“"Without Music, Life would be unfair..."”
–
Paul McLennon
Login
Login to your Duet account.
Scoring live A Murder Mystery Dinner!
Houlton's Shire Ale House is offering its 1rst Murder Mystery Dinner party this Sunday.It will be set in the 30's.I am very excited to accompany the event with Ragtime Blues and Jazz guitar, 6 and 12 string guitars, a Banjolele,and a suitcase full of sound effects. ( Some of you may know that I used to accompany silent Movies when living in Cambridge MA.) With 25 actors, it'll be a real circus, we hope.Next one will be Sci-Fi themed I heard. I hope to score that one too since I had the joy to accompany "Charleston" a great silent movie by Jean Renoir, touted as the very 1rst Sci-fi film ever made! I kept the Sci-bag of tricks and look fwd to use it again. The meanwhile 1930's Ragtime Blues Swing will be the order of the day Sunday...ChEars!!!Bertrand
FYI
On-line learning can indeed be really fun.
Dear Students and Friends. As all my teaching is ,of course, going on Skype or Zoom for privates lessons and also Group, I am developing a new system of worksheets and maps that teach both Music theory and its application to the fingerboard. Those will be combined with live interaction for warm-ups/workouts and technique, emailed Mp3's as well as Tablature. We still will steal (!) from your favorites so do make a song list. I must it has been really fun so far, even the group lesson for Passim School Of Music, once we re-adjust to the slight delay and the one-way sound. Here is a little sample attached, hope you enjoy it. Make some joyful noize! PS If you want to join in, email me @ BertLarryMusic@gmail.com, for more infos:https://www.thumbtack.com/…/bert…/service/212250292731274435
About cancellations and make-up classes
Hello Folks, Just a reminder of the cancellation policy: I do request the fairly standard 24hr notice of cancellation so you will not owe the fee.
I will do my best to find a make-up slot for you on the same week. This might not work all the time, as you can understand.
There are a lot of preventive habits that will keep the flu and other colds at bay, as you know. ( Zinc, Vit C, stress reduction., sleep, hydration, steam inhalation..)
A lot of those are actually very good for your general health, as well as your voice.
In the end, staying healthy will simplify scheduling and facilitate your musical growth! ( and of course Life!)
Happy Fall, Bertrand
Illness is the most heeded of doctors: to goodness and wisdom we only make promises; pain we obey.
Marcel Proust
Bertrand live this Wednesday evening in Somerville
Hello folks, sorry for the late notice. I 'll be playing some fingerstyle tunes for two hours (!) in a huge sounding room at the Aeronaut Brewery in Somerville.
(14 Tyler st Somerville Ma 02143 is across Yukon's Luthiery)
This place has a big sound, and offer a casual, friendly atmosphere* and many types of cool events
The only draw-back is the fantastic beers they brew on the spot.
I look forward to seeing you there,
best,
Bertrand
Ps feel free to jump in for a tune or so.
Live 12 String for Charlie Chaplin's Gem: " The Champion"
Next Gig : Sept 1rst 7pm at Carpernter Center 02138 I' ll be kicking off a movie marathon all about boxing movies, Starting with Chaplin's painfully hilarious "The Champion".I am so psyched to spend 30mn with an idol. Check out this great film event: http://hcl.harvard.edu/hfa/films/2018sepnov/fight.html
Documentary Scoring !
Folks, after 4 months, I am almost done with the scoring of a Tim Jackson documentary about a great American poet. The soundscape will include electric guitar, piano, accordion, clarinet, sax and much acoustic finger and pick style on the 6 and 12 string guitar. More soon ! ChEars, Bertrand
Spring Cleaning your guitar practice
That new, fresh energy is upon us, yes, despite that current, brutal wind shield factor.
Some are getting in shape for that beach-worthy 6 pack, but what would be the guitar equivalent ?
Throw away the old habits ( junk food ) and welcome new drills (greens), new routines (cardio)
and a renewed commitment to excellence (muscle definition) right ?
So, as I am almost done scoring a documentary, I am developing a new series of exercises that grow musicianship on the grow.
Just ask me about those and how the will fit with your goals, wishes and desires.
Happy Spring Cleaning ! Bertrand
Bertrand live this Wednesday evening in Somerville
Hello folks, sorry for the late notice. I 'll be playing some fingerstyle tunes for two hours (!) in a huge sounding room at the Aeronaut Brewery in Somerville.
(14 Tyler st Somerville Ma 02143 is across Yukon's Luthiery)
This place has a big sound, and offer a casual, friendly atmosphere* and many types of cool events
The only draw-back is the fantastic beers they brew on the spot.
I look forward to seeing you there,
best,
Bertrand
Ps feel free to jump in for a tune or so.
Top Pros make up less than three percent of all Thumbtack professionals so that's pretty cool.
Deep thanks to all students for making me a better teacher with each lesson. I got the best job in the world!
