Guitar Lessons in Olalla, WA

Instruments: Guitar

As for my playing, I've been playing seriously for about 12 years, or since I was 10, and right now am transitioning into becoming a performing and recording musician. I've gotten lots of helpful feedback from people over the years, who have been very encouraging of me and pushed me toward pursuing music as a career. I'm working on writing and singing now as well. Music is my biggest passion, and I listen and play as much as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I am a very hands-on teacher. We do lots of improvisation and call and response games and sometimes I turn on a record or even bring a guitar to jam with the student. Playing drums is a very visceral, tactile excersize, and I often tell students, "That right there,that is how it's supposed to sound! Memorize that feeling and try to recreate it everytime." I am also a huge advocate of having students listen to as much music as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Orchestral Percussion Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students, I strive to teach the basics of music theory while learning the fundamentals of producing characteristic tone on their instrument. I typically start by working through the Essential Elements method book and introduce solos, ensembles, and orchestral excerps when appropriate. If the student is a part of a school or community ensemble, I work with the student on any pieces that their ensemble is preparing for performance. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar

For students who have played an instrument prior to our lessons, I try and shape a curriculum entirely based upon the specific goals of the student, and I rarely use text books although I use a lot of exercises and educational material when appropriate.  I feel learning to play and transcribe songs and solos to increase a students self reliance and confidence is my most important job.  Most students come to me looking for structure so I try and provide a clear path to their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I put passion and enjoyment of the music above all else. I keep things casual, light and fun in terms of energy, but focused and diligent in terms of practice. I love finding the soul of the song and pulling out the passion of the student so that they are engaged and intrigued by whatever we're doing at all times. If it interests the student, I will integrate training on stage presence, energy and confidence in addition to actually learning the piece in front of them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My teaching method consists of a focus on what the student is interested in, using what the student enjoys as a means of developing a comprehensive understanding of music and the guitar. I believe this method keeps students engaged with playing, and makes lessons and practicing fun, rather than feel like a chore. Lessons will deal with subjects such as scales, technique, and music theory. Although they may be tedious, I believe these things are important core elements to really understanding the guitar and music in general, and I would teach them in a way that would be fun for the student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Ukulele Piccolo Electric Guitar

For more intermediate and advanced students I like to focus strongly on music fundamentals, assigning regular etudes and finding pieces fit for the students skill and interest!   For beginning guitar students, I focus on learning the pedagogy of the guitar : string names, basic care and maintenance and finger placement, later moving on to open chords and melodic playing. My intermediate players will focus on developing their chord vocabulary, melodic playing and introduction into new styles of music ; rock, jazz, classical.      Read More