Paddy Leitsch: Reviews
Lesson Reviews
Paddy Leitsch not only taught me the intricacies of the guitar, but also gave me a great background in music theory, composing, and arranging that not only served to help get me into music school, but are concepts and theories I use to make my living today.
Paddy's lessons were fantastic, because he always geared them towards what I wanted to learn. The very first thing I brought into him was the "Overture" from "Tommy" and the excitement and enthusiasm he showed to teach me it gave me the confidence to to continue to try and improve on the guitar. Paddy also introduced me to great music I had never heard before which led me on the path to discovering great new artists and genres. Most important, Paddy inspired and supported me to go on and pursue music as career giving me the tools, experience, and knowledge, and confidence to do so.
The thing about Paddy is that he isn’t just a great guitarist, he’s a great teacher. He taught me what I needed to know to get me exactly what I wanted out of the lessons. Thanks to him, I am a much more successful soloist.
I had tried taking lessons before but it all seemed like the teacher was going by a textbook or something. Paddy came in with a fresh type of attitude and all of the lessons were customized to my learning experience. Within just a couple of lessons I was able to put to use the things I was taught in my live playing and it made a big difference. Paddy was unpretentious and was truly concerned with seeing me succeed in being a better player. I would recommend him as a teacher to anyone at any skill level who is interested in improving their overall knowledge of not just their instrument, but music as a whole. I was one of just a few (at the time) bass students he had. His knowledge and laid back patient teaching style was just awesome.
Tim N. - Lesson Review (Dec 3, 2007)
I took private instruction from Paddy from 8th grade through all of my high school years, and the simple fact of the matter is that he stuck with me all that way. Even when I was having some dull moments, he was patient enough to keep me going at a steady pace. Paddy has always been very supportive especially when it came time to seek a higher education in the world of guitar playing and music. He believed in me, more then I believed in myself. To this day, after attending music school, there are still things that I wouldn’t mind picking his brain about when it comes to music. To me Paddy has been a teacher, a mentor, a friend, and one heck of a guitar player.
Good mix of learning theory and learning songs. It made a difference in my guitar playing skills.
Zack S. - Lesson Review (Dec 3, 2007)
I had taken lessons before as a kid, but my instructor did not inspire me or excite me about music. My personal musical interests weren't given attention, and I learned only mechanics and music styles that didn't make me want to play. I loved the instrument itself, but felt like there was nowhere to go with it. Ultimately, it seemed to me that I simply didn't have any innate talent or a mind for understanding music. I lost interest and gave up. For a long time I thought it would be fun to be able to play, but that it was somehow beyond me.
Paddy, even before I decided to formally begin instruction, encouraged me and made me think that playing music could be exciting, expressive, and personal. Because of him, I picked up an old guitar in private. I found again my enjoyment of the instrument itself and decided finally that I wanted to be able to really play it in a way that meant something for me.
I've enjoyed tremendously my lessons with Paddy as his personalized instruction and attention allows me to tap into my own passion while learning the method. I feel that his lessons offer not just generic how-to, but the means to reach my individual creative goals. With each assignment, I feel like I'm learning something that takes me one real step closer to my own musical aspirations. Each new accomplishment feels like another key to piecing together something great. I feel like I'm learning to play my guitar. I finally feel like I'm going somewhere and I look forward to each new step. I can't wait to get there, and yet I'm really enjoying the ride. Paddy is that rare combination of both a talented musician and a gifted educator.
As an adult and a working professional, I had struggled with the idea of somehow fitting lessons into my schedule. I knew consistency would be important and I just couldn't see myself making regular weekly appointments at some inconvenient storefront location and losing hours in a day. Paddy's in-home lessons are the solution! There is hardly a reason to miss a lesson and no reason not to keep practicing, improving, and continuing to feel excited and motivated about the guitar. I spend only the time the lesson takes and only the time it takes to practice! There's no wasted time or energy. It's as easy as a delivery pizza! I tried DVDs and other in-home lesson materials, and there is no doubt in my mind that Paddy's lessons provide a far, far superior value in terms of motivation, quality of instruction, time spent, and cost. I can't recommend any better, easier, or more exciting way to learn.
I'm so glad I took the plunge and again found the guitar. With the help of Paddy's instruction, I've discovered a whole new dimension of enjoyment and personal development in my life that would have gone unexplored without the right guidance.
John J. - Lesson Review (Dec 3, 2007)
We focused on many important aspects as well as shaping the lessons to how I play so every lesson helped me tremendously.
The lessons helped me gain so much knowledge and even helped me become accepted to UW-Parkside's Music Program along with two hard to get music scholarships. I am now a senior majoring in music education with my primary instrument as guitar with about a semester or two left until I start teaching at the High School level. Couldn't of gotten this far without you Paddy!
Travis R. - Lesson Review (Dec 4, 2007)
Nick can relate to you, and you to him. There is flexibility, which is appreciated. (Paddy has a passion for music and it shows.)
The lessons have helped Nick. They have given him confidence to play weekly at church, and elsewhere.
Overall, we are thrilled to have Paddy instructing our child. He gave lessons to our daughter a few years back for almost 2 years, if my memory serves me correctly. He is very patient with the kids & dependable. We have and will continue to recommend him to others.
A Lyons - Lesson Review (Dec 10, 2007)
Paddy Leitsch epitomizes and defines what a guitar teacher should be. He takes a hybrid approach that cultivates the student's passion for music while providing a foundation that encourages appropriate technique and an understanding of theory.
Being new to music, let alone guitar, his approach of teaching alternating weeks of theory and then song playing perfectly suited my full time schedule and musical interests. His passion for the art, his ability to play and teach any genre and his concern for the student differentiates his approach from the traditional lesson. I feel very fortunate to have had Paddy as my first teacher and highly recommend him to anyone interested in guitar AND music.
Michael Gautsch - Lesson Review (Dec 24, 2007)
I had not tried lessons before, but was very discouraged with my lack of progress of trying to teach myself. I had no direction, and was stuck in a rut with playing the few chords I knew.
I like the fact that the lessons are centered around what I want to know. I am learning styles and songs that I like, and the pace is set based on my playing abilities.
I am learning more about music theory each week, but it is presented in ways easy to understand. Paddy is very encouraging, so I feel very comfortable trying new songs and techniques.
Robyn M. - Lesson Review (Dec 26, 2007)