John W.

General Info

• Certified Music Teacher

  Certified Music Teacher

  Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference checks; and annual criminal background checks for the duration of each teacher's employment with us.

  
• Background Check Complete

  Criminal Background Check

  In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace, multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.

  
• Levels: Beginner to Advanced

• In-Home Lessons: Yes
• In-Studio Lessons: Yes
• Ages: 5 & up

Subjects Taught

Guitar, Songwriting

Education

Indiana University, Bloomington - Major: Telecommunications, Minor: Music - Fall 2005 - Fall 2008 (Bachelor's degree received)

Specialties

I am a professional rock and roll, pop and folk guitarist, singer and writer who has expertise in rock and roll, the blues, and jazz guitar as well as classical, jazz and pop theory. In addition, I can teach classical guitar to beginner students.

I tailor my teaching methods and curricula specifically to each student, their interests and stated goals. Within the first few months of private lessons most students will see their technical skill improve dramatically, their ability to ... read music will become more fluid, and their ear (ability to critically listen to music and understand what is happening in the music) will begin to develop.

Most students will spend some time working out of books (though, which book(s) will be determined once each student, their parents, and I get a chance to discuss what is best for the student). In addition, we will work will drills, techniques and concepts that I have developed myself over several years of teaching, and will apply these concepts to popular songs, tunes, or pieces that the student wishes to learn themselves. It's learning, but it's also really fun!

I do my best to accommodate the musical desires, goals and interests of all of my students individually, as each one deserves the best, most attentive and personalized instruction that I am capable of providing.

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to meeting you!

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Lesson Details

Our lessons will be exciting and eye-opening! I do not stick to a particular curriculum because I believe that it is extremely important for each student to have their lessons tailored to their specific interests, goals, and personality.

Within 3 to 6 months you will be introduced to the basic concepts of music including melody, harmony (key, chords), and meter (time). You will learn how these concepts work to create music by studying and learning some of your favorite songs and tunes! ...

At first, technique mostly comes through one-on-one instruction and by simply getting comfortable with your instrument. However, as your skill develops we will begin to focus more on technique so that you can become the most efficient player possible!

You will also begin to develop your ear and will begin to learn how to critically listen to music. Within 3 to 6 months you may even begin to understand what is happening in a song you have never heard just by listening to it!

You should expect to invest in some educational material. This can include a book or books, a notebook, a metronome, etc. If you already have some of these materials, then great! If not, do not worry. We can discuss which materials you need as you develop a need for them.

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About

Hello!

My name is John and I am a guitar instructor for Take Lessons. I have been teaching private and group guitar lessons for over five years. In addition to teaching at TakeLessons.com, I have taught at the Stafford Music Academy, The Chicago Guitar Academy, Vance Music, the CODA Academy and have had several private students of my own. I have been playing guitar for over fifteen years, and began my private musical training under the instruction of my father (a PhD in Theory and ... Composition) at the age of four. I have extensive experience with writing, performing, and studio work, and have contributed to innumerable projects in the vein of popular music as a writer, performer, producer and engineer.

I expect all of my students to develop a passion for music as well as a comprehensive appreciation for many styles and techniques. This includes an understanding of folk, rock, jazz, pop and classical theory, understanding how these theoretical ideas are applied to the guitar, and developing the technique to play across these styles. Also, as a student you will learn how to read and write music so that you can effectively communicate with other musicians!

Above all I am told by my students and their parents that my two biggest strengths as a teacher are:
- my passion for the music, and
- my unabated desire to see my students succeed.

I look forward to meeting you!

John

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