Guitar Lessons in Portland, TN

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Although my methods vary a bit depending on the instrument, the general plan is the same. For beginner students of instruments I focus first on fundamentals, such as finger placement, note names, what makes up chords so forth (again with a high emphasis on practice). I will gladly print out hard copies of chord sheets, note names, songs with chord markers if desired, or can display these digitally! For beginner students of voice, I start by teaching proper breathing, different parts of the voice, warm ups, and assessing the students vocal range. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

For all my students, I first ask the question: why are you taking vocal lessons? I want to know first and foremost my students' goals and what they like/don't like about their singing voice. Then I start with the basics: what is happening in your body when you sing, and why? First I like to start with singing easy 5-tone scales to discover the students' voice type, then I talk to my students about what makes their voice special. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to work with students toward their goals. Setting achievable goals with the student and guiding them as they accomplish the goals. My teaching style is to mentor and coach students so they enjoy their time playing music as well as see their progress. Helping each student with the individual challenges the encounter is a priority, and every student is unique. I always take time to find out what inspires the student and tailor the lessons and repertoire so they enjoy the music they are working on. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I like to take a very personalized approach to teaching and my methods can vary greatly depending on my students goals and interests. I think the most important aspect of learning the guitar is enjoying the process of practicing the instrument. Because of this, I base my lessons on what each individual student desires to learn, teach them concepts in the context of the music that they love, and give them the technical and theoretical concepts behind the music they're passionate about. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

First I need to know the type of music a student likes. Then I access their level and put together a plan to make them progress by teaching them a combination of; - techniques they need to know and master - exercises to help develop those techniques - songs based on their level and music taste - theory to understand the songwriting style - songwriting exercises to develop their artist side I also recommend music and videos, talk about gear, road experience, and anything else music related a student might be interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has started to grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I do try to maintain a balance of classical music, modern music, and music theory. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching students for 7 years, since I was a college student at Columbia University. When I began taking on students, I soon learned that I loved teaching music as much I loved performing it. Not only was helping someone achieve their musical goals highly rewarding, but I found that teaching helped me to learn and grow as a musician as well. In 2021, I began teaching remotely over Zoom and Skype. Read More