Among other things, I try to write as frequently as possible -mostly as a way of documenting all of the knowledge that I collect, synthesize, and then share with my students. The result of these efforts is a guitar method, which as of now, I have casually titled Elegant Musicianship for Guitarists.
You may be asking yourself why there is no link to purchase this title. The reason for this is because, although it is currently complete in its 27th-ish edition, it is not yet published–as I am a compulsive tinker-er when it comes to my own work. Hopefully I can get it out before the end of 2009…
When the book is finally published I will make about 90% of it available online for your reading pleasure. So I guess we’ll both have to have some patience until that time.
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There are few things that are as important to me as teaching, which is why I continue to teach despite having success in other areas of music. I feel it is my obligation to share the information that I’ve spent all too many hours decoding, reworking, tinkering with and synthesizing. I know first-hand the hard work, frustration, and toil it takes to attain a basic level of musical competence–and I would hate for anyone to needlessly suffer the way that I did when learning the craft.
For these reasons, I try my best to adhere to the following principles when I teach:
- Understanding
–The most frustrating thing for myself as a young student was that I could physically play my instrument well, but I had no clue as to why I was playing the notes I was playing, beyond seeing them notated in the music.
–Students who are having problems, or have reached a limit with their playing, or don’t practice–often get labeled as lazy or untalented: However, this is rarely the case. While contemporary music education tends to substitute repetition for substance, the key to many student’s advancement is being given the opportunity to lift the hood and be shown how the pieces fit together.
- De-mystifying & filtering of practical information
–It’s hard to find good information on music, and as a result it is even harder to find people who understand it. Billy Joel, after an interviewer had referred to him as a “genius,” was famously quoted as saying “I am, as I’ve said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.” Thus, in my teaching I try to remove mystery, dogma, misinformation, and bad advice until you are left with nothing but naked facts, truths, and workable tools.
- Reality
–A good quantity of my students go on to make decent livings in musical fields, but most don’t. It is possible to become a musician without living inside of a practice room, just as it is possible to become a millionaire and never break a bead of sweat doing manual labor. Hard work does pay off, but not without the knowledge to back it up, be it learned or intuitive. It’s OK that you’re not a musical robot. I want my students to come away from lessons with tools, not stress and workloads.
- Fulfillment
–Every website, of every teacher, ever… touts “having fun” as a core principle. True fun in music comes not from simply making noise, but from the joy, confidence and fulfillment that comes from having a command of the language.
If you’re interested in lessons please use the form to contact me and I’ll email or call you at my first opportunity. I have a rather fluid schedule but it does tend to fill up, as I have a nasty habit of over-extending myself from time to time, but currently there is no waiting list.
-Tyler
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The best way to get in touch with Tyler about lessons, or any other matter, is to contact him directly through the online contact form below.
You may also contact us with the following information:
tyleroakleaf@gmail.com
605-929-5858
Tyler Oakleaf
6 Wigglesworth ST, APT 1
Boston, MA 02120
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Musicians Tyler has studied with:
- Scott Tarulli
- Mike Williams
- Stephen Croes
- Richie Hart
- Jean Marc Belkadi
- Ken Pullig
- Gregory Fritze
- Chris Buono
- Jane Miller
- Gilson Schachnik
- Dennis Leclaire
- Ivana Lisak
- Robert Harrigan
- John Marasco
- Rick DiMuzio
- Daniel Gilbert
Tyler Oakleaf, professional musician and music educator, has been involved in music for nearly all of his life. His father, ironworker and
mechanic by trade and drummer by night, was very passionate about music, playing whenever he had the chance. This passion for music did not overlook Tyler, for by the age of three he was accompanying his father to local gigs, and on many occasions stole the spotlight by singing several numbers.As he grew, music remained an important part of Tyler’s life. He began playing piano at age six, and by ten he was studying saxophone. At age thirteen Tyler was turned on to Led Zeppelin, and, after several months attempting to emulate guitar solos with his sax, Tyler decided to pick up a guitar for the first time.Tyler became interested in music education his freshman year of high school. Having become well known locally for his skills as a guitarist, he was often asked to give lessons to other students in his school.But Tyler did not fully realize his potential as a teacher until late that year when he enrolled in a guitar class at his high school, when after attending only a handful of classes Tyler was asked if he would be willing to teach an advanced section of the class. Tyler continued teaching the class every year until he graduated from high school; as a junior, a full year early.Tyler has had the unique opportunity to study guitar with some of the world’s greatest musicians. He has also attended some of America’s most prestigious contemporary music schools including a short stay at the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA and at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where he will soon complete his Bachelors of Professional Music. Tyler and his wife, who is an artist, currently reside in Boston, where he runs his own freelance music business. Any student planning on studying music with Tyler can expect an unheard-of level of commitment and planning. Tyler works hard to ensure that all of his students achieve their musical goals, no matter what they may be. It is this level of musicianship and a sincere devotion to all of his students that sets Tyler apart.
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First lesson is free, after which:
In Home Lessons (your home)
$50 per/lesson
If located within Boston or 10 minutes thereof
$55-$100
If located out side of Boston (Depending on your location)
Studio Lessons in Winthrop
Discounted rate of $40 per/lesson
Payment:
- The first attended lesson is completely free.
- After the first lesson it is expected that you pay in advanced for the next 4+ lessons before attending the second lesson.
- After the fifth lesson, (1st + next 4) if you intend on continuing, you will be expected to pay for another block of four lessons before continuing with instruction.
Lesson Policies:
- Lessons must be canceled 24 hours in advanced of scheduled appointment to be excused.
- Any lesson unattended without proper noticed will be billed.
- Lessons once purchased are not refundable.
- Lessons once purchased must be used within 3 months of purchase.
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Q: Are students required to purchase any books or additional material?
A: No, all lesson material is written and provided by Tyler.
Q: How old are your students?
A: All ages. Currently my youngest is 5 years old, and my oldest is 67. However, if students are younger than 8 serious parent participation is usually beneficial.
Q: What style of music do you play/teach.
A: My teaching is not “style-specific”. Although I am somewhat partial toward contemporary music,
such as Jazz, Blues, Rock, and Country, ect…
Q: Do you teach anything other than guitar?
A: Currently, I am also available to teach saxophone, music theory, and ear training, as well as giving clinics and seminars about music and guitar.
Q: Do I need to bring an amp with me?
A: No, All you need is your guitar and yourself. I have plenty of amplification, and if you need, I can even lend you a guitar for the lesson.
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We’ve moved!
My studio is now located at the following address:
23 Somerset AVE, #2
Winthrop, MA 02120
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I also make house calls in addition to giving lessons from my studio. Please note that the price for an in-home lesson is slightly more expensive due to travel and preparation factors.
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