Guitar Lessons in Eastlake, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

No single approach works with every student when teaching drums.  There are simply too many styles and methods to choose from.  But when working with beginners, I tend to focus mostly on developing a good internal sense of rhythm and good listening skills. Then if the student wishes, we may specialize in classical, jazz, rock, latin, or whatever style the student is interested in.  There are many excelent published methods to choose from and I occasionally assign etudes and excersizes of my own.

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin

Guitar: For beginners who are kids, I usually start with the FJH Beginner Guitar Method, while also implementing fun melodies they know that can be played on single strings. Once the student has progressed a bit, we will work in chords, more advanced rhythms, and songs appropriate for a recital. For older beginners, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Method, while again finding songs that match their musical taste and working towards their specific goals (i.e., I really want to start a punk band with my friends next summer, or I'd love to play this Taylor Swift song at the school talent show). For adults, I always start off with the list of five: five songs and/or artists that inspire them. This gives me an idea of what they want to be learning in the coming months, and I create a path for them that leads that direction, from the very first step. We will spend a lot of time on the fundamentals (scales, chords, rhythm, sight-reading) but all in the interest of using these tools on the songs they love. Piano: Faber and Faber Book series, pop melodies, etc. (similar to above) Ukulele, Bass, Mandolin: Hal Leonard Method books, pop/rock/bluegrass riffs (similar to above). I also love working Sagreras' First Lessons on Guitar for Classical, and Jazz Standards like Misty, I Remember April, Autumn Leaves, Black Orpheus, etc.

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Lessons will start with an assessment of what the student wants to learn and what their goals are. From there, we will determine the proper approach to meet those goals while keeping things fun and interesting. Once a particular skill level and interest are established I will develop an individualized lesson plan for the student to fit their wants and needs. The goal with beginning students is to get them up and running right away with chords and melodies, learning the fundamentals while being able to play their favorite songs. For all students I like to extensively focus on knowledge of the fret board and the many possible approaches to mastering it, as well as looking at creative practice methods and daily routines. A musician’s method of practicing can greatly determine their rate of improvement. For more intermediate and advanced students the general focus will shift to topics such as ear training, rhythm, music theory and music notation (if desired) and, their application to the guitar.

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My lessons are well structured and prepared. We'll have a weekly lesson planner that outlines and monitors the practices and explains the focus for the week. Planning is not opposed to spontaneously having fun which is a core part of playing music. Planning helps you have fun as you enjoy your success and see how you improve.-Lessons always have a huge hands-on part: We play songs together, jam over chord changes or try to play a melody by ear. For all of my students, I like to know what styles of music, songs, and artists inspire them. This helps me to present challenging practices in a motivating context.--