Baer's Music Service - Guitar, Piano, Bass and Drum Lessons in the Barnstable and Hyannis Areas - Cape Cod
Guitar, Piano and Drum Lessons in the Barnstable and Hyannis Area
"A song is anything that can walk by itself"
- Bob Dylan
Thank you 
for your interest in taking music instruction. Rather than give just music lessons it is important to use other subjects such as math, science, history and language to place emphasis on the importance of a well-rounded education. I feel that too often music education is separated from the crowd when time after time it is proven to accelerate learning, increase memorization skills and have a positive influence on the recognition of cultures.
My students learn about who influenced their favorite musicians, how a string makes a sound, how chords are formed, why a scale is a scale, how the brain perceives music, how lyrics are shaped and stories are told. Please take the time to review my three part Mission Statement:
- You are never too little, late or great to enjoy making and studying music. Taking lessons shouldn't be about becoming famous someday, showing off, sunglasses, cool clothes and messy hair (although, all those things can be pretty fun). More importantly it's about setting and achieving goals, learning the virtue of
patience, sharing talents, expressing yourself, and building self-confidence. I understand that some students have a natural talent for music and I always encourage their advancement. But I also understand that some don't and it is just as important to encourage their advancement.
- Private instruction can be costly and time consuming. And believe me - I don't drive a Porche. It is my aim to give you as much I as can possibly give you for every penny every minute. If you ever feel that I am not living up to the cost of the lessons please feel free to tell me as soon as possible so we can come up with a solution. Being able to afford a product is often directly related to the quality of the product itself.
- Learning an instrument isn't just about playing songs. It's a way of thinking that augments the ability to learn and take on new tasks and ideas. From music we learn the concept of time, we memorize a story, see our traditions, and discover our own
culture and the cultures of others. Berklee College of Music (where I went) represents around 70 countries every semester. The confidence it takes to travel the world, meet new people and try new things is reliant on barriers broken by diversity. It is my aim to widen the views of music beyond genres and popular television and radio.
There are many benefits of taking private music lessons and I take the responsibility of recognizing and enhancing those strengths. As a child I played rock music and soon grew into the blues. In college I studied contemporary harmony and complicated jazz theory. And during all of it I always had a passion for the art of folk and traditional mediums in music. Learning to play an instrument should be fun and worth the value. Weather you want to play for yourself, with others, try out playing open mic nights at your local pub or just play some music before you go to bed or after you wake up you will find that it you are part of that tradition of playing a song. What most people don't realize is that it isn't magic or a gift, but just an understanding through a little work and practice (and if you do have that magic or that gift, even better!).
- It's good to set goals and have due dates but it's also nice to know that these lessons won't be going on your "personal record". Although, they do look nice on a resume or application. One-on-one lessons means having that time to zero in on strengths and weaknesses.
- All my students enjoy custom lesson plans. I don't work from one single book or method but a variety of sources so you can learn what you want to learn in the order that makes sense for your musical and educational history. If you are playing music in school this is a great place to supplement your musical education.
- You can learn the songs you want to learn and enjoy them at home or wherever you
want to take them. Finally play that open mic, have a sing-a-long with your friends, or gear up for a full-force profession in music. Music has taken me places that I'd thought that I'd never go. It is responsible for hundreds of friendships that have been made over the years. After a little while you will start hearing more in the music you hear coming out of your radio. You might even hear a song and say "Hey! That's that G7 chord we've been talking about!" The list is endless. I have had students from the ages of 4 years old to 68 years old. I've taught in beautiful mansions and homeless shelters. No matter who, where, what, why or how personal enjoyment is always a driving force.
Recommended Viewing
Choosing an Instrument
News
Baer's Music Service is now on Facebook! Click the link below and become a fan...
Joe will be teaching a free Introduction to Music Theory for Adults class at the Cape Cod Conservatory. Class will be held on Thursdays at 5:00 starting February 4th. To register visit the CCC website and contact the front office to ensure your spot is saved!
