Harold C. TakeLessons Instructor music, Guitar, theory, arranging, composition Houston, TX

I love teaching, and strive to ensure that each student meets his/her personal goals.

My lesson environment is relaxed; I feel that if the student cannot get a little fun out of it, something is missing. I do, however, expect my students to practice and to pay attention.

I enjoy teaching beginners, particularly young (8-15 year olds) children/teens. A beginner has no bad habits which need to be broken.

Adults and experienced players are also welcome. I have particular expertise in jazz harmony, theory & improvisation. I teach the Lydian Chromatic Concept, among other improvisational methodologies.

Experience:
1975-1978
Berklee College of Music, Boston MA
Majored in composition & arranging.
Studies with Russ DiFilipis and Bill Bresnahan. Ensembles with Gary Burton, Pat Metheny & Mick Goodrick, to name a few.

1979-1981
Houston Baptist University
Majored in composition
Wrote my first complete symphonic work.
Studied with Dr. Robert Linder.

1982-1984
University of Houston
Additional music history & advanced theory study with Dr. Robert Nelson

Focus on proper technique for all students, regardless of his/her playing ability. Once proper technique is established, I utilize the Berklee Series as a basis for instruction. These volumes are supplemented by exercises, which I write specifically for the particular student’s needs. As the student progresses, I incorporate tunes that the student wishes to learn into the lesson plan.

Jazz, blues, classical, rock

music, Guitar, theory, arranging, composition