Kevin M
Instruments: Guitar, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Pop, Rock, Blues, Country
Kevin M
Instruments: Guitar, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Pop, Rock, Blues, Country
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-80
BA, University of Toledo, Law & Social Thought
I'm a dedicated and unique instructor who enjoys sharing my love of music with students who are taking their first steps into the world of music. I've had some formal training in music theory and performance, but the bulk of my experience comes from good old fashioned performing. I have written original music, played with national and regional touring acts worked as a session musician and have been playing nearly every weekend at clubs in my area for the last ten years. Music has taken me to some amazing places and has allowed me to meet some amazing people, and I can't wait to see where my students' ambitions take them!
My teaching experience dates back approximately five years, and I've taught to students as young as 8 to as old as 20. With all of my students, I tailor my lesson plans to their specific needs. I like to find out why my students want to play guitar, what they want to play, and foster their continuing growth by teaching them what they want to learn. I will never force knowledge upon any student who doesn't want to learn it, or simply won't benefit from it. I'm proficient in several styles of music, such as rock, country, blues and pop. If my students are not having fun and learning at the same time, then I'm not doing my job! Learning with me is an experience, as I can offer theory knowledge, as well as practical knowledge students can use in real life scenarios, such as starting their first band or playing their first gig!
For beginning students who are completely new to the world of music, I typically start them with exercises and theory found in Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. This introduces them to the foundations of the guitar, such as basic chords, chord progressions, and the musical alphabet. Once they have the necessary understanding of the fundamentals, I then like to find out what music the student is interested in learning and apply these foundations in musical pieces they are familiar with.
For older students, my instruction is much less rigid and is centered around what the student is interested in. Keeping the lessons engaging and practical are best practices I've found work, as the mind will not gather information properly if it is not invested in what is being presented. Focusing on certain artists, genres of music or pieces the student wants to learn is typically my method here.
Keeping my students positive and inspired is my goal when teaching, and nothing is more inspiring than hitting landmarks and seeing your own progress! I encourage my students to learn at their own pace, and remind them that learning a skill is not a one size fits all scenario. I encourage my students to be as experimental, open minded and curious as possible. Setting realistic goals is always how I end every lesson, as you should always have a goal you're working to achieve. Whether my student's goal is to master the "G" chord, or learn that Eddie Van Halen solo note for note, I always foster inspiration through the setting and achievement of goals.
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