Student Testamonials

• Paul is an exceptional guitar instructor. He has a thorough knowledge of jazz concepts, theory and styles that is easily visible in his playing. His approach to teaching is multidimensional in that he is quickly able to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in his students' playing and then provide the necessary guidance to help you absorb and overcome problems from a variety of different angles. Paul's approach is to provide the student with the knowledge base and tools that will lead him or her to a higher level of command while at the same time not dictating how to play. I've been playing the guitar for 15 years and since starting lessons with Paul I've realized how many more musical doors there are to open. Through the years I have had many teachers and looking back, I would certainly rank Paul as one of the best. – Shawn Kruse, Bristol CT

• I rediscovered the guitar in middle age, having been self "taught" as a teenager and having taken music-store guitar lessons for a brief period. The result of that experience was mainly a bunch of bad habits on the guitar, which I am still unlearning with Paul's patient assistance. I can't say enough good things about Paul as a guitar teacher - his mastery of the instrument is complete, he can play and teach all styles and there is not a piece of music I have ever brought him that he cannot quickly transcribe after a few listens (including intricate lead solos). Beyond all that, he has been able to perceive exactly what I need as an individual student to progress. – Alan Curto, Bristol CT

• I am a self-taught guitarist and have been playing for 8 years. I had reached a plateau in terms of skill and interest. Working with Paul re-energized my interest in guitar by introducing me to jazz guitar concepts and all the great new chords, progressions, and sounds. He helped demystify music theory for me and how to apply it to the fret board, and correct my self-taught technique problems that were limiting my ability. Paul is very easy going, friendly, and flexible, and has a wealth of knowledge in all kinds of guitar styles. I appreciated that, in addition to teaching jazz, Paul could switch gears and explain the styles of my favorite guitarists, such as Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Working with Paul was a very worthwhile and valuable experience. – Nathan Hill, Hartford, CT

• Paul is an amazing teacher. He judged very quickly my level as a student and tailored his instruction accordingly, teaching me both what I wanted to know and what I needed to know. Every lesson was valuable: he fed me new material as fast as I could take it, and my improvement over a span of just a couple of weeks was tremendous. He maintains a comfortable learning environment. If I got flustered while trying to play something, he was able to work me through it, and once you're flustered, that's hard to do. I recommend Paul whole-heartedly. – Aaron Parsons, Harvard University

• Paul's a great teacher. Patient and knowledgeable, he creates a relaxed environment where you can try new things, screw up, ask questions, etc. and feel totally at ease. Regardless of what we're working on - technique, theory, repertoire, improv - I leave every lesson feeling like I've learned something new, practical, and essential. – J. P., Boston, MA

• I started taking bass guitar lessons with Paul a year ago. I had a strong desire to play but little confidence and no technical knowledge. I put myself in Paul's hands and felt humbled by how much there was to learn. He was reassuring and kind. His direction made me feel comfortable and optimistic. Over the course of the year I've learned many songs and a lot about playing music. As a teacher, Paul is disciplined but not rigid. If you're having a bad week and come unprepared to the lesson, He'll say, "That's okay. We have plenty to talk about." And he'll focus on theory or whatever individual challenges you're struggling with. He's not judgemental, but respectful of whatever place you're in. If you're discouraged, he'll point out the ways you've progressed and the milestones you've reached. I feel very lucky to be studying with Paul Shumsky. He's a gifted musician and teacher. I highly recommend him to guitar students of all levels of learning. – Dorothy M., Cambridge, MA

• Paul has a knack for spotting strengths and weaknesses and then tailoring his lessons to fit a student. He is also really good at providing motivation in the right form at the right time. – Lee Sylvestre, Hartford, CT

• Paul is the best teacher I have ever had: patient, knowledgeable, and kind. Everyone should have a teacher like that. – Misha Rutman, Somerville, MA