Steven M
Instruments: Guitar, Harmonica, Ukulele, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Gospel, Latin, Funk, Reggae, Soul, Punk
Steven M
Instruments: Guitar, Harmonica, Ukulele, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Gospel, Latin, Funk, Reggae, Soul, Punk
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 3-80
BS, Grand Valley State University, Psychology BS, Grand Valley State University, Communications
I started learning the guitar when I was 10 years old, and I have been playing regularly for the 21 years since that day. My Dad showed me some basic chords, and then I learned everything else on my own. I joined the jazz band in high school and formed a modern rock band. I have been practicing and performing with bands on a weekly basis for 15 years. I have played with bands in various musical genres, including rock, pop, funk, blues, world and latin. My education in Communications and Psychology has shaped the person and teacher I am today.
I have worked with several kids ages 10-16 within a residential foster care facility. I am also an English teacher for Chinese students on the Internet with 5 years of experience. I have learned how to be patient, and how to adapt to the student’s preferred learning method. I encourage regular practice and creative exploration. I can dictate what the student should learn, but I prefer to have the student guide the lessons. Homework is only a tool to help the student reach his or her musical goals. I advocate exercises that will allow the student to be creatively active when practicing the guitar, not merely memorizing scale patterns.
My teaching philosophy for music follows an open-minded, creative path. Music is a language. We learn languages by listening and speaking. Listening to music is just as vital to learning an instrument as physically playing the instrument. I like to teach students that are passionate to learn and create, and they can shape how the lessons unfold. I will not assign homework that doesn’t include a fun, musical element to keep the mind sharp and creative. I share the same philosophy as bassist Victor Wooten. I would encourage you to watch his Ted Talk "Music as a Language."
I am a patient teacher. My number one focus is enjoying the process. Kids that enjoy talking will learn language more quickly and efficiently. A guitar student that enjoys what he is learning will be excited to practice. I like to help the student gain the experience and knowledge to learn the songs they want to learn. The primary goal is to give the student confidence to explore and create music without bounds. The rhythm of the music is in your head as you bob, in your toes as you tap and your shoulders as you jive. Music theory will come when necessary, but I will not overload students with reading material and memorization exercises.
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.