Teaching material to download and print
I just packaged the worksheets -some of you are familiar with them- into a downloadable bundle. Some new ones are included. They will help visualize & apply music theory painlessly.Feel free to download and print. Chears!, Bertrand
Solo guitar concert December 8 at Yukon's : Tickets on sale
Hello Folks, hope you can make it. I will be playing things from my last -yet to be heard - solo Cd title "6&12StringGuitarMusic",
and from the upcoming one "Eyes i the Boat" . Here is a link for tickets
It will take place in a cozy luthier's shop, at Stubblebine Lutherie/ Plenty of parking in the back.
Only 45 sits, so it will probably sell out like last year.
ChEars, Bertrand
"Not just quality guitar lessons, professional music lessons on the guitar!"
How: Learn 2 things at once: How music works, how guitars work. In a friendly atmosphere, explore the wonder-world of the fingerboard with easy to read maps from songs you pick. Harmony, Ear Training, Technique are covered in games that teach. Notes>Chords>Songs.
Why: Because it is so much easier to remember something when you understand it. When you choose songs or styles you like, learning how your favorite music is made becomes fun. Release your own creativity, grow your overall musicianship,organize your own ideas into actual songs & compositions.
Specialized in: Blues Folk Swing Classical Rock Songwriter Arrangements, elements of Jazz,Accompaniment, vocal warm-ups/ work-outs for the guitarist. Creativity and performance coaching. Electric.
Where: Mostly on ZOOM. Request a sample session and experience the amazing apps that make ZOOM music learning so much fun: Animated Charts, on=screen TAB&Music writing
Call for a free consultation 617 447 5575 BertLarryMusic@gmail.com. Check out my Thumbtack profile for more details and actual Reviews from students. Fees and discounts: Walk-in rate, one-offs: $65 "Onward Deal: $55 x5=275 Onward Forward"deal: Bulk rate of 10 lessons for 500.Tips welcome .
Passim School Hands-On Harmony class.
Vocal warm ups/Work outs
Bertrand is an inspiring and patient teacher who can help you whether you're a beginner or have been playing for years. I had about 20 years of guitar playing and public performance under my belt when I started taking lessons with Bertrand, and he opened up new worlds of possibility that have transformed my playing. He's a master of acoustic fingerstyle and blues guitar, and I would trust him for lessons in any style of music. He also helped me with improvisational and meditative focusing techniques to manage performance anxiety. And most importantly, his lessons are always fun!
Olivia K.
Sep 20, 2019
·
Hired on Thumbtack
Four years ago, I met Bertrand at one of his performances and I was blown away. I’ve taken lessons with him since. He isn’t just a fantastic guitarist, he is a wealth of musical knowledge and artistic insights. Bertrand is an incredibly versatile player and can help you achieve any musical goal you are seeking. In four years I’ve gone from chord shapes and strumming to someone who understands both the guitar and music. Bertrand is a master of his craft, and I know me and all of his other students consider ourselves lucky to have him as a teacher.e
Details: 26 - 44 years old • 4+ yrs of formal training • Yes, can read music staff • Acoustic • Blues • Classical • Jazz • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet
Jason W.
Jul 10, 2019
·
Hired on Thumbtack
I've taken six guitarlessons now with Bertrand and they were great! I like his approach and idea of applied theory rather than just music theory, and learning how songs work to be a better musician and not just a guitarist who plays things and doesn't understand how or why they work. Also of the long term goal of being able to express whatever you want with a guitar through the guitar. Thanks! Will be continuing with my lessons
I have been taking classical guitarlessons from Bertrand for a few weeks and am pleased with the progress. Bertrand has a contagious music philosophy and a knack for intertwining genres. He emphasizes music theory beyond the guitar and is constantly interested in the structural foundations of the pieces I play.
Gretchen C.
Apr 11, 2016
·
Hired on Thumbtack
We were eager to identify an instructor who would enjoy teaching our son about the guitar and the fundamentals so that playing and reading notes would make sense to him. The experience has proven to be more than we had hoped for or expected. Bertrand mirrors/matches his students beautifully. Our son has been engaged from the moment he arrived for his first lesson (8 years old) and is enjoying practicing his 'homework' assignments before returning for the next lesson. Do yourself a favor - search no more - Bertrand is amazing!
Meena G.
May 26, 2016
·
Hired on Thumbtack
Bertrand is a fantastic guitar teacher and clearly a very gifted musician. When I decided to get guitarlessons, I was a little overwhelmed by the choices on thumbtack and I checked out another teacher before I went with Bertrand. Even at the outset, he was very helpful in a non-intrusive way, making sure that he's available and eager to teach but allowing one to make one's choice in one's own time. I've been very happy with my choice. I knew nothing about the guitar when I started and can be easily intimidated or frustrated, but I've been pleasantly surprised by how much fun it's been to learn from him. He's always cheerful, positive, encouraging and most of all, he works hard to make it fun for the learner. He mixes music theory with practice drills seamlessly. The 1hr class goes by quickly and I'm surprised to find that I enjoy practicing!
Ron C.
