Learn Guitar & Voice from Alan Whitney

Dear Music Student,

I've been teaching music for many years. I've learned that no two students are exactly alike. Learning music is an individually unique experience. Each student has his or her own path. As an instructor, it's my responsibility to understand the individual goals of each of my students. I try to provide my students with a solid foundation to build from and help them with the steps towards their goals. I also try to instill a sense of joy and enthusiasm. It's supposed to be fun. Learning to make music is a gift you give yourself. My main focus is to help my students enjoy themselves and enrich their lives.

I have included some frequently asked questions below.

Please feel free to call me with any questions that you have. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,
Alan Whitney

716-380-1300
alan@alanwhitney.com

What Alan's Students say-

Alan is a wonderful teacher. He not only teaches guitar playing, but also finds the strengths of his students' playing style and comes up with arrangements of songs to bring out those strengths while adding new techniques as well. Alan's brilliant teaching, inspiration and encouragement has given me more skill and confidence as a musician than I ever thought possible.
- Valerie Wroblewski
I had tried guitar lessons numerous times but never was able to stick with it, partly because I didn't want to practice and partly because it always seemed like it would be years away before I'd be able to do anything worthwhile with the guitar. Alan's lessons were different in that he knew how to teach the little skills that you could apply and use right away, even if you weren't that experienced. He is quick to help you find out what it is about music that gets you fired up, and makes that tangible for you. I found myself wanting to practice and play all the time, with his lesson material as my basis. I could definitely see it paying off for me. His lessons also gave me a much better understanding of all aspects of music in a more general sense. Whether your interests are just in playing, singing and playing, getting better with your rhythm, writing or anything else, I would highly recommend Alan as a consistent, dependable, energetic, gifted and motivating music/guitar teacher.
- Elisa Carrillo

Frequently asked Questions:

    What is your rate?
  • I charge $40 per hour. I base this rate on a number of factors. Many professional instructors charge an average of $20 per ½ hour. I don't think that a ½ hour lesson is enough time to learn anything effectively. I suggest that my students take a quality one-hour lesson every two weeks.
    How do I schedule a lesson?
  • You may contact me directly by phone or by e-mail. It's probably best to have your calendar or day timer on hand when you contact me. I try to schedule lessons so it is convenient for my students. I find that it works best to schedule as far ahead as possible.
  • If you are contacting via e-mail you should give me a few good times when you are available.
    Acceptable forms of payment
  • Cash is always best. I will accept a personal check made out to Alan Whitney. Please pay for each lesson upon arrival. Advance payment for lessons are not necessary.
    What if I need to cancel a lesson?
  • No problem. To cancel a lesson, you must call me before the lesson. Please give me at least 12 hours notice so I can plan my time. A lot of times I can be flexible with rescheduling if you let me know. I am aware of how complicated life can get. I want to try and make it easy for you to take your lesson. Just call and let me know.
  • I am strict on only one policy. A "No Show" counts as a lesson. I require payment for a "No Show" lesson.
    What musical styles do you teach?
  • I have experience with a wide range of musical styles. Music is music, in my opinion. However, like most musicians, I have areas that I specialize in. I am very proficient with American roots music including urban and country blues, country, bluegrass, old-time, rock and roll, Celtic, and R&B. I specialize in acoustic music and have a strong affinity toward classic song forms. I am also comfortable and familiar with pop and modern music styles. I love music and don't have a judgmental attitude about it. I want to help you get where you want to go. If I can't teach you what you want to learn, I'll help you find someone who can.
    Do you teach beginners?
  • I love beginners. It's important to get off to a great start. I have many students, who took their first lessons with me. Many of these same folks, who began so nervously, are now out performing gigs and playing and singing with friends at parties having a great time. I love getting e-mails and calls from students telling me how much fun they are having.
    Where do you teach?
  • I have a studio in my house in North Buffalo just off Hertel near Colvin. There is plenty of on-street parking.
    I want to sing, but I'm uncomfortable with my voice.
  • This is totally natural. A big part of learning to sing is learning to accept your self. We take it a pace that is comfortable for you. We build your confidence from a solid foundation and your voice grows naturally from there. It's a process of learning to trust your self and developing your ear and connection to your body.
    Electric or Acoustic guitar?
  • It really doesn't matter. I love both for different reasons. Guitar is such an amazing instrument with so many different sounds and personalities. It's fun to match guitars with amps and all sorts of fun gear. Acoustic guitar is probably my favorite.
    What if I don't have an instrument yet?
  • Call me before you just go out and buy one. I can help you find a guitar that will fit you and your goals. It's easy to get confused when you buy your first instrument. I can help you find what you need and make sure you get a good deal.
    Do you have to know how to read music?
  • It is not necessary. For me, music is more of an oral tradition. This means I teach mostly by ear. However, I do read music and can teach notation or tablature. Knowing some practical music theory is important. I try to instill practical music knowledge that will help my students grow. Ear training is part of my program.
    What should I bring to the lesson?
  • Guitar players should bring a guitar (12 string, 7 string is fine). I have an amp available for electric players. I suggest bringing any books, CD's or DVD's that are of interest to you musically. It is important for you to share with me the music that inspires you. I also ask my students to bring the accessories they are using, capos, slides, finger picks, effects. Having a tuner is important but check with me before you run out to buy one.
  • Vocalist should bring the books, sheet music and recordings of the material they are working on and interested in. Having a little keyboard or a small instrument to refer pitch can be very helpful.
  • Anything that inspires you is important.

    Again, please don't hesitate to contact me with questions.

    716-380-1300
    alan@alanwhitney.com