital

Performance Coaching

Have an important performance or audition in the near future? Schedule a few sessions to work on technical hurdles and music interpretation. We will work on musical phrasing, tone production and practice habits to make the most of your practice time. Build confidence in the knowledge that what you think you are playing is actually what others are hearing.

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, teacher and musician.

Small Group Guitar Classes

Small Group Guitar Class Program is designed to introduce beginning students to the basics of guitar playing, rhythmic strumming, reading music notation and playing with other guitarists. The classes are held at my teaching studio near downtown Milford. Rental guitars are available to participants of the program.

The program offers an affordable opportunity to students who want to explore playing the guitar. To get more information, please contact us.

Guitar Summer Workshops

The Guitar Summer Workshop is a 2-week program that meets during the month of August at the Milford Center for the Arts in Milford, CT. The workshop runs for 2 weeks, 4 days a week, culminating in an rewarding student recital for friends and family.

The guitar lesson workshop program covers:

• Fundamentals of Guitar Playing for both hands,
• Reading Standard Musical Notation, and
• Ensemble Performance Skills, preparing for the student performance

Guitar lessons promote fundamental right and left hand techniques for finger-style guitar playing as applied to the classical guitar. Ensemble skills include listening, preparing for and playing in concert, and following musical direction. Quality student model guitars are available for rental, with option to purchase, during the workshop period.

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 recital 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 their guitar lessons hard to produce another beautiful recital. The program featured works by Beethoven, Haydn, Pachelbel and traditional folk songs.

To schedule a free consultation regarding guitar and music instruction:
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