Guitar Lessons in Tempe, AZ

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar

Whether you want to learn to play recreationally or more seriously, I want to help you connect with the music you perform and your instrument. I believe that music is a way for people to express themselves on a deep, energetic level; that it is Life expressing through us as well, and that it is an essential part of Life itself.  My goal is to help each student not only learn the mechanics and fundamentals of their instrument, but to also be INSPIRED by the music they're making and sometimes creating. Read More

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

I write all my own lesson materials focusing on what the student needs to know to play, understand, and enjoy music to achieve their goals. I have used several method books in the past but find them all limited or focused on styles or technique that is not what the student wants or needs to learn. I can teach from any established method if that is preferred, but instead enjoy challenging the student to understand what music is and how music is played on their chosen instrument, not just to read. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods, of course, depend on the student but I usually start using the same materials that I started with. That combined with other curricula such as Rock School and others, I am able to identify which path will be best for the student. Teaching the student one of their favorite songs towards the beginning always helps the student get the fire and passion they need to become a guitar master. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every student learns a different way and I always take the first lesson to evaluate what the student is passionate about. Some students want to get straight to playing songs and some want to learn sheet music first. I am comfortable with starting anyway they need. If the student starts to get bored after a few lessons I try and bring in new toys related to the instrument such as a new kind of cymbal or a slide guitar to try and spark some inspiration again! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin

For piano beginners I use the Faber book series. I prefer these books because it gives a mixture of theory and technique that I think is essential to learn at an early stage. For violin beginners I prefer to use the Suzuki Method books. These books are great because they get the student playing quickly, while still introducing the foundations of basic theory for reading music. Beginning guitar is a little more flexible depending on the students goals and the style they would like to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I love working with other artist and growing professionally. One of the great things about guitar is that their is always a new chord to learn. I have played gigs all over Kansas City, and at many Churches in the area. I have found some of the most humble, genuine people who just blow your mind on stage. I'm thankful for those people in my life, and look forward to helping others as I have been helped. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Banjo Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching at the age of 15 at the Willowdale Conservatory of Music where I had the opportunity to tutor underclassmen as a way of paying my tuition. I managed to put myself through college as a single parent by teaching guitar and banjo out of my home and contracting with local community centers and schools for guitar classes. I moved to Arizona in 1987 to accept a teaching fellowship at ASU West while completing my Masters degree. Read More