Andreana C  
Instruments: Piano, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Pop, Rock, Folk, Country, Gospel, Flamenco

Before earning my degree, I was a home educator for 5 years. In 2017, I was approached by Apple Valley Piano and Guitar (MN) to join their team of private instructors for their sub-group, A Plus Music Studios. During that time, I had the very great privilege to teach students of all ages ranging from 6 years to active seniors. In addition to guitar, I teach beginning piano. I also enjoy coordinating jam sessions for the students. The aim here is to encourage growth through performing as a group and providing a safe place where they can flex their music skills and have fun doing it. I am passionate about music. And as an instructor, I am passionate about helping students achieve success in their desired goals toward becoming accomplished players, and grow in proficiency to play their chosen music style. Success in music studies comes through small achievements. Therefore, patience is key. But, as we move forward together, over time you will discover those small achievements become great successes, making it all worthwhile in the end!

The following includes a list of methods use for the various styles of guitar. For more information, please scroll down to find the style your are interested in. Contemporary Guitar: For the young children just starting out, I found that it is better to play and sing songs rather than perform exercises! FJH’s Young Beginner Guitar Method fits perfectly to get little hands to play guitar. Most adults and teens already have in mind what song(s) they would like to play from their favorite artists. Depending on what the student's interests are (note-reading and chords or just chords only), I typically use FJH’s Everybody Loves Guitar Book I and II. It is an engaging step by step method for all ages using a wide variety of music styles. For intermediate level, I use the USC Thornton School of Music "CAGED" system scales that provides the basis in the fundamentals of improvisation. As a supplement, I let the student choose a favorite song with a dual purpose in mind: to use it as way to put everything into context, and later as a recital piece. For children interested in electric guitar, Hal Leonard's Guitar for Kids will have your son or daughter rocking out right away using their simplified chords. Adults interested in electric guitar, I like to use a combination of supplementals that I have develop specifically for adults and Hal Leonard's Rock Guitar. The same fundamentals are employed while encouraging the student choose a real song from their favorite artist as their ultimate goal. For those interested in Fingerpicking style, I use a combination of Julio Sagreras method and Hal Leonard's Fingerstyle Guitar Method, which incorporates 36 great finger-style songs like "Dust in the Wind" - Fire and Rain, and much more. Classical Guitar: For the beginner or even those whose want to switch their focus to classical, I typically use Charles Duncan’s A Modern Approach to Classical Guitar or Julio S Sagreras Guitar method (includes note reading, modified scales, and arpeggios). It is wonderful book to quickly get students of all ages moving toward proficiency. Once the student has reached a comfortable level of confidence, I introduce Charles Duncan’s follow up book, Classical Guitar Repertoire: A Graded Anthology of Solo Pieces. It’s a great start for the fledgling soloist. For intermediate and advance I use a wide variety of methods. For Intermediate players, I typically use book 2 of the Charles Duncan's A Modern Approach to Classical Guitar and the companion solo book. The fundamentals techniques of classical playing will also be a focus (scales, chords, arpeggios, speed and agility drills, and the like). Infused in the course of study are supplemental helps, learning both the USC"s "CAGED" system scales and Segovia scales as well as work on a chosen solo piece that best fits their skill level for a recital performance. The advance students I primarily concentrate on expanding the students repertoire, and help the student with any particular request or needs toward improving or refining their playing, going into greater depths of techniques, gaining a greater understanding on the importance of scholarship on pieces transcribed for guitar, and music interpretation. Flamenco Guitar: Flamenco is a beautiful, sonorous art, combing the skills of athleticism and grace all into one. This curriculum is designed for all levels whether you can read music or not. The fundamental techniques taught include: ragueos, abinicos, alzapua, arpeggios, picados, and scales as well as speed drills. Whether the student desires to learn for pure enjoyment or to perform in a cuadro (group), the student will learn to perform real flamenco songs associated with the different forms (palos) such as solea, tangos, bulerías, alergrías, etc., by the artists who made them famous like Paco de Lucia, Sabicas, Juan Serrano, and more. Through the course of study, the student will gain not only a thorough knowledge of flamenco history, but learn the intricacies and nuances of playing flamenco guitar. Beginning Piano: For young children, Alfreds' Basic Piano Library is a great place to start. Fun sing-a-long exercise are employed while learning. And for adults, there is the Chord Approach for the late beginner or their All-in-One Course Book I, which is an expanded version I have found to be a very comprehensive step by step method that quickly launches the student to playing piano.