Bass Lessons in Surprise, AZ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard

I believe I am a friendly guy at heart, so I tend to be friendly with the students. There are times where I have to tell them, for example, "You haven't been practicing.". But I try my best to do that in love while encouraging them when I see even the smallest improvement. I feel as though the key is to play as much as possible. That can be hard to do when you feel like you don't know how to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every student learns a different way and I always take the first lesson to evaluate what the student is passionate about. Some students want to get straight to playing songs and some want to learn sheet music first. I am comfortable with starting anyway they need. If the student starts to get bored after a few lessons I try and bring in new toys related to the instrument such as a new kind of cymbal or a slide guitar to try and spark some inspiration again! Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass Music

My teaching experience dates back to my college days where I was a private instructor and jazz ensemble coach for a youth program in Bloomington, Indiana. I have since been involved both with private instruction as well as a music director for jazz ensembles as well as pop/rock groups. I emphasize a regular practice routine with guided focus and principles that will help all levels of musicians reach their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

When it comes to strategies regarding teaching I use many methods. I usually will start students understanding the fundamentals of music literacy. In order to achieve the introductory points of this we will work out of a method book like a Hal Leonard Beginner Guitar Method 1. We will understand the importance of understanding how to count rhythms and read pitches correctly. I also focus highly on the correct techniques of the instrument in order to avoid bad habits in the future. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Conga Latin Percussion

I write all my own lesson materials focusing on what the student needs to know to play, understand, and enjoy music to achieve their goals. I have used several method books in the past but find them all limited or focused on styles or technique that is not what the student wants or needs to learn. I can teach from any established method if that is preferred, but instead enjoy challenging the student to understand what music is and how music is played on their chosen instrument, not just to read. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar

I've been teaching since 2005:  Privately with students in their home or my studio, with brick-and-mortar studios, and with online lessons services (like Musika).  It's most important that my students have fun learning their instrument, but I also emphasize daily practice and work on the fundamentals of whichever instrument he or she is learning.  After all, if you don't work on the fundamentals, then you won't be able to play your instrument any better. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass Music Keyboard Djembe

Throughout the 8 12 years that I have been teaching I have been learning a lot about many different methods and teaching styles. I always had thought that what I was being taught could have been taught in a more natural and more efficient way. I have borrowed many of my ideas from some of the greatest teachers in history and believe the most in the bel canto method created but David Jacobsen who is an alumni of the Curtis Institute of Music, the greatest school of music in the world. Read More