Guitar Lessons in Portland, TN

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Fiddle

My number 1 goal as an instructor is to assess the needs and goals of the student, and to assist the student in reaching these goals while fostering a fun environment. Nothing is more important than finding your own personal passion, and making sure that your pursuit of your goals remains an enjoyable process. I know that studying music takes years of dedication and steady practice, so I work hard to find songs and styles that suit the student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've been teaching private lessons for approximately 15 years. I've worked with all ages and skill levels across many genres. I would say my speciality is working with teenagers and adults who are just starting to figure out more specific directions they want to move in, and helping them dial in their goals and musical vocabulary. I love a mixed approach using songs my students listen to, ear training to be able to play by ear more accurately/faster, practical applied theory so that students can take the concepts of songs they love and use them on their own terms, and understanding what it is to be a rhythm section instrument because everyone who makes music is responsible for rhythm. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach students of a variety of ages and skill levels and I enjoy developing unique curriculum to fit each students needs and stylistic interests while incorporating elements of theory, ear training, singing and general music fundamentals into the lessons. I feel that teaching using real songs is the best and most engaging way to learn. I generally try to avoid teaching from a method book and instead work with a student to find what music excites them and use that as a way to introduce fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I love teaching Voice and have a particular affinity for meeting the needs of the student. Every voice is unique, and should be treated as such with careful consideration. I instill pedagogical principles for healthy singing in all my students. I help students establish their goals/interests, and we achieve them through fun and engaging warm ups and appropriate repertoire. I received a Masters Degree in Vocal Performance and taught at the Collegiate Level at The University of Alabama. Read More

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