Guitar Lessons in Fountain Hills, AZ

Instruments: Guitar

The way I have always approached teaching is the same way i learned music, to try and make each concept make sense by breaking down and relating basic key points of playing and improvising to each other. For example, I like to emphasize breaking down chords and the related scales in an easy to undertand and logical way. I emphasize the importance of phrasing and shaping chords while using such shred techniques as alternate picking, legatto, sweep picking and tapping. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most effective teacher is a friend. As a friend, I can use the most effective teaching techniques to help them progress. Every student is different in their pace, goals, and passions. I love learning my student's musical dreams and fighting with them to accomplish them! Setting realistic goals to both encourage and challenge a student is a core to my teaching. Without those goals, learning to play an instrument remains an overwhelming task! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin

I am a fun loving and patient instructor who enjoys seeing my passion for music spread to different people. In 2012 I earned a Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in music from Northern Arizona University, and went on to complete a Masters degree in Music Therapy from Arizona State University. I have experience performing in academic orchestras, choirs, and guitar ensembles, as well as with song writing and performing in local bands. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Euphonium Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

A child will not learn to play an instrument overnight or in one week, the commitment to practice and keeping track of that practice is essential. Nothing helps us learn better than encouragement, even when it sounds bad. Any teacher can tell if a student hasn't practiced or put forth a good effort. Sometimes, you do have to let them know you know, but you try to do so gently. Read More

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

I recorded my first solo album titled Just a Bass and won NMHS Battle of the Bands again my senior year. For my senior project I composed, rehearsed and performed my first Concerto for Cello and Orchestra and went on to study Double Bass performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where I received my B.M. I have played in many master classes with some of the worlds greatest musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Victor Wooten, Emanuel Ax and others. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Mallet Percussion Music Acoustic Guitar

High school students will work out of the Blue Standards of Excellence book for their freshman and sophomore year; along with a more advanced packet of warm up and scale exercises that I received from the ASU clarinet studio and my current clarinet professor Jeff Quamo. Junior year and senior year students will be expected to know at least 80% of the circle of 5ths and they'll begin to start playing etudes out of the Rose Etude book along with studying farther into the warm-up and practice packet. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

With young students, I allow myself to be a bit more comprehensive in that I can start from the very basics from the beginning and even come up with simple games with rhythm, basic ear training and reading notation. The big challenge with young players is the actual act of physically playing the guitar and I encourage parents to invest in a quality instrument that is easy to play. I try and get my older children and teenagers to try and play as early as possible to develop a passion for the instrument, but not before building an understanding of the basics. Read More