Student Testamonials
* 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 March 2000
* 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