Guitar Lessons in Independence, MO

Instruments: Guitar

I have a working curriculum that I think accommodates many different aspects of music, with a focus on individual playing styles and capacities. I adhere to what the student would like to pursue as far as material and technical ability. Most often I find it best to listen to the student and probe for the skills, styles and qualities that he or she would like to employ and at least begin with methods in the desired genre. 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 Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When I first started teaching in college I used standardized materials and found it was helpful but inadequate to teach everything my students needed. So I began to explore other curriculum and attend the NAMM conventions and talk with other instructors. I saw there was a need for more expanded materials and started writing my own. I now have two complete text books with copyrights along with practice recordings that I make available to my students. 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 Saxophone Flute Clarinet Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience began while I was in college taking music education coursework and working as a music tutor for a local middle school band program. After graduating in 2013 I have taught more than 300 hours of private music lessons to students of all ages. I have also taught group music lessons, K-6 general music and choir for a homeschool music program in addition to music theory lessons. I love puzzling out how to relate to each student in the way that best helps them progress towards their musical goals! Read More

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

Everything in lessons depends on where a student is the moment we start, and his or her passions and interests in various styles. I have heard so many times in the past that students will quit an instrument early in life because they were unmotivated in boring lessons, only to later regret the decision to quit. It is imperative to me that students become self-motivated to practice and enjoy it as much as possible. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Music

I've been slowly teaching private lessons while I've been in the final years of college. With the KU curriculum, I have had to learn how to work with children from Pre-K to 12th grade, which means any age is something I've been prepared for. Also, I got to sing with the Intergenerational choir at KU, which would happen at the local community center with senior-aged people. I've sung jazz, musical theater, and classical pieces since high school. Read More