Steve Herberman has made a name for himself as being one of the most versatile guitarists on the scene today. Not only has he released several critically acclaimed recordings under his own name and performed countless gigs over the years, but he has also taught at highly respected university music programs. Recently, Steve brought his talents as an educator to the online lesson site Mikes Masterclasses, where he has built up a large following of guitarists from all over the world who take his courses.

Steve sat down with us recently to discuss how his early teachers have influenced his approach, and how he has managed to succeed in all of his musical endeavors.

MW: How did you get your start as a guitar teacher?

SH: I started as a teacher’s aid my senior year of high school, helping out with a guitar class. Then once I got to college I taught a bit while attending Berklee. Upon graduating I began teaching in a music store chain while building up my own teaching studio from my apartment.

MW: Did any of your teachers have an influence on your private teaching approach?

SH: Most importantly Bill Leavitt at Berklee. His teaching was very methodical and I really enjoyed all of the fatherly advice he peppered the lessons with. It’s important to remember that you are mentoring your students and being able to relate to them on a personal level is very important.

So I learned from Bill that while having clear lesson goals and an overall plan is important, relating to students and inspiring them is equally as important. He used to make me cassette tapes of Oscar Moore with the Nat Cole trio since he knew I was getting interested in him at the time.

MW: How did you become involved with Mike’s Masterclasses, and can you discuss some of the challenges and rewards you’ve experienced with giving group video lessons?

SH: Mike Gellar ran his initial idea by me and I agreed that it was a terrific idea to do these online lessons. Mike started with just a few teachers Sheryl Bailey, Tony De Caprio and myself. Once Mike added players like Vic Juris and Jack Wilkins things started going even better. Currently I have about 21 classes archived at the MMC site and am planning my next one.

People can attend live which is really great since they can ask questions via a chat function and I can answer in real time. One challenge is trying to anticipate what questions people might have that are downloading the archived classes. If I have difficult material to cover, I often try to go through the material slowly and explain it from all the angles I can think of.

Generating all of the written material is very time consuming having to think it up and then notate it in Sibelius and editing it. Normally it takes me a full month to prepare all of the written material but I enjoy doing it, and I get very positive feedback, which is quite rewarding. It has made me more organized as a teacher. Another great thing about the classes is that I ask students to suggest topic ideas, which they often send to me.

MW: In your opinion how has technology, especially the internet, changed the landscape of guitar education in recent years and where do you see it headed in the future?

SH: It has been a huge help. People can instantly find 30 recorded versions of tunes they are learning and have access to all of the online educational content. The newsgroups and chatrooms really make the students aware of what they need to check out. This quick and easy access to information has resulted in students maturing musically at a faster rate.

Of course it is all about applying the information, but I’ve seen many new guitar students spending more time in the woodshed since they are saving time when it comes to acquiring practice materials and recordings.

In the future musicians will be playing sessions together from different parts of the world in real-time via the internet. The technology is almost at this point!

MW: You are such an experienced and accomplished performer as well as an educator.  How has your teaching experience influenced your performing and vice-versa?

SH: Working on the many fundamentals with students has helped me get the basics down inside and out, which in turn has greatly helped my improvising. I stress knowing the scales, chords and arpeggios instantly and I need to practice what I preach. When improvising I can count on the fact that the fundamentals are in place and just let go and play.

Coltrane used to practice all of the scales and arpeggios and had them down solid, so he could just get to the emotional part of the music and let his imagination go wild in the moment. Performing has greatly helped my teaching in that I have a better idea of what the students need to be up there playing. Repertoire, transposing in real time, what to listen for while up there playing etc. One definitely helps the other.

MW: What advice do you have for people who are just starting to teach guitar?

SH: Continue learning how to be a better player and teacher. Check out all of the books you can, take lessons from a good teacher(s) who can help you in turn become the teacher you want to be. Study pedagogy and constantly be honing your teaching practices because they naturally should progress as you progress as an educator and player.

Also contact the local school band directors and let them know you are taking students. Devise a policy sheet so there are no misunderstandings between you and the student or parents.

MW: What advice do you have for students when they are looking for a private teacher?

SH: Ask the better players around town who they study with. Often those players are studying with good teachers. If possible go hear the teachers playing public gigs and ask them questions and see if there is a rapport. If they have written books or material online check that out in advance. Email the instructor telling them about you and ask if they schedule trial lessons.

MW: Thanks for sharing this great information with us today.

SH: My pleasure!