Guitar; Bass; Ukulele; Music Theory
Rick teaches acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, and music theory lessons at all levels and ages from his studio centrally located in Colorado Springs or via Skype. He tailors his instrument curriculum to the individual student with emphasis on reading, learning songs, scales/chords, and music theory to understand how music works. Rick has studied privately with multiple advanced level instructors throughout his career and has taught since 2003. His lifetime passion for music began very early on and since the age of 17 he has been a performing artist at all venue types. He currently sings and plays lead guitar as a soloist and from a 2-5 piece group. He has recorded 2 CD’s and is an author of “Guitar Sense” an instruction book for applying music theory to guitar. As a music instructor he is well known for his patience and dedication to quality lessons with all his students.
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Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, and Music Theory
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Music Makes You Smarter
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Student Testimonials
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Rick’s Teaching Philosophy
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Schedule a FREE Lesson with Rick!
Making Music Makes You Smarter!
Some CEO’s suggest that the most sought after computer whizzes in California’s Silicon Valley are musicians.
90% of students who participate in their high school band, chorus, and/or orchestra go on to college to complete their undergraduate degree.
An autistic child who couldn’t tie his shoes, after 9 months of instruction, succeeded on the second try after the instructions were set to music.
Students who are part of their high school music program are the most sought after by employers based on their ability to solve problems and work with all types of people.
At Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, rhythm studies are used to enhance the student’s math skills.
Students with band and orchestra experience attend college at a rate of twice the national average.
Music student’s outperform non-music students on achievement tests in reading and math. Because of music, their skills in memory, listening and forecasting recall and concentration are better.
On average, high school music students have higher grade point averages than non-music students in the same school.
Investing in music early is probably better than putting money in the bank for your child’s education. With the enhanced IQ and study habits found in many music students, more scholarship money is available.
How did you learn your ABC’s? Was it a little Mozart tune called “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star?” Many of us had the same experience. Do you still know the alphabet?
Research shows that when arts are included in the student’s curriculum reading, writing and math scores improve!
Students and Testimonials
“Great teacher, very talented, flexible hours, and conveniently located. Exactly what I was looking for.”
“Rick is quite skilled in teaching guitar. He has taught me theory, technique, and starting to read some music. I am 60 yrs old and new at the guitar. Rick is very patient and doesn’t mind me needing repetition. I might add that I am working with a 3 string cigar box guitar which is a bit different but Rick has had no issues in helping me with this instrument. I highly recommend taking advantage of his expertise.”
“I’ve had Rick for a guitar teacher for over 3 years now. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher! He’s patient, thorough and knows his stuff! He’s familiar with a wide range of music and has spectacular method for teaching music theory! Therefor you fully understand the concepts of music not just how to play a specific song. He also plays in a band so it’s pretty cool to go and see him play!
I highly recommend Rick to anyone of any age!!”
“Rick Taylor is an excellent guitar teacher whose career as a musician, instructor and music book author provide the student with the broad range of knowledge and experience to assure the novice or expert student progress and success. Rick is methodical in his approach, combining practice with music theory, discipline and fun.
As an older generation student I knew I was in good hands on my first day when talking to a waiting high school student who volunteered to me that Rick was a great teacher combining book study, theory and song practice. I look forward to my class every week and feel surprised at my progress. His effect of his five-star teaching is on the smiling face of the next high school student walking into his studio, a teacher for all generations.
“Five Stars”!
“Rick Taylor is the best guitar teacher I’ve ever had for both myself and my daughter. He’s worked with my daughter for years and has taught her to play the acoustic and electric guitar as well as the bass. He also teaches music theory and voice. I’ve just started lessons and am in awe of his talent. We’ve worked on several music genres and playing techniques; he knows everything. He’s a nice guy and patient; great with kids too. I can’t say enough good things about him. If you want to learn guitar or you want your child to learn to play; Rick Taylor is an outstanding teacher.”
Rick’s Teaching Philosophy
How does your service stand out?
I have developed my own curriculum unlike any others I have seen. This is based on my study with multiple advanced instructors. Students not only learn to play but they “understand” how music works which makes them “fluent” at it.
What do you enjoy about the work you do?
Seeing people succeed and helping people expand their enjoyment for music by playing and to share my passion for music which can be contagious. I want to see you accomplish more than you can on your own. It is difficult to find the time and motivation, so I will help you to accomplish your goals.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
That it takes more than just memorizing songs and playing them to be good at music. How music works needs to be understood. Once music is understood it is not a big deal to even go on to other additional instruments.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
To make sure the To instructor is knowledgeable, patient, and truly cares about the student succeeding. Making sure the teacher is able and willing to go down to the student’s level.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
A lifelong passion for music and performing fueled the desire to start my own business teaching.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I played instruments throughout my school years, as a teen and adult have studied with multiple advanced level instructors, and I am constantly researching learning material from other methods. My students get the advantage of being taught the best from each of all those resources.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First thing I do is an assessment of where they are currently at with their music. I then ask questions of their goals and what they want to do with their music. From that point I develop a teaching plan based on that.
Do you have a standard pricing System for you r service? If so, please share the details here.
Standard price is set for weekly lessons same day same time each week. Exceptions to this can be made on occasion.
What Types of customers have you worked with?
I have taught a multitude of students from age 6 to 83 with all types of diverse backgrounds and abilities (including some handicapped).
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
Taught a 77 year old well educated man who had not only ever played music but never really listened to it. With him I not only taught him to play classical guitar but also shared music history and appreciation of different genres of music.