Ryan L  
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Drums, Bass Guitar, Banjo, Ukulele, Double Bass, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk, Avant-garde

I began teaching in 1999 and have maintained a private studio since then while also working for various music schools and after-school music programs. I've worked with students from ages 5 to 75 and have found that students are very receptive to my energetic and engaging personality while being reassured by my ease of communication and patience. Music should be fun and enjoyable, not stressful, and I strive to create a relaxed atmosphere that is supportive and encouraging. When learning new and unfamiliar skills it is important to me to make students feel secure and excited about trying to do something they've never done before. I like to create opportunities to succeed without fear of failure.

I emphasize the importance of developing good technique and a fundamental understanding of the basic components of music: major and minor scales, arpeggios, chords, modes and chord progressions. I believe that technical facility makes it easier to accomplish musical goals while developing musicianship. I like to tailor my lessons to each student using music that the student brings to me to create lessons and exercises. For students that like to uses books I like to use the Hal Leonard Method books for Guitar, Bass, Banjo, and Ukulele and the Alfred Method books for Piano and Drums. For younger beginners on Piano I have used the Bastien Piano Method and Primer series. I don't like to rely too heavily on books for students but there is always a book available to compliment and reinforce concepts that I work on in the lessons that I teach.