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What is Wolfman's School of
Music?
How do lessons work?
What supplies
and equipment do I need to have?
What are some of Bob's favorite links?
Wolfmans School of Music was founded in 1986, by Bob Wolfman, as an affordable
alternative for those interested in quality music education. In over 26 years as a teacher
and professional musician, Bob has developed the most thorough and logical approach to
guitar instruction available. Wolfmans School of Music has successfully taught
thousands of guitar students from total beginners to advanced professionals.
Our Philosophy
No nonsense! No bull! We give the student tools and help you to develop skills needed
for you to achieve your musical goals.
Our Strategy
We offer the most comprehensive, yet easy to follow, presentation. This will enable you
to obtain the greatest amount of knowledge and playing skill in the shortest period of
time.
What Does Wolfmans Have To Offer
We offer in-person (for students in the greater Boston area) and on-line guitar
instruction. We also have a variety of educational products that we have developed to meet
the needs of guitar students (please see the products page for our current offerings).
What People Say About Us
"Wow! Since studying with the "Wolfman" my ability and
understanding of music has tripled. Bob is one of the very best and he applies his
abilities to teaching his students. Individually tailored classes not only monitor
progress, but also motivate each student. Thanks Bob! You have created Bostons Mecca
of music education."
- Rob Hoyt
"I began studying guitar with Bob three and a half years ago. His
step-by-step lessons had me reading music and playing songs within a matter of weeks! I
have played acoustic and electric, blues, rock, folk, finger picking, and even slide
guitar. Bob makes me feel I can learn anything. Other people ask me why I travel an hour
each way on buses when guitar teachers are all over the city - I say, because Bob is the
best."
- Nancy Carlton
"I am a self-taught guitarist of nearly seven years, playing in my own
rock-n-roll band for three years. I realized that I had run into a brick wall! I just
couldnt learn what I needed to on my own anymore. I had the fear of learning to read
music, or going back to "square one". Bob has completely changed my attitude and
my approach to my goals. Ive learned more in six months than in my seven years of
playing. Bobs methods are original and very productive. Studying with Bob is
certainly one of the best moves Ive made in my life."
- Jim Whealan
"Ive been studying with Bob for three months. Im very pleased
with the results. I had no lessons before this. Bob has taught me how to play well and
really enjoy it. Im amazed at how much I learned and how quickly Ive
progressed. So far I have learned to read music, quickly and accurately play chords and
scales, and Ive learned a lot of music theory. My technique and overall playing
ability has really improved. Bob is a very professional teacher and I highly recommend him
to anyone who wants to learn.
- Jim McCoy
Over the years Bob has taught an incredible variety of people how to play the guitar.
This has forced him to view the specifics of the instrument from many different
perspectives. Consequently, he has simplified the presentation and organization of
information to make it most easily understandable for you. It doesnt matter if you
are a total beginner or an advanced professional player, Bobs comprehensive,
step-by-step approach to the guitar will make learning easier, and thus, faster and more
fun. Each subject is divided into sub-sections, or lesson blocks, that address specific
areas of: music and guitar theory, technique, and application to the instrument.
Musical Supplies/Equipment
- Guitar: You must have a guitar (any type -- classical, electric,
steel-string acoustic) that is in playable condition. The action (how high off the neck
the strings are) must be low enough so that you dont need to use excessive force to
press down on the strings. It must also be high enough to allow the strings to vibrate
freely (no buzzing or clunking sound). The strings should be of a light enough gauge so
that you do not have difficulty pressing them down or setting them in motion. The strings
should also be new enough to allow a good tone (dirt and oil from hands wears out guitar
strings). You may wish to have the guitar that you will be using checked out by a
reputable repair person to evaluate its condition and playability. If you are just
starting out and are buying a new guitar, be sure to get one that is well constructed,
feels good to play, and sounds good. The largest source of frustration for students is
trying to make music on a cheap guitar thats difficult to play and doesnt
sound very good. Try as many different guitars as you can so that you may hear and feel
the difference. Also, read reviews of different guitars in magazines to help you find an
instrument that offers quality in your price range.
- Metronome: In music, timing is everything. You should play all
exercises with a metronome to build accuracy and control in your playing.
- Tuning Device: Obviously, it is also important to play in tune.
Electronic tuners, pitch pipes, and tuning forks should all be readily available at any
music store. We do recommend the use of a tuning fork. It will not go out of tune as pitch
pipes eventually do. It forces you to listen and thus will help develop your ears, which
electronic tuners will not.
- Notebook: It is useful to have a notebook in which to write down any
questions and/or thoughts that you may have about lessons while those thoughts are still
fresh in your mind.
- Practice Chair: You will want to use a straight-backed chair without
arms to promote good posture and allow ease of movement. Kitchen chairs usually work well
and there are also a number of chairs available that are made especially for guitarists.
Do not sit on a bed, sofa, ottoman, floor, or table when practicing.
Computer/Technical Supplies/Equipment
- Computer:
A computer with an internet connection and a world wide
web browser. If you are reading this, you probably already have this one covered.
Sound: A number of our lessons include sound samples to help convey the
ideas being presented. While not required, a sound system on your computer is definitely
recommended.
Java: A number of our lessons make use of Java applets. Be sure that you do not have
Java disabled on your browser. Check the preferences in the menu bar.
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