Guitar Lessons in Mount Angel, OR

Instruments: Piano Guitar Flute Ukulele Recorder

My teaching approach is tailored to the interests and goals of each student, but always includes fundamentals such as scales, strength-building exercises, rudiments of theory, and ear training. Some of the method books I've used include the Faber "Piano Adventures" series, Alfred and Bastien series, and Hanon's The Virtuoso Pianist, among others. I always supplement these materials with arrangements and transcriptions of popular songs and classical pieces, along with original exercises designed to teach specific styles and techniques. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

- Patience: It is key to take our time to take in what is presented to us. If there is something that is a new piece of music that presents a rhythmic difficulty. Let's analyze it and figure it out together. - Breaking down: As explained above to play something really well, we need to understand and "master" all parts and the whole. It not only facilitates the performance but also gives a sense of detail and belonging. - Guitar Circle Techniques: I spend 14 years working with guitar circles worldwide. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The first thing I do with all of my students is figure out what kind music they are passionate about. Knowing what my students musical tastes and goals are is extremely important so I can help get them to the place they are envisioning themselves. Once I have a general idea of what my student wants to learn I can tailor specific lessons that fit their ideas specifically. I find that this keeps students the most excited because they have a personal goal to strive for rather than trying to teach them something they are not interested in. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

My lessons are rooted in concrete music that my students are passionate about. From the get-go my students learn to play real music that sounds good, and every instruction and new piece that we play is rooted in the student's passion for and enjoyment of the music. I find that this method of teaching is particular essential when teaching children, who frequently wont practice unless they really enjoy what they're practicing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching music lessons at Lewis Music in downtown Kissimmee, Florida in 2004. In the years that have followed I have had students from 5-90 years old and from every background imaginable. Each student is unique so I have learned to adapt to each students goals and preferences. I am happy to teach songwriting, digital music production, and music theory to my most advanced students, and it fills me with joy to hear the songs they write or perform! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I strongly believe in learning from my students, and that music lessons are about sharing, and exchanging ideas. I also understand that students at the beginning of their musical journey may need more of a guiding hand than others further along. For piano students I use the Neil A. Kjos Piano Library method books. I am flexible and I can tailor my lessons to what the student is interested in learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With new students, my first goal is to surmise what they have learned thus far. I then "fill in the gaps" to get them up to speed, which depending on their skill level, can take one lesson or many lessons. For younger students who need more inspiration to be able to do that sort of catch-up work, I attempt to balance the fun with the learning. Learning instrument technique can be tedious, so I do my best to help my students be aware of their weaknesses and play to their strengths, to work smarter, not always harder. Read More