Guitar Lessons in De Soto, KS

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a former certified school teacher my focus is on laying the right foundation for a lifetime of musical learning and enjoyment for the student. I want my students to develop skills in all aspects and styles of playing so that as their preferences progress they will be equipped for all genres and styles. However if an adult or intermediate level student wants to specialize I can accommodate them. That's why I suggest they incorporate both note reading and chord theory to their scope and sequence of study. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began helping my friends work through their music when I was 19 at Missouri Western State University, and eventually cultivated a bustling studio of students through word of mouth. I now teach full time in Zoom and in person with house visits, or at my home studio. My students regularly perform very well at state competitions, form bands of their own, and have found great cause in writing their own music outside of academia. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I employ the use of scales and harmonizing techniques if so desired, but mainly focus on what the student would like to be able to accomplish in his or her time with me. I like to let them pursue their own directions while overseeing that they learn the fundamental aspects of their chosen genre or genres. Learning and especially music should maintain FUN as a central priority, because without excitement over the topic and enthusiasm in development, it becomes easy to get bored and walk away from the activities. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Classical Guitar

What do you want to learn? I encourage all students to convey to me their interests! I can come up with suggestions as much as you'd like, but my favorite lessons are the ones where a student has his or her own goal, and I'm able to help them achieve this goal in some way. We will always have technique exercises and drills to work on, but we'll never lose sight of why we do all this technique building in the first place - to get better at something we love! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Since everyone has a different method of learning, I try to identify those, and adjust accordingly. For visual learners, I encourage them to develop their sight-reading skills, but also find creative ways to work around ear training if it is difficult for them. Music is a life long journey, and since students will not be in lessons forever, I also make an effort to give students the tools to become their own researchers. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The reason is because playing the guitar looks fun, and it is. Play! I am also very excited about the popularity of the technology available to us now to have online guitar lessons. By using Skype or Facetime we can interact with each other from anywhere in the world. Awesome! This makes it possible to teach even at odd hours of the day. While I was a husband and father of small children, going to school full time and working full time, and busy being a musician on top of all of that, I would have appreciated online learning to save travel time and travel expense. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Organ Ukulele Recorder Keyboard Djembe

For beginner's, I do typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. For intermediate, I'll evaluate what materials they've used thus far in their lessons and go from there. If someone is familiar with a set of books in a positive way, there's no reason to change the books they're using. I do believe, however, there is profit in a variety of repertoire, so a diverse lesson is key. I have learned from experience that simply learning one genre (classical, jazz, showtunes) is less desirable than having a familiar ear to multiple styles. Read More