Guitar Lessons in Goodyear, 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 Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like the the traditional music theory method of learning and how it utilizes a musical environment, it's not just about guitar it's about absorbing musical harmonies and finding where it is your piece will fit. Personally, I know that a good guitarist can be trained but great guitarist have a thirst for it. Everybody is going to mess up so their is no sense in talking about how bad or how good someone is. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Conga Latin Percussion

I write all my own lesson materials focusing on what the student needs to know to play, understand, and enjoy music to achieve their goals. I have used several method books in the past but find them all limited or focused on styles or technique that is not what the student wants or needs to learn. I can teach from any established method if that is preferred, but instead enjoy challenging the student to understand what music is and how music is played on their chosen instrument, not just to read. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The first time I taught I was about 15-years-old and it ignited a passion for sharing my musical experiences with others! I started teaching an 8-year-old and from there had the opportunity to teach people from all over the world! I've taught people from places like Tonga, Ghana, England, Wales, and China. My students have not only become better at guitar but had a great time while doing it! I've found it works best to teach the foundational skills using the students' favorite genre of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin

I began teaching lessons while workibg on my Master's degree. While tutoring a classmate on guitar, I realized that I really enjoyed teaching and decided to pursue more students. My music therapy training gives me a unique approach to education enabling me to tailor all of my students lessons to their personal goals and needs. I enjoy teaching a variety of styles, from classical to contemporary, as well as giving my students performance opportunities to really be able to challenge themselves. Read More

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

I like to equate learning any musical instrument to being a batter in baseball. The best batters still strike out, but when they hit that sweet spot, boom! Learning music isn't just about learning to play an instrument, but to develop yourself and your brain. I used to tell the kids in my music theater program, that they are the cream of the crop in school for taking a risk and showing themselves to the world. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar

For all students, I teach them exercises to strenghten their fundamentals and skills in the given instrument, and each lesson we practice the exercises to focus on improving their sound production, pitch finding, placement, and more.  We also learn songs that both the student and I choose and prepare for performance (when necessary).  Here are the books I work from for each instrument, but please note that I don't necessarily use these for every student, only when appropriate: GUITAR:  Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method (books 1 through 3) VOICE:  Master Vocal Exercises by Horatio Connell, and Sightsinging (Hal Leonard) BASS GUITAR:  Bass Method, (Hal Leonard, books 1 through 3) TRUMPET:  Essential Elements 2000, (Hal Leonard, books 1 through 3) Read More