Brian Wride Music

Frequently Asked Questions:

The following should answer most of your questions:

How much do lessons cost?

Lessons are currently $25 for a half-hour lesson. There is also a one-time "materials fee" of $20 at the first lesson. The materials fee covers all essential materials, usually a method book and a three ring binder. Occasionally, supplementary materials may be recommended which can be purchased by the student at their discretion. If the student already has materials that they have been working with, usually an arrangement can be made to waive all or part of the materials fee.

I reserve the right to charge for lessons missed without adequate notice.

What do I need to take lessons?

You will need a decent quality guitar and an electronic tuner is strongly recommended unless you are confident that you can tune your guitar by ear. Also, if you can afford it, a metronome is an excellent tool for learning music. A music stand would also be helpful. There are tuner and metronome apps available for mobile phones.

Most importantly, you will need about half an hour per day to practice and study at least 5 days per week.

Do you teach adults?

Yes. These days, I only teach adults.

Can you tell me about your teaching style?

My teaching style is fairly formal in that I think that it is important for a musician to be able to read music, understand musical theory, and be exposed to a wide variety of musical styles. I also think that it is important to be able to perform for people, so I am inclined to teach complete tunes rather than just riffs and licks. I also strongly encourage participation in the Sunderland Lions Music Festival to work on performance skills. Of course I don't mind slanting the curriculum towards a student's musical tastes and/or strengths.

Which guitar method do you use?

In most cases, I use one of the Hal-Leonard methods. With students who are already proficient on another instrument I will occasionally use the Berklee method. In all cases I supplement the course with other materials. I charge a one time materials fee of $20 per student which will cover all essential materials. I will sometimes recommend supplementary materials which can be purchased by the student at their discretion.

I am familiar with most of the mainstream guitar methods so if the student has already started on another method, I am quite comfortable continuing with that method, if desired.

When do you teach?

I am currently accepting students on Tuesdays & Wednesdays between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.

I recognize that I don't have a lot of availability outside of business hours but due to other commitments I am unable to teach outside of these hours.

Where are you located?

I am in Uxbridge on Centre Rd. near Brock St. My exact address is available once lessons have been booked.

Where should I buy a guitar?

You should buy your guitar from a reputable music store:

The Interesting Music Shoppe - Pefferlaw
Long & McQuade - Stouffville, Pickering
The Arts - Newmarket

You can usually buy a decent acoustic guitar for $400 - $500 and you can usually get a good tuner and metronome for under $30 each. You may also be able to negotiate a package price.

You should NOT buy your instrument at a "big box" store. While these instruments are less expensive and often carry reputable brand names they are generally of inferior quality and often they are not adjustable or repairable. It is noteworthy that studies have shown there is a 70% drop-out rate among students using an instrument purchased at a "big box" store.

Also, in the event that you drop out or upgrade your instrument, a brand-name guitar purchased from a reputable music store will retain much more of its value.

Reputable entry-level brands include:
Godin* (Seagull, Art & Lutherie, Norman, Simon & Patrick)
Yamaha
Gretsch
Squier
Epiphone

*Canadian company - all of their lines except Art & Lutherie are manufactured in Canada

Renting a guitar is another option. Long & McQuade rents instruments at reasonable rates.

How long have you been teaching guitar?

I have been teaching guitar formally since 2004, informally since the 80's.