Guitar Lessons in Paradise Valley, AZ

Instruments: Guitar

For beginning students, I would like to start with knowing exactly where they are at with guitar; how to hold it, how to tune it, how strum it. Once the student understands those fundamentals, I like to start on open chords with easy fingerings (usually learning chords is very exciting since you can hear what you are accomplishing). With that, I would like to get to know the student and understand what the student wants out of the lessons; what they like to listen to, what they want to learn, what is difficult for them, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard

Originating from East Chicago, IN, I've known since 3rd grade that I wanted to build a career in music. Over the years I've been able to find my niche, and focus on engineering, composing, and playing live. I've recently come to really enjoy teaching. I find pure joy in watching students make even the slightest improvements (provided they practice :). Everyone that I've taught has walked away with a better understanding of music, empowering them to advance in ways they would otherwise not be able to. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin

For piano beginners I use the Faber book series. I prefer these books because it gives a mixture of theory and technique that I think is essential to learn at an early stage. For violin beginners I prefer to use the Suzuki Method books. These books are great because they get the student playing quickly, while still introducing the foundations of basic theory for reading music. Beginning guitar is a little more flexible depending on the students goals and the style they would like to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Keyboard Electric Guitar

Nothing is more exciting than seeing one my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. " The slower you go, the faster you'll get there" - John Link Read More

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

Throughout the 8 12 years that I have been teaching I have been learning a lot about many different methods and teaching styles. I always had thought that what I was being taught could have been taught in a more natural and more efficient way. I have borrowed many of my ideas from some of the greatest teachers in history and believe the most in the bel canto method created but David Jacobsen who is an alumni of the Curtis Institute of Music, the greatest school of music in the world. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods, of course, depend on the student but I usually start using the same materials that I started with. That combined with other curricula such as Rock School and others, I am able to identify which path will be best for the student. Teaching the student one of their favorite songs towards the beginning always helps the student get the fire and passion they need to become a guitar master. 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