Guitar Lessons in Amboy, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I generally split lessons into three sections, 1/3 with chords, 1/3 scales, 1/3 with songs, but every student is different, for example, If your goal is to strictly learn chords to sing folks songs over, I will emphasize more chord reading and learning time. If you want to play leads, I will spend more time emphasizing scales to help you learn how to improvise. There are also other excercises we can do like rhythm reading (just with clapping, no instrument) transcription/listening, and harmonic analysis. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The first thing I do with all of my students is figure out what kind music they are passionate about. Knowing what my students musical tastes and goals are is extremely important so I can help get them to the place they are envisioning themselves. Once I have a general idea of what my student wants to learn I can tailor specific lessons that fit their ideas specifically. I find that this keeps students the most excited because they have a personal goal to strive for rather than trying to teach them something they are not interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I encourage students to focus on their personal expression and growth as a musician. While I select pieces for students based on their skill level and ability to take challenges effectively, students are given the freedom to browse their own musical library or lexicon to perform music they enjoy or is moving to them. Since many modern songs can be found without sheet music or proper notation for each instrument, I arrange pieces and songs for students' instruments as close to the recorded version as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a relaxed and easy-going teacher. I am good at staying focused but also fun to be around! I know that learning to play an instrument carries a unique set of challenges for each person, and these can be frustrating. Because I've experienced these challenges myself, my primary goal is to be there for my students, guiding them through the difficult moments as well as the joyful. I care about the student's progress more than sticking to a pre-determined rule book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been lucky to perform more times than I can recall in my native Portland and the greater Pacific NW region. I continue to play regularly in a variety of genres and venues, and am continually seeking new projects and new connections with other musicians. With my students, I seek to enlighten their minds to the same heights, aiding them in building routine and developing critical thinking skills, as well as bequeathing them the same artistic sensibilities that I inherited during my formal music education. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele

Practice, of course, is important to learning any skill. But if a love of the instrument is there, practicing shouldn't be too much of a chore. I try to never give my students too much material at once, so as to frustrate them to the point of not wanting to play anymore. On the other hand, it is important to present them with challenges to keep them moving forward. First and foremost is to foster that love of music in them through enthusiasm and example. Read More