Guitar Lessons Pottawattamie County, IA

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Music, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my high school where I taught guitar classes to beginner students and did live translations English-Spanish in an International Jazz Seminar. After College I was an Academic Director in a private music school for several years where we made an academic program focused on contemporary music giving the students the technic and knowledge on an instrument to play any style the student wants. I have found that each student has a different approach to music and as a teacher it is important to identify it so that I can facilitate as much as possible the proficiency and connection of the student with the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Trumpet, Trombone, Drums, Bass Guitar, Synthesizer, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

Specific methods vary from student to student, depending on the instrument, however the fundamentals that make great musicians are the same. My student get trained in basic music theory concepts that help not just read music, but understand it as a second language. All students will learn a variety of musical styles, from classical to jazz, blues to pop. They will learn how each style is different, what they have in common, and fun ways they can be combined. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Trumpet, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

I've had the opportunity to tour in the Midwest and the west coast with a rock/pop group playing keyboard, guitar and trumpet. It is always my goal to help students develop their own sound, as well as guide them to a place of proficiency no matter their end-goal. Music improves our lives and gives us a foundation, a way to communicate and structure. My past students know as a teacher I can be understanding, creative and engaging. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Clarinet, Drums, Synthesizer, Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion

With beginning piano students, I use the Faber series of lesson, perfomance, theory and technique books. It's a great set that progresses fluidly and keeps students well rounded in their skills. In addition, I encourage students to use flash cards to practice with note names and musical symbols and terms. For percussion students, I would teach basic snare drum and 2-mallet techniques. This may come from basic rudiment lists, school curriculum, or any additional books appropriate for the student's level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students I use very little of a method book.  I find it that is important that one learns to make a good sound and has fun with the instrument in the early phases.  During this time I cover chords, basic finger and pick technique, proper posture, lead sheets, and blues improvisation.  I then transition into Charles Duncan's "A Modern Approach to Classical Guitar."  This book provided a solid foundation of the ability to read written sheet music.  After this book, I transition the student to written sheet music repertoire. Read More