Question 1

Who are you, what's your background?

Accepted Answer

My name is Adrien and I was born in 1984 in Switzerland.
As a child, I studied classical guitar at the conservatory. I drifted away from the instrument during adolescence before it caught up with me again around the age of seventeen. I had then settled in Geneva and was playing styles rather far removed from classical like rock, funk, folk, pop, reggae and ska.
I discovered jazz at the age of twenty, a music that captivated me like no other before and to which I wanted to dedicate myself in order to become a professional musician. Some time later, I left my job (I was then a computer scientist) to be admitted to the Geneva jazz school where I completed a four-year program (plus a sabbatical year devoted to several musical jobs that I couldn't refuse).
My musical career then lasted about ten years, during which I mainly worked as a jazz guitarist. These were exciting and enriching times: concerts, festivals, private parties, tutoring, group teaching… music took me on various journeys to Switzerland, several European countries, North Africa, and the Caribbean.
Then other desires, other needs, and professional opportunities outside the music field arose, which I decided to seize. This hiatus lasted about six years. I then moved to Gruyère region, where I resumed teaching while preparing my return to the music scene. I am excited about the future and look forward to sharing my passion with you.

Question 2

Who are your lessons intended for (age, music style, level)?

Accepted Answer

Lessons are intend for adults of all ages and levels, as well as teenagers.
The content of the lessons, as well as the styles and techniques taught, will depend on your level and aspirations. I invite you to check the section below that corresponds to you to get a general idea.

Beginner
No prior knowledge is required, and all styles can be explored. However, if you already know you wish to dedicate yourself solely to classical music, I encourage you to contact the conservatory or seek out a renowned teacher who specializes in this field.

Intermediate
As an intermediate-level musician, you're in the right place if, for example:
 • you want to improve and develop your playing, enrich your musical vocabulary, work on a specific repertoire, broaden your horizons, discover new styles of music or new techniques;
 • You feel stuck in your progress, you would like to become truly autonomous and efficient in your learning;
 • you would like to develop your group playing skills;
 • you want to learn to improvise or improve in this practice;
 • do you want to learn to invent your own pieces or be able to learn by ear and transcribe those of others;
 • you want to discover jazz or improve your skills in this style;
 • You want to work on music theory, harmony, rhythm, and advanced concepts. In short, you want to understand how music works and how that translates to your instrument;
 • you want to join a music high school or another professional course.

Question 3

Where, when and at what price?

Accepted Answer

Where
In Morlon (Route de Bulle), in the space shown in the on the homepage. A parking space is available, and the bus 202 (stop at Morlon, La Croix ) is a minute's walk away.
When
A lesson here and there, a weekly or bi-weekly course – the choice is yours. Lessons take place from Tuesday to Thursday (included) between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. No lessons during school holidays.
Prices
A 45-minute trial lesson is offered, during which acoustic and electric guitars are available.
The rates and progressive discounts (more on this page (https://www.gratte.ch/tarifs)) depend on the package you choose, the duration of the lessons and their frequency: 30, 45 or 60 minutes, single lesson, pack of 4 or 8 lessons, full semester (weekly or bi-weekly), the choice is yours.

Question 4

In which languages do you teach?

Accepted Answer

In french and english.

Question 5

Do you offer online courses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it depends on your skill level. I wouldn't recommend it if you're a complete beginner. Feel free to contact me to discuss it and see what I can offer you. That being said, human interaction is a big part of music, its learning, and its practice. It's an experience and a transmission that I encourage you to share in real life, especially since, in my experience, the learning and progress curves are incomparable between online or pre-recorded video lessons and personalized, in-person lessons.

Question 6

Do you offer in-home lessons?

Accepted Answer

Generally no, but exceptions are possible for people whose disability causes significant difficulties. Other temporary exceptions are possible, only in the Bulle area, for specific cases and if you are already one of my students (see my answer to the question "What happens if I have to cancel a lesson?").

Question 7

I can't read music, I know nothing about music theory, is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Not a problem at all. I teach music through practice; music theory is gradually integrated into that. And if you can't stand music theory, we can even skip those subjects entirely until your curiosity naturally leads you to them.

Question 8

What happens if I have to cancel a lesson?

Accepted Answer

Before answering this question, please note that another solution besides cancellation might be suitable for you.
If you are temporarily unable to move, I can exceptionally offer you a in-home / online lesson. Similarly if, for example, you need to look after your child at the scheduled lesson time, you can consider to bring them with you or take the lesson remotely. Don't hesitate to ask me before cancelling; we may be able to find a solution.
More information on cancellation policy in the Terms and conditions (https://www.gratte.ch/_files/ugd/859f3e_29886531402d4ce1bfe7531e69b99f4e.pdf).

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