Bass Lessons in Phoenix, AZ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Conga Latin Percussion

I started playing acoustic folk styles in 1962 and added 60's rock and more as time went on. I joined my first rock band in 1965 and have now played all styles of rock, blues, folk, country, bluegrass, jazz, and contemporary Christian and worship music. I also play and teach bass and other stringed fretted instruments, keyboards, and drums and percussion. I began teaching private music lessons in 1968 and began teaching professionally in 1989 at AZ Bible College. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard

I believe I am a friendly guy at heart, so I tend to be friendly with the students. There are times where I have to tell them, for example, "You haven't been practicing.". But I try my best to do that in love while encouraging them when I see even the smallest improvement. I feel as though the key is to play as much as possible. That can be hard to do when you feel like you don't know how to play. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Euphonium Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Djembe

My method begins with basic note reading stick grip, we concentrate on relaxation. stick control note reading. As soon as they are able to cleanly play 16th notes on a practice pad, we incorporate drum set independence. This independence is introduced through learning various genres of music, which also introduce various styles of playing. These variations are studied worked out in exercises that allow the student to ad lib with any style of music. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

When it comes to strategies regarding teaching I use many methods. I usually will start students understanding the fundamentals of music literacy. In order to achieve the introductory points of this we will work out of a method book like a Hal Leonard Beginner Guitar Method 1. We will understand the importance of understanding how to count rhythms and read pitches correctly. I also focus highly on the correct techniques of the instrument in order to avoid bad habits in the future. 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: Bass Guitar Double Bass Music

I learned from my own private study that enforcing the basics sets up the foundation for a successful musician that always gets called for the gig. This includes proper preparation, setting tangible goals and then developing a plan to ensure optimal development as a musician. I want all my students to know not only how to be an amazing musician, but an amazing professional that gets the first call for a performance. Read More