Jun 20, 2016
·
Hired on Thumbtack
Bertrand took on a hard case with me. I'm older, not musical, and as much interested in the social history of the blues as I am with the music. I hit the jackbox! Bertrand is a superb teacher - skilled, patient, really funny and schooled in the history of music. It has worked out perfectly. I feel I am really getting an education as well as learning more each lesson in terms of how to play the guitar. I strongly recommend Bertrand - especially since you will not present as much of a challenge as I did! Ron C.
Ellen W.
May 10, 2016
·
Hired on Thumbtack
Bertrand is an excellent guitar teacher. My 7 year old is just starting and Bertrand's patience, as well as his talent, are evident. He uses my son's musical experiences to build fun learning into the lesson. He grounds learning in easy to understand concepts that lead to practical application and music theory.
Guitar Lessons (for children or teenagers)
Christopher D.
Dec 11, 2016
·
Hired on Thumbtack
Bertrand is an excellent teacher! After every lesson I have with him, I come out with a lot of new material to review, and a lot of cool tricks on the guitar that I had not realized before. He's really opened my eyes to a lot of theory and ear training, I look forward to lessons with him.
Anni S.
Apr 18, 2022
Bertrand is such an amazing instructor! He is patient, flexible, and obviously a guitar expert. He is great at differentiating, teaching each student in a way that makes sense to them, and takes feedback on what we want to learn. It was always so fun to bring up a song I wanted to learn and watch him tab it out for me right then and there. He not only teaches guitar techniques and theory, but expands knowledge of music throughout history, and the origin of certain nuances throughout genres. Working with him was a real treat. I loved way he made impossible things seem possible. I highly recommend him for anyone at any musical level who wants to become a better guitar player!
Thumbtack Customer
Jul 13, 2021
·
From Google
I have been taking guitarlessons with Bertrand, and he's been an outstanding instructor. He is attentive and patient, and tailors the classes to meet your goals. His approach is to teach you the concept of the guitar rather than just learning a few songs. He also finds creative ways to teach music theory, which is important to beginners like myself. I'd highly recommend working with him.
Thumbtack Customer
Jun 18, 2021
·
From Google
I honestly dont think it gets better than this. I do virtual lessons but they dont change the environment of a learning space. When it comes to the lessons not only are they fun but they are personalized to your taste in music with still getting all the foundations you need. The lessons are always so different and unique. When leaving each lesson you always take away new things from guitar to advice about practicing and writing, to doing simple hand stretches. I would recommend working and learning with Bertrand, you won't go without learning anything new. When it comes to Bertrand himself, be is a great musician who is patient with you if you get something wrong and is not afraid to jump in to help you get it done. He's always helpful and I would definitely recommend his lessons :)
Thumbtack Customer
Mar 14, 2022
·
From Google
I am so glad I took lessons with Bertrand! In the beginning I was a novus with a little bit of experience and motivation. However, after a few weeks, my interest and engagement with music expanded vastly:)
Thumbtack Customer
Mar 6, 2022
·
From Google
Bertrand is a wonderful teacher, both for children, adults and families! On top of their private lessons, we take lessons together with my 8yo and 9yo, they both love it and so do I. Bertrand's teaching combines music theory in a fantastic, modern, action learning way that makes it fun - yet, very thorough - and covering all the curriculum that would bring a musician to the best level. Bertrand explores instruments and music with the combination of singing, composing, performing. He has an invaluable experience in all of this, is generous of his time and very inventive to tackle technical roadblocks. I couldn't be happier or prouder to have him as a Music Master for my family and I, and highly recommend him to anyone who wants to learn and enjoy music all at once!
Thumbtack Customer
May 23, 2021
·
From Google
Bertrand Laurence is a passionate, intuitive, knowledgable,guitar educator, who can meet you right where you are andknow exactly how to get you to where you want to be on yourinstrument. He is a master of all styles of music. I highlyrecommend lessons with Bertrand, for all levels of playing.Kathleen KolmanBertrand is a great teacher! He has a wealth of knowledge and the skills to back it up. I am making amazing progress while having a great time learning the repertoire that he provides. Normally, I am not a big fan of learning music theory but Bertrand does a good job of making it easy by applying it to the guitar.
Bertrand was very informative, patient and polite. He teaches in a very fun and engaging way. Will definitely have more lessons with him!
Taking Bertrand's class was a delightful and educational experience. I took a fingerstyle class that was able to meet once in person before COVID hit and forced us online. Bertrand made the transition to remote learning as seamless as possible. His dedication to his students and his craft is commendable. His teaching style is thoughtful and fun while pushing one to think harder about how and why the guitar is played the way it is.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read music staff • Acoustic • Folk • Country • Blues • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location
Guitar Lessons
Alireza M.
Jan 8, 2020
·
Hired on Thumbtack
You could learn how to play guitar if you put enough effort into it, but if you enjoy learning theory behind music and joyfull talks, Bernard is the right guy.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • What the teacher recommends • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location
Guitar Lessons
Philip H.
Oct 9, 2019
·
Hired on Thumbtack
This is just what i was looking for when i sought out a guitar teacher. Bertrand has a philosophy on learning guitar and music in general that I really align with. His teaching is structured, but leaves room to customize to my personal goals and style of learning. I would definitely recommend him.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Blues • Rock • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location