Students are taught in a comfortable environment with all of the essential tools and materials needed for a thorough study of the instrument. Both traditional music notation and cutting edge techniques are covered, and Aaron's knowledge and diverse background make classes a rich and rewarding experience.
Aaron Denny teaches private Guitar and Bass lessons to a wide range of students from beginning to advanced levels and in many different styles. Lessons are designed to meet the students' specific goals and needs. Styles taught include:
• Traditional music notation and rhythm studies
• Modern and Classic Rock
(important works note for note, applications in songwriting)
• Jazz (chord and scale studies as well as improvising techniques)
• Blues (classic chords and riffs, blues soloing)
• Folk (Open chords, favorite songs and progressions, pick and finger style)
One on one sessions with Aaron on subjects such as:
• song structure and analysis
• keys and harmonic progressions
• various styles and instrumentation
• What makes a great song?
• Hooks, riffs, and capturing inspirational moments
Aaron also teaches general music theory lessons to those interested in acquiring a deeper knowledge of the principals and practices used in contemporary and jazz music styles. All instrumentalists are welcome as the study is non-instrument specific.
Music Theory subjects covered include:
• The major scale
• Diatonic harmony and voice leading
• Rhythm studies
• Modal scales
• Jazz harmony
• Contemporary harmonic techniques
• Composition and songwriting
• Improvising and more
Aaron's performance experience combined with his music education and composition skills brings a real world edge to the classes that is unique to this field. The focus is on applying the newly learned knowledge to the music that the students are actively playing and enjoying. This approach makes lessons both fun and memorable and demystifies many of the secrets of music theory.
Flying Fingers Guitars Studio offers Guitar Lessons as well as Bass and Drum Lessons in Atkinson NH. With over 20 years of experience teaching, performing and composing music, Berklee College Of Music Alumnus Aaron Denny is the premier guitar teacher in the southern NH area and a true Maestro of music.
Study the ins and outs of Rock, Jazz, Blues, Classical and beyond
in programs designed for beginner through advanced levels
Learn the patented "Flying Fingers" approach developed by Aaron
Access an extensive sheet music library of the greatest guitar music in the world and benefit from the most cutting edge tools available today
Study in a professional comfortable environment with a friendly instructor who remembers what it was like to be "just starting out"
Private Instruction – acoustic or electric guitar, bass, drums - $28 / half hour
Private Music Theory and Songwriting classes - $35 / half hour
Payment is due monthly. Payment for each month is due the week prior to the new month. (Example: June lesson payment is due at the last lesson in May). Please make checks payable to Aaron Denny.
Payment reserves an allotted lesson time each week in the month and is not refundable for missed lessons. However, one missed lesson per month may be made up on the last Saturday of each month provided that 48 hours notice is given prior to the missed lesson. The student has the option of a refund or a make-up for a lesson cancelled by the instructor. There are no exceptions to this policy.
The following Holidays are observed:
New Years Eve
New Years Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Beginner Guitar Books
Hal Leonard Guitar Method – Book 1 (with or without CD )
Mel Bay Guitar Tablature Paper (fluorescent green cover)–bound blank writing paper notebook – alternates TAB and staff lines.
Hal Leonard Manuscript paper (also has a fluorescent green cover)–bound blank writing paper notebook – has 5 lines per stave
Fast Track Guitar Method – Book 1 (Also of note is the Fast Track Songbooks levels 1 and 2 used in the Rock Band classes at Flying Fingers)
Beginner Bass Books
1. Hal Leonard Bass Guitar Method Book 1 (this should be the version that is in music notation only – not tablature)
5. HalLeonardManuscriptPaper (fluorescent green cover)–bound blank writing paper notebook – has 5 lines per stave
2. Hal Leonard Bass Tablature Writing Paper – bound blank writing paper notebook – has 4 lines per staff
4. Fast Track Bass Method Book 1 – (also of note is the Fast Track songbooks levels 1 and 2 used in the Rock School classes at Flying Fingers)
Beginner Drum Books (for both drum pad and drum set)
1. Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the modern Drummer by Ted Reed– for reading traditional snare drum exercises – to be practiced on drum pad.
2. Stick Control – by George Stone – rated the #1 drum method book of all time 2.
3. Hal Leonard Manuscript Paper (fluorescent green cover) – bound blank music writing paper notebook
4. FastTrack Drum Method Book 1 – for learning to play drum set. (Also of note is the FastTrack Songbooks levels 1 and 2 used in the Rock Band classes at Flying Fingers)
Picks (lots of them!)
I recommend standard Dunlop Tortex Medium picks - .73 mm, however it is fine to experiment with any brand of picks (medium or heavy weight). I do not recommend thin weight picks as they tend to break too easily. Picks are generally .25 a piece and it is good to start with about 20 to 30 of them as they always somehow seem to get lost or broken along the way.
Electronic Guitar Tuner (Guitar and Bass Students only)
An electronic guitar/bass tuner is an essential accessory for any student, but especially for a beginner as they are usually not yet trained adequately to be able to tune by ear. It is generally a good idea to purchase a tuner that is simple to operate and understand for a beginner. For this reason the unit should have an automatic mode. Look for one in the $20-$30 range. A few models that I recommend are:
Fender LX-12 – has chromatic and automatic operation Korg GA-30 – automatic operation
It is also perfectly acceptable to use a tuner app on your phone. Visit your app store for popular apps.
If you cannot find the above models, there are many good tuners in the $20-$30 range that should be perfectly suitable. Bass students, make sure the tuner can also be used to tune a Bass guitar.
Metronome
A Metronome is another essential tool for an aspiring musician of any level. Although not absolutely necessary to get started it should be purchased within the first few months of study. Training to a metronome develops a solid sense of timing and rhythm in all musicians. A model that I like is the Korg MA-30. There are also a few very good Metronome apps available for your phone as well.
Music Stand
These come in many different varieties. The cheapest ones are very flimsy and break easily and are also difficult to keep larger books or pieces of music on. I recommend one by On Stage Stands. It is, foldable, black and has a solid backing that the music sits on. Used in the home this type of stand should last a lifetime.
Capo (guitarists only)
This is a clamp for transposing the pitch of the guitar. Very handy for acoustic and folk players. Also great for singer/guitarists who need to adjust the keys of songs they are singing. I recommend one by Kyser, but there are many good brands.
* For additional info on purchasing equipment such as guitars, bass guitars, drum sets, amplifiers etc...or to find out about instruments available for sale at Flying Fingers please contact Aaron at (603)490-0742.
Please feel free call or email with any questions about the above materials. A local music store or online retailer generally provides many options, but it is very important for students to have the equipment and materials appropriate to their needs and level.
