Matt Raines; Guitar Lessons and Music Instruction

If you are looking to learn more about music, I think I can help. Even if you aren't a guitar player, I can teach you the ins and outs of improvisation, harmony, odd meter, polyrhythms...all the things that make music challenging and interesting. What I cannot teach you is HOW TO PLAY your instrument, if you don't play guitar. In other words, you need to have facility on your instrument since I don't play trombone, flute,oboe, marimba,etc.

I absolutley love to teach-especially those that are eager to learn and don't mind putting in some time. It's an incredibly gratifying feeling hearing a student's cd or seeing them on a gig ripping through some "lesson material".

I teach all levels-Berklee grads to 1st graders. Seasoned pros to an 80 year old cabinet maker that always dreamed of playing music.

I understand there are some obstacles for many people, and I have addressed them all I hope!
1. "I don't have time for music lessons". Yes you do, and I can work with you by being available 24 hours a day-everyday. If you can only fit a lesson in at 3am on a Tuesday-I'll have coffee ready for ya. My approach is consistent and effective. You can get better, MUCH better, playing for 15-30 minutes a day. If you have an hour the results will be fantastic.

2. "Lessons are too expensive." My rates are currently $50/hr. if you come to my studio. $75+ if I travel to you. Many of my past and current students are also music teachers. I charge enough to make it worth my time and effort and enough to know my students are taking it seriously. You can easily pay $100+/hr for music lessons, especially around Boston and New York. And while many of these teachers are incredible players, their teaching ability is often lacking immensely. I also accept credit card payment for lessons.

3. "I live too far away". I offer several options for out of state students. I offer correspondence lessons which are 100% personal. We can do the lessons via webcam, cd or dvd. Or we can even use pen and paper. I just need to hear you play a bit and talk about where you would like to go with your music. I have a series of DVDs available at www.mattraines.com focusing on 4ths tuning and covering many topics from II V's to Coltrane changes. And if you'd like, I offer full day lessons (6 hours+) anywhere in the world. I usually do the lesson in my hotel and will have all materials necessary. We can take a break and discuss things, eat a little somethin'-and go back to 'work'. Cost varies but is usually around $500 +travel. The material is generally sufficient to last over 6 months.

4. "I have no musical ability." You may be right! But most of the time that is bs. Either way, if you are interested in music you should give it a shot. Remember, you can play some great things purely through memorization. Maybe you won't be the next Coltrane but you will surely enjoy yourself and add another dimension to your life. But 99% of the time these folks have more than enough 'natural talent'.

Since then I have played in funk bands, fusion bands, death metal bands,blues,jazz,latin, gb, cruise ships, big bands, solo ,duo,trio...I can get you playing what you want to play very quickly. Especially the more difficult music such as jazz, fusion and prog. rock.

My lesson policy is simple. You pay for the 1st and last lesson up front. And all lessons are paid for even if you can't make it, since I will still have the time slot for you. Lessons are weekly. Bi-weekly and monthly lessons may be available.