Guitar Lessons in Shawnee Mission, KS

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Everything in lessons depends on where a student is the moment we start, and his or her passions and interests in various styles. I have heard so many times in the past that students will quit an instrument early in life because they were unmotivated in boring lessons, only to later regret the decision to quit. It is imperative to me that students become self-motivated to practice and enjoy it as much as possible. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is to facilitate your learning so that you will not be dependent on me for continuous improvement. I ask you to play your guitar at least for a few minutes every day. Actually, play it. You will be given exercises and assignments to do, but always remember to play. Everything you learn you can share with your friends as you begin to share your knowledge. I want you to enjoy playing the guitar. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a patient and mild-mannered teacher. I take great pride in fostering in students a lifelong enjoyment for music. Self-confidence and self-motivation are my priority for students and I strive to nurture that every single lesson. I continuously praise accomplishments and recognize when students overcome challenges. Students mirror their teachers and when I am patient and kind to students, they are patient and kind to themselves. Learning an instrument is hard work and takes patience and dedication; harshness and hostility only work against a students ability to push themselves and grow. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Ukulele Music

I've been slowly teaching private lessons while I've been in the final years of college. With the KU curriculum, I have had to learn how to work with children from Pre-K to 12th grade, which means any age is something I've been prepared for. Also, I got to sing with the Intergenerational choir at KU, which would happen at the local community center with senior-aged people. I've sung jazz, musical theater, and classical pieces since high school. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Classical Guitar

What do you want to learn? I encourage all students to convey to me their interests! I can come up with suggestions as much as you'd like, but my favorite lessons are the ones where a student has his or her own goal, and I'm able to help them achieve this goal in some way. We will always have technique exercises and drills to work on, but we'll never lose sight of why we do all this technique building in the first place - to get better at something we love! Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been teaching music for two years professionally, and much longer than that informally. I played regularly and professionally at venues in Columbia, MO, such as the Bridge and The Vault. I studied trumpet in my high-school band and learned to read music, progressing on my own thereafter into more complex theory and harmony, as well as composition. I have been in several ensembles and have performed as a solo artist on many occasions as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Organ Ukulele Recorder Keyboard Djembe

For beginner's, I do typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. For intermediate, I'll evaluate what materials they've used thus far in their lessons and go from there. If someone is familiar with a set of books in a positive way, there's no reason to change the books they're using. I do believe, however, there is profit in a variety of repertoire, so a diverse lesson is key. I have learned from experience that simply learning one genre (classical, jazz, showtunes) is less desirable than having a familiar ear to multiple styles. Read More