Music is an art form that requires many different skills to be brought simultaneously to one’s instrument. Many guitar teachers leave some of the fundamentals aside and concentrate on only a few of the skills needed by all musicians, most especially guitarists. Master guitarist David Yard runs a conservatory of music with the guitar as the principal instrument. No aspect of the well-trained musician is unattended; emphasis is on reading skills, harmony, ear training, composition, and performance.
David works to lead students toward mastering skills that will bring them a lifetime of enjoyment on this beautiful instrument. Students from this studio have been accepted at, and often received scholarships to; The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Oberlin and Interlocken Schools of Music, the London Royal Academy of Music, and the The Manhattan School of The Performing Arts.
Conveniently offering 2 locations in Santa Fe (downtown and Eldorado), New Mexico, David Yard Guitar Studios takes great pride in offering expert instruction in all guitar styles to students of all skill levels and ages. Lessons are available Monday through Saturday, with openings from morning to early evening. Lessons are scheduled weekly and are billed one month in advance;
Fee Schedule; 1/2 hour lesson; $30. / $120. per month (+ tax) 45 minute lesson; $45. / 180. per month (+ tax) Full hour lesson; $60. / $240 per month (+tax)
Lessons include;
One on one private instruction
Reading skills
Workshops
Music notation
Music theory
Salon performance
Composition
Rhythmic skills
Chord theory
Tab pitfalls
Guitar Lessons for Beginners
Beginners are among David's most favorite students to teach as they are very excited to learn. The beginning is a critical time in studying music; if a student can avoid bad technical habits from the outset, the ceiling for the advancement of their skills effectively vanishes. This saves the student hours of practice and consequently monies as well. Over many years of teaching, David has cultivated the patience and skills to provide the beginner with a fertile field to sow their aspirations as a guitarist. It truly matters not if you aspire to be a professional; if you begin properly, you will succeed if you practice as guided. And a good teacher is your guide to this process.
Guitar Lessons for the Intermediate and Advanced Player
David offers excellent help to the advanced and professional player. Guitarists must develop knowledge as well as technical skill. Understanding chord theory and the application of musical scales is a must. This is where a good teacher becomes vital to the serious guitarist and David's specialty is to clarify this process.