Guitar Lessons in Grandview, MO

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Classical Guitar

I enjoy using popular method books designed to help develop technique at the student's specific level. I also particularly enjoy creating my own exercises that may be more beneficial to a student's specific technique development. Being a bass/rhythm guitarist, I place a lot of value on tempo and rhythm accuracy, and other key elements to being able to play successfully with others. I believe technique development to be of vital importance and approach it on a student by student basis - no two students have exactly the same lesson plan! Read More

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

I don't believe in a one size fits all mentality for music education, I've often seen this approach derail students from enjoying the process and eventually terminating their relationship with music overall. Students are a case-by-case basis, and in that regard, each lesson is catered to the students actual goals and interests. I believe in training our ears and our sense of rhythm to a point where the student can figure things out and make artistic decisions on their own and use lessons, less as a tutorial, but as a source of inspiration to pursue the things that brought them here in the first place. Read More

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 Bass Guitar Synthesizer

The first step is to build a foundation, a base that all musical ability will be built on. This core will be built of fundamental elements. (This step is fun because you are able to play your instrument.) Once a foundation is created all newly learned material will add on to that base foundation. This means if you learn new material or go off on your on in any direction you will always have this musical foundation that all of your musical learning will be added to. (This step is really exciting, and leads you to new musical elements and new ideas.) Next you begin to learn musical techniques. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Music

For beginners, I always start with a classical approach, which stresses the importance of posture and breathing. We'll usually start with the First Book of [Voice Part]'s Solos and mix in one or two musical theater pieces. This is in tandem with learning how to warm up, learn pieces, what memorizing looks like, and how to emote. These are constantly evolving things that can be used with any skill level. 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

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

The method books I use are Hals Leonard Books 12, Alfreds Kids Guitar course for ages 5 up, Mel Bay method books 12, Alfreds Book 1 for Chords. For the more advanced student I use the Berklee Guitar Method by William Levitz. Read More