Guitar Lessons in Carleton, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe that in order to effectively teach, one must also do. My extensive performance background allows me to read a student to see what their goals might be and custom fit a curriculum around them. Sometimes a method book is the right way to go. Books such as the Alfred series and Hal Leonard often offer easily attainable goals for younger students. However, it is always important to listen to one's students to find out what music makes them passionate and make sure to weave that into the practice of good technique, and theory. Read More

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

I love teaching any style and genre of music and it is a great joy to be able to play with your students for different occasions! I make sure that all my students have the fundamental technical ability and appropriate reading skills. Depending on their age, experience and the style they want to learn, I build personal curricula for each individual that is challenging yet fun. I believe my experience as a professional musician and my training as an academic in the field of music education will cover the needs of any student no matter their capabilities or level of playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I create play-along videos, so that kids have something specific to practice at home. I use "Read this First" as a note reading book. Students play along with me and also by themselves at lessons. Eventually kids can gather together and play as a group if they wish to do so. I start with memorization, and easy ways of writing down the songs... and eventually kids will learn to read music, after they've secured a basic technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I start out with a new student I like to see what kind of learning works best for them. Are they a visual, audio or tactical learner? from there I modify each lesson for each individual student. I make sure my lessons are a very positive experience with no criticism. I teach with charts, tablature and standard notation. My primary method of teaching is to have my students study from my own books, in addition to publications by Mel Bay and Hal Leonard. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer

Every student is different.  Music Theory, various styles and forms and performance are all important and part of the main focus.  I also like them to learn songs and styles that they enjoy. It's important for them to pick up their instrument every day, develop their calluses and coordination.  I find this not only encourages them to play and explore more on their own, but keeps their focus on developing their own style. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle

I teach beginning students both by rote and through reading. We use standard Suzuki books for repertoire and method books such as Wohlfahrt, Mazaz, and Sevcik. Very young students begin on Sassmanshaus since it is very engaging as well as well written. However if there is a specific book a student wants to learn from (such as a book from school or a specific style such as country or fiddle) then I am more than willing to teach from that. Read More