FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Don’t see your question here? Give Travis a call!

Due to the physical nature of guitar, the youngest someone should be is 5. Any younger, the physical challenges are just too numerous. However, people as young as 2 can start recognizing some MUSIC basics like simple rhythms and one or two note melodies.  Just remember no matter what age, some musical abilities can be learned. Listening to music for enjoyment can start at any age however!

Well in the case of guitar lessons, a guitar of course! A nice electric or acoustic, doesn’t matter. What matters is the comfort for the player! Do not play on an instrument you find uncomfortable! Some other standard guitar items include picks, extra strings and a guitar strap. The other essential tool is a nice guitar tuner! Getting your guitar to sound good as a beginner is hard enough, do not make the challenge harder but playing out of tune! The other thing I recommend is bring a device to record your music lessons! This will help greatly in the learning process.

If a complete beginner, I recommend 30 minutes or an hour a week! This is crucial so I can monitor the progress  the growth of your basic fundamentals. Do not harm your progress but adopting bad habits! An intermediate player should take a lesson every week or every two weeks. Advanced players can usually afford to space their lessons out a bit more. Consistency in practice and regular lessons will help all players of all levels however!

Consistency is key here, I recommend at least a half hour a day for serious growth. .  Think of playing music as the same as you would exercising, it must be done over the  course of weeks consistently to see the results.  Remember, if you do not practice, not even having Jimi Hendrix as your teacher will help you grow!

In the beginning it is very common for the fingers to be slightly sore, you are building muscles in your hand that you have never used before! Growing callouses on the playing hand can also be irritating for some people. However, these “growing pains” should subside very soon after starting playing regularly. With proper form and good habits, playing guitar should never cause severe pain or any permanent damage!

TESTIMONIALS

favorite genre

I’ve been studying with Travis for over two months and I enjoyed having lessons with him. My favorite genre is Jazz and I like Travis’ teaching philosophy which focuses on ear training and musicality of playing.

Deng Le
Student

Jordan

Travis is a great teacher and really breaks it down for you if your struggling and also very patient with beginners like me. I would recommend anyone to take lessons with him.

Jordan Smith
Student

bob

I cannot say enough great things about Travis Shelby! I would have given him 10 stars if there were enough stars here to fill in. I started my journey of the guitar at age 53 (never too old), and at that time Travis was recommended to me. Needless say I am still taking lessons from him and I trust this will keep happening for many more years to come

Bob Ramalho
Student

Fun factor

Searched several different Guitar teachers till I found Travis. He has a wonderful and patient ability as an instructor. You really get the whole ball of wax with Travis, he doesn’t just teach the guitar it can also be about becoming a better musician or the ability to play with other people, if that’s your goal, there’s always just the fun factor.

John Sweeny
Student

Travis Shelby is an amazing teacher! He’s not only knowledgeable but he is able to break things down and communicate to beginners. He has great patience and cares about your growth as a musician.

Etta Birmingham
Student

hooked

Since I’ve been taking lessons, my playing has grown leaps and bounds. From melodies and solos, I’ve learned by ear and I feel it’s the best way to learn. I recommend anyone to try one lesson and you’ll be hooked!

Barry
Student

deep roots in blues

Travis is a musician with deep roots in Blues and Jazz. He is one who studies the master and takes the music to a new level; this is a rare quality today in music. The result can be found in his playing and teaching.

Richie Hart
Associate Professor Berklee College of Music, World Class Musician