Joe Livoti
JOE LIVOTI TEACHING OUTLINE
BEGINNERS:
At the beginning level techniques covered will include basic strumming for 4/4 and 3/4 time, first position chords, blues and rock scales in first position as well as finger exercises, popular riffs and songs. Students are encouraged to list their favorite songs and bands and we will apply the students growing skills to material they are familiar with.
INTERMEDIATE:
Material at this level includes more advanced right hand techniques such as brush strums, fingerpicking and eight-beat strums. We also will begin improvising over basic blues and rock progressions. Students will then be taught bar chords and movable blues and rock scales. Basic scale theory follows and students will learn the construction of triads, arpeggios, major scales and note relationships. Along the way we will also learn and dissect solos and techniques of established players and try to incorporate these into the student's playing. At this point students will also benefit by learning note reading at least in the first position.
ADVANCED:
By now the student should be comfortable enough with basic guitar techniques to fit comfortably into most playing situations. Indeed by now many students find that they have achieved their playing goals and do not desire any further study. For students who wish to continue, however, or for older, experienced players who feel as if their playing has become stagnant, this is where the real fun begins.
Chord techniques studied at the advanced level include extended and altered chords, inversions, chord melodies, substitution and embellishment, chord solos and the construction of bass lines with chord punctuations. Students will build their own chord melodies from basic melodies and then compare their arrangements with those of established players.
Scale studies at this level will include advanced scales and modes, extended and altered arpeggios, soloing over chord changes and the examination of solos by established jazz players. We may also study some classical music along the way with an emphasis on understanding the melodic line and its relationship to the chord structure. At every step of the way I will make sure that the student fully understands the theoretical concepts involved and is able to incorporate each concept into his or her own playing.
FEES, SCHEDULES AND OTHER STUFF
Fees are currently $35 per half hour. Four week months are $140, five week months are $175. Fees are payable the first lesson of the month for the upcoming month.
Drop Ins:
Pay as you go lessons are available on a drop-in basis. Call or email to see what is available and if a spot is open, it is available for a drop in at $35 per half hour. It is best to call within 48 hours notice.
Presently I am at House of Woodwinds in San Ramon on Mondays thru Fridays. I am available for occasional one hour lessons at Blue Note in Berkeley as well. For adult students who have previously studied with me, I am also available some Saturday mornings at my home in Concord, for one hour lessons at $60 per hour.
If you'd like to sign up for lessons, please either phone or email me your name, phone #, the store you wish to take lessons at and what times you are available. My schedule changes frequently so if nothing is available right away, something may open up soon.
Thanks for your interest in lessons and I hope your playing and learning experiences are positive ones. I welcome and encourage your feedback.
Thanks, JL
MATERIALS AND PRACTICING:
Students will need to bring their guitars, a bound, 'journal' style notebook with regular lined paper, and a 3 ring binder with 1" rings and pockets. A small tape recorder can also be helpful. Students should also own a music stand, metronome and electronic guitar tuner (House of Woodwinds carries a combination tuner/metronome made by Sabine).
Beginners should plan to practice at least 15 minutes a day, at least five days a week. It helps to write your practice schedule down in the beginning of the week, so it's not put off till the last thing of the day. Keep a practice space set up so you can sit and play without having to gather all your materials each time. A guitar stand is also helpful, as well as a comfortable, armless chair. Get in the habit of washing your hands before you play, and wipe down the strings afterwards. This will help preserve string life.
GUITAR LESSON AGREEMENT
INSTRUCTOR - JOE LIVOTI
FEES: FEES ARE PAYABLE IN FULL AT THE FIRST LESSON OF EACH MONTH. FIVE WEEK MONTHS WILL BE PAYABLE FOR FIVE WEEKS. IF YOU MISS THE FIRST LESSON OF THE MONTH, PLEASE BRING OR MAIL PAYMENT TO THE STORE THE FIRST WEEK. NON-PAYMENT BEYOND THE SECOND WEEK OF LESSONS MAY RESULT IN FORFEITURE OF THE SPOT AND LOSS OF THE STUDENTS DEPOSIT. LESSON FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
DEPOSIT: THERE IS A NON-REFUNDABLE TWO LESSON DEPOSIT REQUIRED OF BEGINNING STUDENTS. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO GIVE AT LEAST TWO WEEKS NOTICE REGARDING TERMINATION OF LESSONS. THE AMOUNT OF THE DEPOSIT MAY BE DEDUCTED FROM THE FINAL CHECK, OR THE STUDENT CAN ATTEND THE FIRST TWO LESSONS OF THE MONTH.
MISSED LESSONS: IF A STUDENT CANNOT MAKE A LESSON, I WILL RESHEDULE AT THAT TIME IF POSSIBLE. HOWEVER, I DO NOT GUARANTEE MAKEUPS FOR MISSED LESSONS. STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO CHOOSE A SPOT THAT WILL WORK FOR THEM ON A CONSISTENT BASIS. FEES GUARANTEE A SPOT BEING HELD FOR THE MONTH. MISSED LESSONS CANNOT BE DEDUCTED FROM PAYMENTS. IF I MISS A LESSON, THE STUDENT CAN GET A MAKEUP OR DEDUCT THE WEEKS’ FEE. STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO CALL ME REGARDING MISSED LESSONS AND NO-SHOWS TO CONFIRM THEIR INTENTION TO KEEP THEIR SPOT.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS AGREEMENT, OR NEED TO CONTACT ME FOR ANY REASON, I CAN BE REACHED AT:
HOME:
WEBSITE: WWW.JOELIVOTI.COM
HOUSE OF WOODWINDS: 925-831-8341
(LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE ON A LIMITED BASIS AT MY HOME ON WEEKENDS FOR ADULT STUDENTS ONLY, FOR ONE HOUR MINIMUM)
SIGNATURE OF STUDENT (OR PARENT)_________________________
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