Guitar Lessons in Sun City, AZ

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Mallet Percussion Music Acoustic Guitar

For junior high and beginning students I like to go over proper embouchure, rhythm counting and creating a solid sound. After that's established I like to get started on technique exercises, scale practice and practice methods for their own benefit outside of lessons. The junior high students will continue to start learning the circle of 5ths, both student levels will work out of the Standards of Excellence Green book or Red book. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Banjo Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach out of several methods, depending on the desires and needs of each individual student. I do make sure all students have a basic understanding of note reading, rhythm, chord building, right hand techniques and various styles. We learn to strum, play arpeggios and improvise...everything the student needs to feel comfortable playing and performing. I encourage participation in recitals and make times available on a monthly basis for students to explore performance in a non-competitive, encouraging atmosphere. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Euphonium Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students depending on the instrument of choice, I use: (In no particular order) Standard of Excellence for Band Instruments, consistent with school best practice methods Piano Adventures by Nancy and Randall Faber, for consistency and technique development as well as decent solo repertoire for recitals Hal Leonard's Complete Guitar Course or Alfred, both are good sources. Rainbow Ukulele for younger students in elementary school plus a combination of supplemental materials I've gathered over the years. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

With young students, I allow myself to be a bit more comprehensive in that I can start from the very basics from the beginning and even come up with simple games with rhythm, basic ear training and reading notation. The big challenge with young players is the actual act of physically playing the guitar and I encourage parents to invest in a quality instrument that is easy to play. I try and get my older children and teenagers to try and play as early as possible to develop a passion for the instrument, but not before building an understanding of the basics. 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: Piano Guitar Classical Guitar

We start with fundamentals of music theory, ear training, and composition. We find the songs and styles you want to learn and then make them make sense, through small assignments, that build into the finished product. If you can see the shapes on the guitar and subdivide the beat into equal parts, we can start to play the tunes you like. I a do not believe in slow progress. i believe you can learn and improve consistently, while having fun. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most effective teacher is a friend. As a friend, I can use the most effective teaching techniques to help them progress. Every student is different in their pace, goals, and passions. I love learning my student's musical dreams and fighting with them to accomplish them! Setting realistic goals to both encourage and challenge a student is a core to my teaching. Without those goals, learning to play an instrument remains an overwhelming task! Read More