Guitar Lessons in Paradise Valley, MI

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is to help one discover a love for music. When I was learning, the best way I got excited was by learning through what I liked. That helped me get excited for playing music, and more interested in learning the complexities in music. By acknowledging what the student likes and their strengths, I can help focus them on how to reach the dreams they desire. I give my students a positive attitude with no judgement of their skill level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

I first started really getting into music when I was 13 and started playing drums and guitar, picking up piano a couple years later. In 2005 I graduated from the Journeyman Program in Musical Performance at Musicians Institute in Hollywood California. Since then I've been trying my hand at different musical endeavors such as playing in bands, writing my own music, composing for indie games as well as doing covers of my favorite old video game songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

Just as every player has their own musical personality and voice, so too does every lesson that Nicholas gives. In a supportive, patient environment, every lesson is custom tailored to the student. Being musical is inherent to being human, so when a students’ musical abilities fail to progress, it is the teaching method that has failed, not the student. While my educational background allows me to offer my students a high level of instruction in instrumental technique, my first priority with every student is to foster their love and understanding of music through playing their instrument.  Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I stress the importance of reading music from the get go. I do understand however that some (adults) only want to learn to play some songs for their own personal gain, and not have to mess around with note reading. (Guitar is an instrument that can be played by ear, and to some degrees at a high level.) To that I do not require any books. I'll always reiterate the importance of reading..."Just think how good Eddie Van Halen would have been had he been able to read music!" For Children: Mel Bay Children Guitar Method 1 (Blue Turquoise cover) For beginners steel string and jazz: Hal Leonard Guitar method book 1 (Black and Orange cover) For Classical: Foundations in Classical guitar by Brian and Mary Lou Roberts I ALWAYS strive for the student to become familiar with performing and playing with others. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Keeping my students positive and inspired is my goal when teaching, and nothing is more inspiring than hitting landmarks and seeing your own progress! I encourage my students to learn at their own pace, and remind them that learning a skill is not a one size fits all scenario. I encourage my students to be as experimental, open minded and curious as possible. Setting realistic goals is always how I end every lesson, as you should always have a goal you're working to achieve. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar

My lessons will be pretty focused on music theory so that, in time, the student will be able to make their own music with ease. For new beginners, I'd likely ask which song they wanted to learn. And then I'd teach it to them, while also explaining scales, how to build chords, and the theory used in the song. Because my favorite part of playing music is improvisation, that's my go-to goal for the student, but I'm always willing to adjust my teaching methods accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Double Bass

I'm a lifelong musician, and have been playing piano for 25 years and violin, guitar, and double bass for over 15 years. I taught K-12 band, orchestra, choir, and general music. I was a guitar songleader a camp for 7 summers. I played in orchestras and jazz bands through high school and college. I also play cocktail piano and campfire guitar for weddings and events. Read More