Guitar Lessons in Surprise, AZ

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 Voice Violin

I do my best to tailor my style to each students specific needs and goals. In general, I am a very laidback and patient teacher. My students recieve clear and achievable goals at the end of each of their lessons to work on while they are practicing during the week. This enables students to be able to really see their own progress as the practice. I also believe in music lessons being an enjoyable experience for students so I include students in making the decision for what pieces they would like to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Classical Guitar

I have a M.A. degree in Music Therapy. I have worked with children who cant speak, but they can play music. Music bypasses many neural systems. I will help you find the way you learn and challenge you to improve. I run a non profit organization called "School Of Hip Hop PHX," where we use the 5 elements of music (Dance, spoken word, production, art, and knowledge to, improve the lives of community members. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

With young students, I allow myself to be a bit more comprehensive in that I can start from the very basics from the beginning and even come up with simple games with rhythm, basic ear training and reading notation. The big challenge with young players is the actual act of physically playing the guitar and I encourage parents to invest in a quality instrument that is easy to play. I try and get my older children and teenagers to try and play as early as possible to develop a passion for the instrument, but not before building an understanding of the basics. 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 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: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Mallet Percussion Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For junior high and beginning students I like to go over proper embouchure, rhythm counting and creating a solid sound. After that's established I like to get started on technique exercises, scale practice and practice methods for their own benefit outside of lessons. The junior high students will continue to start learning the circle of 5ths, both student levels will work out of the Standards of Excellence Green book or Red book. Read More