Guitar Lessons in Rio Verde, AZ

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most effective teacher is a friend. As a friend, I can use the most effective teaching techniques to help them progress. Every student is different in their pace, goals, and passions. I love learning my student's musical dreams and fighting with them to accomplish them! Setting realistic goals to both encourage and challenge a student is a core to my teaching. Without those goals, learning to play an instrument remains an overwhelming task! 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

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar

For all students, I teach them exercises to strenghten their fundamentals and skills in the given instrument, and each lesson we practice the exercises to focus on improving their sound production, pitch finding, placement, and more.  We also learn songs that both the student and I choose and prepare for performance (when necessary).  Here are the books I work from for each instrument, but please note that I don't necessarily use these for every student, only when appropriate: GUITAR:  Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method (books 1 through 3) VOICE:  Master Vocal Exercises by Horatio Connell, and Sightsinging (Hal Leonard) BASS GUITAR:  Bass Method, (Hal Leonard, books 1 through 3) TRUMPET:  Essential Elements 2000, (Hal Leonard, books 1 through 3) Read More

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

I have worked with students aging from 6 with no training to 55 with 30 years of training. Every student is different and presents unique challenges. I find that the less a student know the easier it is to see improvement. Often with older players there are fundamental basics that are working against them that need correction. You can not unlearn something, only learn something knew. The most important thing in music education is starting them right because muscle memory is extremly hard to change. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Banjo Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach out of several methods, depending on the desires and needs of each individual student. I do make sure all students have a basic understanding of note reading, rhythm, chord building, right hand techniques and various styles. We learn to strum, play arpeggios and improvise...everything the student needs to feel comfortable playing and performing. I encourage participation in recitals and make times available on a monthly basis for students to explore performance in a non-competitive, encouraging atmosphere. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Classical Guitar

I studied music with the intention to be the teacher I wanted as a youth. I am kind, patient, and creative. I have perfected a process to where 30 minutes of conceptualization matched with strategic practice, will help you get much closer to your goal, in half the time. why should it take years to master an instrument? The traditional approaches used are good, but people desire to make gains quickly. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have always been a bit of a sponge and in my own early days as a self taught guitarist I would try and soak up everything I can. My first students were actually early band-mates and other musicians that I would jam with. I occasionally some private studios but currently teach out of my home studio which is both convenient for me and my students as I have all my materials, instruments, books I have acquired over the years easily available. Read More