Guitar with Daniel D.

Dan is a teacher and guitarist from Kansas City, KS. As a teenager he studied blues and jazz with former B.B. King sideman Dwight Foster. This background aided him when he took classes in jazz improvisation and music composition at the University of Kansas. At KU, he started giving guitar lessons and teaching English Literature to help pay tuition. He also joined the blues-rock/metal hybrid Inphobic, a group that went on to play with Carlos Santana, Everlast, and Cheap Trick among others. After finishing his MA at Pittsburg State University, he returned to Kansas City and began teaching in the Kansas City, KS school district. His five years of high school teaching (to go along with another three at the college level) has showed him that being a great teacher is both the greatest challenge and the greatest reward. As a result, he has dedicated himself to combining that passion for teaching with his love for the guitar and music. Over the last few years, he has developed guitar curriculum that both teaches students things they want to know as well as how to communicate with other musicians in almost any musical capacity. He frequently shows up at local jam sessions and plays studio sessions. *** Lesson Details *** My lessons are very relaxed but still move at a fast pace. I realize that not all students learn at the same rate and in the same manner and I do my best to accommodate whatever the needs of the student might be. Students will learn a variety of styles but there always be an emphasis on their specific interests as it relates to the guitar. A beginning student will be given a solid background in theory and in reading music as well as learning songs that they want to learn. In three months, the beginning student will be able to play basic songs and read music, as well as begin to apply theory to a variety of musical styles. In six months, the beginning student will be developing more difficult techniques on the guitar, beginning to learn the art of lead guitar and learning more complicated tunes. Intermediate and advanced students are welcome too, but they may want to focus on specific styles, techniques or songs. *** Studio Equipment *** Guitar, amp, etc. *** Travel Equipment *** Guitar, amp, etc. The student should contact the instructor if s/he needs to borrow a guitar for the lesson. *** Specialties *** Rock, Blues, Metal, Jazz, Improvisation, and Composition at all levels beginner, intermediate and advanced.