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Associate Degree, Milwaukee area Technical College, Occupational Music
1997- performed with Jack Grassel (jazz ensemble) MATC auditorium.
2004 and 2009- opened for Marilyn Manson at The Eagles Ballroom for sold out 4000 plus crowds.
2006- had a song on the X-Box360 video game Dead Rising.
2002- present -touring the Midwest
I have been teaching guitar in the greater Milwaukee area for 16 years and have had hundreds of students. With an Associates degree in Occupational Music, I combine text book fundamentals with a creative outlook and professional stage experience. I encourage students to have fun with their instrument as opposed to making learning guitar a chore. I start out with simple techniques to get my students playing quickly. Once the comfort level is achieved then I go back and show them the theory behind what they learned. A comfortable and stress free environment is key to the success of my teaching. Professionally I have been playing in a heavy metal band for 12 years and have shared the stage with many national acts including Damage Plan (Dimebag Darrel), Mudvayne, Type O Negative, Hell Yeah, Wednesday 13, KMFDM, Custom, MSI and multiple 4000 plus shows with Marilyn Manson. Beginners to advanced players are welcome along with everyone ages 9-70. I specialize in teaching the basic elements of playing guitar, music theory, scales and soloing, improvisation, your favorite songs and how to write your own songs, rock, blues and metal. I'm a rock n roll guy and my lessons rock as well. I love to inspire others and help them to reach their dreams.
I started teaching guitar when I was in college and have been teaching for almost 17 years since. I have taught at many music stores and currently teach out of my home.. I have had many students go on to perform in bands and a few even have toured nationally. I encourage my students to follow their dreams no matter how big or small. During lessons I try to make them feel comfortable with no pressure. I have always appealed to the students that are into rock and metal but I have taught every style there is. I truly am a fan of music and a fan of teaching.
For beginning students of any age I start out with basic open chords and how to switch between them. We'll eventually try out different picking patterns with these chords and some simple songs that utilize them. For more experienced students I will present some chords and scales and determine what level they are on and take it from there. Once my students have a grasp on some chords and scales I like to have them take turns soloing while the other plays rhythm. This helps to build improvisation skills and apply scales to chords. I always like to teach the student what they are interested in and stick to that style.
I approach teaching as an avenue to inspire others. Making mistakes are just as important as playing something perfect. I like to stress that perfection is not the goal but feeling good from playing your instrument is. It is very important for my students to practice outside of lessons. I try to encourage that through positive reinforcements verses just saying you have to practice this lesson over and over. I make my guitar lessons fun which keeps my students coming back.