Riley V
5.0
(12)
Instruments: Guitar, Drums, Bass Guitar, Harmonica, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk
5.0
(12)
Riley V
5.0
(12)
Instruments: Guitar, Drums, Bass Guitar, Harmonica, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
Ages Taught: 5-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BA music performance, University of Kansas Music Business, Belmont University BA music performance, Ottawa University
Awards:
Topeka Jazz Youth Workshop Scholarship-2006
Overview:
I began playing guitar when I was 15, and it became an immediate obsession. Starting with rock and roll with bands like Nirvana and Sublime, I garnered a deep love for classic rock, specifically the bands Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the Doors among many others. Early on, it became apparent that I wanted to pursue a career in music, and while still in high school, I began learning classical guitar, and jazz. I spent two years at the University of Kansas playing in both large and small ensemble jazz bands before transferring to Belmont University to study music business. I ended up finishing my music degree at Ottawa University, and have been in many musical outfits including a Gypsy Jazz project, several rock bands, solo acoustic work, jazz bands, and a hip hop group.
EXPERIENCE
I began teaching lessons while in high school to friends and other students of varying ages. Having taught in several music shops, I currently teach students from my house or in their own homes, which is why Musika was an attractive company for me. My background in music and teaching spans a diverse set of styles, and I try to encourage students to broaden their musical horizons by introducing them to music they may not have otherwise heard. At the same time, students have to be motivated to play the music presented to them, so as much as possible, I try to give them the agency to help develop a lesson plan.
METHODS USED
My primary goal with students is to give them the tools and inspiration to enjoy music, and love playing their instruments. I have always placed a strong emphasis on the necessity of the foundations of music, but I try to do it in a way that is fun and palpable, and especially for young students. I have been fortunate enough to have lessons from excellent instructors, and I try to borrow my favorite methods from each of them. Since everyone has a different method of learning, I try to identify those, and adjust accordingly. For visual learners, I encourage them to develop their sight-reading skills, but also find creative ways to work around ear training if it is difficult for them. Music is a life long journey, and since students will not be in lessons forever, I also make an effort to give students the tools to become their own researchers. A skillful researcher will never stop learning, and to me, those are the best musicians.
LESSON STYLE
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. I try to teach patience, especially in the beginning phases, because it can be difficult to get through some physical elements while acclimatizing to an instrument. After learning some basic mechanics, my goal is to get them playing music they love. Once the student becomes more comfortable with playing, I generally introduce some basic music theory, and advance based on how receptive the student is to those ideas.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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RATING & REVIEWS
Angela
Riley has been great for our 5 year old to work with! He is very patient and understanding and we have seen great progress in our son's musical abilities. We highly recommend him for any beginning or experienced musician!
Shawn Reid
Very patient, an all around well balanced great teacher.
Ryan Waller
Riley is an expert guitarist who is uncannily skilled in all genres listed. He has been a great asset to my own playing, and I would recommend him to anyone.
Anthony Schwed
Riley is a true master of the craft, his skills are the result of passion and dedication. An all around guitar player, and as a teacher I would recommend.
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