Guitar Lessons in Islandview, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is very process oriented. Goals are set, but are the natural outgrowth of well developed plans and consistent effort. I strive to inspire my students with the passion for playing and the act of making music, rather than the goals of perfection or winning a competition. Personally, music has always been a way for me to understand and enrich my life in more meaningful ways than I ever could have imagined. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

It is important to me that each student feels comfortable during their lessons. I am very patient and understanding; I fully believe that a low-pressure environment helps students to thrive. Setting realistic goals is something else that I feel is important. No one is going to leave their very first guitar lesson playing like Yngwie Malmsteen, except for maybe Yngwie himself, so there is no possible way that I could expect that from any of my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Bass Guitar Double Bass

I believe that in order to effectively teach, one must also do. My extensive performance background allows me to read a student to see what their goals might be and custom fit a curriculum around them. Sometimes a method book is the right way to go. Books such as the Alfred series and Hal Leonard often offer easily attainable goals for younger students. However, it is always important to listen to one's students to find out what music makes them passionate and make sure to weave that into the practice of good technique, and theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There really is no limit to which methods work for people. Every person learns their own way, and it is true that a variety of methods work for an individuals learning process. I enjoy employing all ways of experiencing music including playing by ear, reading sheet music, learning music theory and its practical applications, as well as playing with others and truly feeling what the music is wanting to say. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle

I'e been playing since I've been a young child and have never been able to see myself do anything else. I am currently playing with the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra as well as the Michigan Philharmonic Symphony. I aspire to play with the Michigan Opera Theater soon and become a studio musician. I have lots of background playing in concerts outside of classical music such as rock, folk, and pop and love teaching such styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer

For beginning students, I start with the traditional Mel Bay (or comparable) beginner books that focus on the fundamentals while building strength and coordination and just build from there.  For students with a little more experience, I like to focus on more challenging exercises and concepts while nurturing their knowledge of music theory and performance.  Each student is different and knowing what motivates them motivates me.  My goal is to have them want to pick up their instrument and play. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass

I have opened for National and International acts such as Dead Kennedy's, Powerman 5000, The Aristocrats (Guthrie Goven), Fishbone, Lucky Tubb (Ernest Tubb III), .357 String Band, Angry Samoans, Sixto Rodrigues (Sugarman), Mike Dillon (Primus), and many others. Touring solo and with groups on a National scale since 2010. Read More