Guitar Lessons in Prairie Village, KS

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have used several curricula and books by Mel Bay, Alfred, Hal Leonard and others. But in the last 15 years I have developed and used mostly my own books and recordings which are very thorough. I started developing this curriculum out of necessity because there was no one book that helped my students from a beginner phase all the way through intermediate and advanced levels in guitar playing. I incorporate both music fundamentals in note reading with basic guitar friendly concepts in chording up to advanced open chords. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I employ the use of scales and harmonizing techniques if so desired, but mainly focus on what the student would like to be able to accomplish in his or her time with me. I like to let them pursue their own directions while overseeing that they learn the fundamental aspects of their chosen genre or genres. Learning and especially music should maintain FUN as a central priority, because without excitement over the topic and enthusiasm in development, it becomes easy to get bored and walk away from the activities. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Organ Ukulele Recorder Keyboard Djembe

For beginner's, I do typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. For intermediate, I'll evaluate what materials they've used thus far in their lessons and go from there. If someone is familiar with a set of books in a positive way, there's no reason to change the books they're using. I do believe, however, there is profit in a variety of repertoire, so a diverse lesson is key. I have learned from experience that simply learning one genre (classical, jazz, showtunes) is less desirable than having a familiar ear to multiple styles. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My high school band experience was awful. I didn't participate my senior year and was really aching for musical interaction with other musicians. Even though I didn't play the guitar yet, I got a lot of inspiration and encouragement from Eddie Van Halen. Crazy, right? it's true, though! My mom played the piano and my dad played the guitar. During that time of no creative writing classes or playing the trumpet my senior year, Dad taught me how to play The Wildwood Flower on his guitar. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Music

For beginners, I always start with a classical approach, which stresses the importance of posture and breathing. We'll usually start with the First Book of [Voice Part]'s Solos and mix in one or two musical theater pieces. This is in tandem with learning how to warm up, learn pieces, what memorizing looks like, and how to emote. These are constantly evolving things that can be used with any skill level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Classical Guitar

I'd teach close friends, friends of other family members, and it was then that I began to realize how rewarding teaching can be. When I finally became employed as a teacher at the beginning of 2015, having up to 20 students per week, it became even more clear to me that I could really have been finding some sort of a calling. Very few things feel as amazing as watching another's excitement unfold as he or she makes apparent progress on his or her instrument. Read More