The Guitar Consultant
The Official Website of Guitar and Bass Teacher, Steven Baranowski, located in Austin, Texas
35 Years of Experience, All Styles and Levels
"Make your success inevitable"
The C#m11 chord makes me feel cool.
What Do I Offer To The Would-Be or Advancing Musician?
For The Beginner: The perfect introduction to the instrument, using cutting-edge techniques and the music you love.
For the Intermediate: Deep theoretical and fretboard knowledge, laid out in a logical, practical way, with focus on application, plus a wide technical and stylistic berth.
For the Advanced: Advanced jazz and pop harmony. Chord-melody, soloing over changes, Latin Jazz, and advanced composition techniques.
For the Remote Student: I offer remote lessons from the comfort of your home via Zoom, for those too far to travel to the studio, or just hate Austin traffic.
The Studio:
Well, where are you?
My studio is at 316 Meadow Lea Drive, Austin TX 78745.
What is your studio like?
The Guitar Consultant studio is a stylish, built-to-task teaching haven, complete with amplification, recording gear, waiting room and restroom. It is a relaxed and comfortable place, perfect for learning.
For remote/Zoom students:
Hate traffic? Live in Cleveland? The studio features first rate audio and video gear, Google Fiber internet, and all the skill, dedication and reliability you'd find in face-to-face lessons.
The Lessons:
Lessons are weekly - either for an hour or a half-hour, and given at the studio. They are always private, one-on-one, and customized to the student's need and level. No "cookie-cutter" approach. Nearly nothing to buy. All levels welcome! All you need to do is call or email, we set up a time and we're ready to roll!
Lessons are $60 for an hour, $35 for a half hour
Bio
Hi. I'm Steven Baranowski. I'm a guitar and bass instructor, and have been for the last 35 years or so. I believe that the education of guitarist and bassists can, and should, be taught in a way that is deeper, more effective, and works better with our minds and lives.
I started teaching around 1991, and discovered I loved instruction as much as I love music. In the intervening time, I've honed my craft with over a thousand students, all unique. I have BAs in Music Theory/Comp and Jazz Performance, as well as an MA in Elementary Education.
I sidelined as a comedy writer for 15 years, serving as the head writer for Austin's legendary Esther's Follies. I try to bring that humor to lessons as well. A little laughter makes an ornery "C" chord go down a bit easier.
I still practice, write, and try to keep learning and growing every day. I have a lovely wife, 2 lovely cats and a lovely 12 year old son who I mostly talk about Godzilla with.
What do I teach?
What do you need?
Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Country, Theory (from intro to advanced), Songwriting, Arranging Fingerstyle, Improvisation and Soloing. Play your favorite songs or write your own.
All levels welcomed! From the most rank beginner to pros looking to expand, I have something for you.
I also teach alongside this the meta-skill of learning itself, a skill that can carry you throughout your playing life
What are my methods?
Innovative. Insightful. Effective
I work with the music you love (and choose), using the songs to teach technique and musicianship. I specialize in learning methodology, using unique and highly effective concepts to get you to your goals more quickly than you would have hoped.
More advanced students will find I teach teach theory, the fretboard, improvisation, and musicianship in a detailed, logical, and accessable way. You will "connect the dots" and see the "big picture" sooner than you thought possible.
What are my rates?
60 per hour or 35 per 1/2 hour
Lessons are for a FULL hour or 1/2 hour. Cash and personal checks accepted, as well as PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, etc. Credit cards not accepted. Pay weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly - whatever works best for you.
What are my hours?
Monday: 3PM to 8PM
Tuesday: 3PM to 9PM
Wednesday: 3PM to 9PM
Thursday: 3PM to 9PM
Friday: 10AM to 7PM
Saturday: OFF
Sunday: 10AM to 5PM
All times subject to availability.
What students say:
Steve has the three most important qualities you could want in a music teacher: The
theoretical knowledge of the student of music; the practical experience of the professional
working musician; and, perhaps most importantly, the understanding and ability of a
natural educator. Not just a great music teacher, but a great teacher
Dan C.
Steve is not only an extremely talented guitarist, but a fabulous all-around educator. His disposition is jovial--his teaching style, clear, ambitious, personalized and patient. He has the amazing gift of being able to package up the essential concepts of music and explain them from a million different perspectives. Current guitarists and hopeful wannabes, look no further—this is just the axe-man you’ve been waiting for!
You taught me more about guitar in 3 short months than I learned by looking through countless guitar books. You have a gift for quantifying a consistent methodology with out approaching it arrogantly or as if it's “the only way” It's a joy to learn from you.”
Larry G.
Amanda D.
So, I went thinking I would learn to play guitar more proficiently and I have learned that but I also have my musical dreams coming true and I owe much of that to Steven.
I could not recommend him more highly.
Jill T.
More than a teacher really, more like a guru. He's like Yoda in the Empire Strikes Back, except rather than pulling your X-Wing out of the swamp, he gets YOU to pull your X-Wing out of the swamp.
R.W.R.
As a personal with a deep music background who has had much musical instruction I can honestly say Steve is one of the best teachers I have encountered to date. He is very knowledgeable on a variety of aspects of the guitar, and has an incredible ability to communicate information in a way that is easy to understand. Steve is also a fun and laid back guy, and makes guitar lessons an extremely enjoyable experience.
Stephanie T.
Philosophy
Philosophy is for so many the difference between success and failure. So develop the mindset that makes success inevitable. Here a few ideas developed over decades for free. They will help.
If it's too difficult, make the job smaller, slower, or less complex.
Don't focus on unwanted results. Ask "what do I want?" and focus on that. That mind moves toward what it focuses on.
As a musician, you are in a partnership with your body. You are the brains, your body is the talent. Understand how both work.
Never sweat speed. Speed comes; it always comes. The question is: what will you be fast at?
In the end, you will be your own teacher, as well as you own student. Make sure your inner teacher is kind and rational and the inner student will be happy and successful.
How long does it take to learn to play guitar? The good news: not as long as you fear it does. The bad news: longer than you want it to.
If you only love the results of music, you won't make it as a musician. If you learn to love the process, you will be completely unstoppable.
FAQ
Do You Sell Gift Certificates?
Yes! Contact me and let me know what you need. Give the gift of learning this Christmas, birthday, Arbor Day, Tuesday... Always a good choice!
Gift Lessons are non-transferrable, non-refundable and expire after 2 years.
Do I Need to Bring Amp, Cables, etc.?
Nope. I have all that stuff here. Bring your guitar, tuning device, picks, capo (if relevant) and that's about it.
Acoustic or Electric?
Whatever you have is great! If you have both, bring what you feel like bringing, or what is more relevant to what we are studying.
Do You Offer a Free First Lesson?
Sorry, no. If would like to drop by and check the studio out, let me know. I'd be glad to answer and all questions, advise on purchasing an instrument, ect.
Do I Need To Buy A Month of Lessons at a Time?
Nope. I like it, but you can buy lessons one at a time, two at a time, whatever suits your budget.
Cancellation Policy
Need to cancel? Please let me know ASAP. That's it. Same day cancellations are subject to a $30 fee. ($18 for 1/2 hour lessons)
Contact
For inquiries about lessons, call or email:
Tel: 512-963-3285
Email: steven.baranowski@gmail.com
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