EDUCATION:
Marquette University- (the late 70’s)
Master’s Degree-Communication Disorders
TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
Bill previously taught guitar for 10 years at the Brass Bell Music store-Bayshore Mall. (80’s-90’s) Students ranged from 6 years old thru adult.
Joined the White House of Music team in 2007.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
2018-Performed at Potbelly regularly in a guitar duo.
Played rhythm, lead and bass guitar in a local band, “Sound Investment”, for 18 years in the 80’s & 90’s. (weddings, supper clubs, & other establishments)
Performed in a children’s music duo. (For Penfield Children’s Center, school districts, and libraries)
Played guitar for adult disability group on Sunday mornings for several years.
Play at local nursing homes on a monthly basis.
Performed at Teacher conventions (WEAC), and Early Childhood conferences (Whitewater)
Teaching Methods & Musical Styles/Genres Taught:
Formative. Differentiated.
My role is to promote learning. Giving formative feedback, demonstrating, encouraging, is all part of the lesson. Practice is very important, but it must be practicing the right way.
Having fun with music is important as well.
I use the Hal Leonard, Mel Bay, and sometimes Alfred series for guitar. I also have a large supplemental collection of songs/tabs. Bring a favorite song in and we will do it.
Basic lesson plan…
Warm up (scales, chords, progressions, notes, etc.- review-questions)
Lesson material (book and/or assigned songs-etc)
New material (assigned, taught, any requests?)
Review-questions
Styles:
Rock, Pop, Folk, Top 40, Instrumentals, Country, many others.
What are your expectations of your students?
Depending on age, a minimum practice time 5-6 days a week.
Be attentive (I will help with that)
Have fun!
What I want my students to know.
I want students to know music is fun and challenging.
Learn the basics of your instrument and music theory. Learn whatever songs/styles you want. Be creative and persistent. It is very rewarding. Shorter-range goals may be a song, a completed book, understanding how to play in a group, etc.
Favorite band/group:
I like the Moody Blues, Beatles, Chicago, and many others.
What you enjoy most about your job:
I enjoy playing together with the students. I enjoy seeing students achieve.
Hobbies outside of work:
I play chess and I enjoy playing in several music groups.