To learn all about Colin go to, http://www.ColinCannonMusic.com
About The Teacher
My name is Colin Cannon. I've been working independently as a professional music teacher, musician, and composer for over 8 years. I'm currently based in Boston where I contribute to local music education, and to the local music/arts scene. I'm currently teaching guitar at all levels, ages, and styles, and music theory at elementary levels, graduate school levels, and everywhere in between.
About Lessons
My lessons are generally relaxed and friendly. I believe your hope to please and not disappoint yourself and your teacher is the best motivator, not stress and certainly not fear...
Lessons are geared toward reaching goals set by YOU (not me) starting at your first lesson. During the process of reaching such goals, we will also work on you're fundamental knowledge of the guitar (technique, scales, chords, positioning, Reading etc.) and music in general... (If you insist on not learning to read music you should not contact me). My students typically work well with this style of teaching, and say they enjoy lessons; this is why most people I teach keep coming back.
Where are lessons held?
Lessons are typically held at my teaching studio in Allston, MA ( In Allston Village, also close to Brookline/Coolidge area). The location is easily accessible by T (subway), Bus and Car. Parking is reasonable in the area. The neighborhood is safe and nice enough. Before our first lesson I'll email you the exact address with detailed directions.
How much do lessons cost?
If you pay for each lesson individually the fees are as follows:
Half hour lessons are $30, Hour lessons (between 50 and 60 minutes) are $40
If you pay in advance (a "block" of 4 or more lessons) the fees are as follows:
4 one half hour lessons are $100 (saving you $20 over all)
4 one Hour lessons (four of them) are $135 (saving you $25 over all)
8 one half hour lessons are $160 (saving you $80 over all)
8 one hour lessons are $240 (saving you $80 over all)
An additional $30 a lesson is added for "in home lessons" if you wish to have me come to you. (Your location must be in reasonable distance from the Fenway in Boston, and accessible by public transpertation)
What are the days/hours I can take lessons?
Monday-Friday 12-9PM
Contact colincannonmusic@hotmail.com to set up your lesson
Bellow are answers to commonly asked questions:
Do you offer a "trial lesson"?
All first lessons are 50% off.
What is your cancelation policy?
Keep in mind this is my income- I have to pay my rent and bills. Please understand the ONLY way I can be fair to all my students is by applying these policies to everyone without exception.
-If you pay for each lesson individually and you don't show or cancel within 48 hours of the lesson I will expect you to pay for the missed lesson.
-If you pay in advance for four lessons cancel in no less than 24 hours of the lesson, otherwise I have to count the lesson as "being taught".
-If you pay in advance for eight lessons cancel in no less than 48 hours of the lesson, otherwise I have to count the lesson as being taught.
I desperately don't want to have to enforce this stuff in any way, so if you do miss a lesson PLEASE honer this agreement.
Of course if you're sick or have a genuine emergency I'm not going to add to your troubles by charging you for a missed/canceled lesson but I SINCERELY ask you to be honest about such things.
Some things that don't count as being sick or having a genuine emergency:
"I didn't have enough time to practice this week" "I'm busy at work" "I have a test tomorrow"...
You can of course cancel for reasons like this, but the lesson will be counted as being taught or you'll be expected to pay for it, so try to plan ahead.
Do you teach young children? Would you recommend your lessons for my child?
Yes, and ABSOLUTELY. The human brain learns quickest when we're young, so there is no better time to take music lessons than as a child. Music studies have proven time and time again to be profoundly beneficial for a child's development. Regardless of whether your child will pursue music professionally or not, he or she will benefit gratelly from music.
Why the guitar for my child?
For a number of reasons. The most cliche reason is the guitar carries a "sense of cool" with it that children are attracted to, and tend to have more fun with. It's an instrument you can play with others AND by yourself, which is not true of all instruments commonly taught in public schools. It's also a chordal instrument and over time this will spark deep musical theory conversation that will involve unique uses of mathematics.
What if I'm COMPLETELY new to music?
Music, on any technical level, can be broken down into two parts, pitch and rhythm. If you seriously lack in one or both of these areas we may devote portions of our classes to certain exercises. For recognizing pitch, we will do simple voice (singing) exercises (the quality of your voice is of absolutely no importance)... For rhythm we will use a metranome and try out many different exercises. Regardless of your level I will be committed to your progress.
Can you come to my home?
Yes, but for an additional fee. Please understand that I need to count traveling time (there and back) which usually means charging an additional $30. Your location must be accessible by T (subway) and/or bus and in reasonable distance from Allston. Most students choose to take lessons at my studio.
What style of music do you play and listen to?
My own music is a sort of modern jazz, fused with many different styles, including funk, rock, drum n' bass and others.
Listen HERE
When I'm hired to play for events and gatherings I play what is most suited for the event. Usually that means "strait ahead jazz", solo classical guitar, or rock/pop.
I listen to a lot of music... In jazz, some some of my favorites are, Kurt Rosenwinkel and John Coltrane. In folk, some of my favorite are Nick Drake and Bob Dylan. In Rock, some of my favorites are Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. In Blues, some of my favorites are B.B. King and Jack Johnson. In Classical, some of my favorite composers are Stravinski and Beethoven. Etc.
What do I need to bring?
For your first lesson all you need is a guitar. For additional lessons you'll be given a paper with required and recommended material. Required material shouldn't cost anymore than $20 combined.
Do we have to work on reading?
Yes, but it's up to you how much time is spent on it. It all depends on your interest and how hard you work. I've had trouble reading music all my life, I understand how difficult it can be, but I can't allow complete illiteracy. Keep in mind being able to read music can be an immeasurably useful skill.
How often are lessons held?
Students choose to take lessons every week or every other week. Occasionally a student might want to take lessons twice a week or only every few weeks.
Do you accept credit and/or debit cards?
Yes, but only on line using paypal and only for "block lessons". Contact me at ColinCannonMusic@hotmail.com for the link. (An additional 3% is added to cover transaction fees) There's no need to have a paypal account.
Do I have to play guitar to take music theory/harmony lessons?
No, but you must play an instrument and should know how to read music.
Do you give group lessons (2 or more people)?
Yes, but in general I don't recommend it. Because such personal attention is needed when studying an instrument, one on one lessons are typically best. However, if the students are more advanced it may not be as much of an issue.
Can I barrow a guitar during lessons?
Yes. Although I personally think it's best for each student to play on their own instrument, if needed you can barrow a guitar during lessons.]]>
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