Teaching

Private Lessons / Group Classes / Ensembles

 

Private Lessons

Private Instruction is the cornerstone of every aspiring musicians education. One-on-one study is essential in isolating a student's specific needs and designing an appropriate method of study perfectly suited for his/her learning style. Since every person learns differently, it is important to create an environment free from pressure and anxiety. Private lessons allow great flexibility with students' natural adjustments, without the burden of keeping up with the pace and direction of a class. The ability to focus on the student's specific goals with respect to their own tastes and preferences provides an ideal learning environment to excel at an individual's own pace. Most importantly, learning an instrument is a rewarding creative outlet, fun and exciting at any age or skill level.

• All ages and skill levels welcome
• Learn to play jazz, blues, rock, funk, folk, fusion and other diverse styles
• Learn technique and sight-reading with a very musical approach
• Master the art of improvisation and soloing
• Studio or in-home lessons available!

Whether you are interested in learning jazz or blues, rock, funk, or fusion, Curtis' specialized teaching method approaches each style as a language, and focuses on the significant rhythmic and melodic nuance that creates that unique language. A variety of performance techniques are covered in addition to basic, fundamental mechanics. Sight-reading, an extremely underutilized musical skill, is also an important avenue of study that requires patience and helpful assistance should a student wish.

Curtis is accepting students for private study on electric/acoustic guitars, electric bass, and upright bass. Please contact Curtis for availabilities at his studio in downtown Greenwich, CT, or for in-home private lessons.

 

Group Classes

Group Classes offer students the luxury of participating with other like-minded musicians in an environment wholly dedicated to furthering their artistic, musical abilities. Just like speaking any language, the language of music requires the ability to communicate well with others. Learning repertoire and being afforded the advantage of having a classroom of students to perform the songs with, is not only fun but greatly enhances the learning process as well. Most take advantage of these classes as a supplement to private instruction, but all are welcome!

• Guitar and Bass welcome
• Beginning classes for children and adults
• Learn mechanics, rhythm, chords, melodies, songs
• Intermediate/Advanced classes for all ages
• Learn repertoire, advanced rhythmic devises, pentatonics, soloing

Beginning guitar and bass classes focus on a host of fundamental concepts including mechanics, developing coordination, rhythmic variety and introductory sight-reading. For our more advanced students, classes concentrate on repertoire, rhythm, pentatonics, common chord progressions, voice-leading and resolution, sight-reading "tricks", and soloing.

Classes are held in Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Payment is due upon registration and there are no refunds after classes have begun. Class sizes vary and are subject to enrollment.

 

Ensembles

Nothing can be as exciting as being in a band! This is an opportunity for all instrumentalists to join an ensemble and put all your hard work to use. Since we don't play music in a vacuum, it is important that we get together with other musicians to put our musical communication skills to the test. Learn valuable musical concepts like listening, space, time, and groove, while having a great time performing tunes of yesterday and today.

Students often spend countless hours by themselves practicing songs, techniques, and exercises without ever having the luxury of other instrumentalists to play with. Led by Curtis Forbes, a professional music educator, guitarist, bassist, composer, and arranger, these ensembles allow you to play professional arrangements of popular standard jazz, blues, and rock songs, under the supervision of a successful, qualified instructor. Learn all the tools that go into each performer's parts, and how to make the band sound like a cohesive unit!

• Play In a Band!
• No experience necessary
• Perform popular jazz, rock, and blues songs
• Learn all the tools to successfully make music with a group

No prior band experience is necessary, but current private instruction with a qualified teacher is preferred. Some experience on your instrument is required. If you are interested in private instruction on guitar/bass in addition to ensembles, please contact Curtis to make arrangements.

Interested in learning to play other instruments?

If you are interested in private lessons on an instrument other than guitar/bass in addition to ensembles, contact Curtis for a list of highly qualified teachers in your area who may be able to help you with your endeavor.

Ensembles are held in Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Enrollment is limited, so please sign up far in advance. Payment is due upon registration and there are no refunds once classes have begun. All instruments and vocals welcome! Ensemble sizes may vary and are subject to enrollment.