Steven Rutledge
About
Hello! I am a professional musician/guitar instructor with over 28 years of experience and counting! I have a background in music that includes all styles of guitar including rock , country, classical, metal,blues, fingerstyle, etc. I also play piano , drums, clarinet ,and other instruments. I’ve performed in various bands, including the internationally touring Door’s tribute, Riders on The Storm. My repertoire also includes tributes to iconic artists like Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Pat Benatar, and well as performances in musical theater productions such as Hairspray and Guys and Dolls. I would love to help guide you on your musical journey
Teaching Style
I am a patient and generally laid back instructor. I like to give my students a strong foundation in music theory, chords, scales, reading, strumming. etc For teenagers and adults i keep this approach, however the lessons more tailored to the students needs and goals. I encourage students to not only work on what I think will help them learn and improve, but also to bring their own ideas and songs that they want to learn.
Curriculum
For children I like to use the Children's guitar method by William Bay . For Young adults I favor the Hal Leonard guitar method book. Both books teach note reading, chords, strumming, and songs.For young adults I tend to use a free form approach based on the students needs an level.
Credentials & Affiliations
Bachelors in Classical Guitar Performance, University of Hartford. I completed a 4 year music program at the School of music in Hartford, CT on scholarship from 1995-1999. My first 2 years of focus were on music education where i developed a basis in several instruments, music theory, ear training, music history, followed by two years of classical guitar performance. I have recorded with many artists as well as the Classical Composers guild. I received the John Phillip Sousa award as well as serving as the Concert band President, Vice President, and secretary consecutively. I was principal songwriter and lead guitarist for the band Ironhead as well as lead guitarist for the Bethel Dickson Church band every Sunday morning.
