Singing with Kevin C.

I am a certified State of Texas Elementary Educator, has led ukulele workshops internationally, teaches private and group music lessons to all ages and levels in Austin, TX . I have launched a ukulele-based music education charity which brings lessons and instruments to schools and students with limited resources. Equally passionate about music, education and ukulele, I seek to inspire and empower students to exercise their birthright of making music. I am currently in the second year of course study in Canadian virtuoso James Hill’s Ukulele Initiative teacher training program. My scope of teaching includes Texas-based music, blues, soul, funk, slide ukulele, family music facilitation, ukulele ensembles, and beginners of all ages. I specialize in ukulele and also teach most styles of guitar, music theory, bass, voice and family music facilitation. I have been a resident of Austin, TX for over 20 years where I have played guitar and toured across the globe with Americana artists such as the Flatlanders (Joe Ely, Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore), Jimmy LaFave, Alejandro Escovedo, Robyn Ludwick , Charlie and Bruce Robison and many others. In addition to leading my own groups as a singer-songwriter, I have produced albums and written songs for several Austin artists. Students have used the words patient, wise, organized, skillful, funny, laid-back, and committed to describe my teaching. What all this translates to is that I have a lifetime of experience in the music world that I'd love to share with those interested in learning more. My specialties include teaching music theory, working with groups, exploring songwriting, intermediate and advanced guitar study, and working with youngsters. Deeper exploration into music history as it applies to the lessons and the more detailed aspects of musical gear are also avenues of possible study. I've become recently certified as an elementary educator in the state of Texas and have gained valuable training and experience working with youngsters. I strive to discover each student's goals and interests and design an approach to best lead each student where they want to go, and beyond! I also want to understand how my students think, work and learn best. This knowledge is invaluable as a teacher. My lessons are typically filled with a mixture of exercises, video viewing, active listening, ear training, and playing together to ensure that material is being comprehended and brought to life for each student's learning style. We devise strategies together to meet the goals of the student. *** Lesson Details *** I'm a laid-back, yet, driven teacher. I currently have students studying guitar, bass, ukulele, mandolin, music theory, voice, and songwriting. I strive to give positive feedback regularly and to enhance a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the tremendous art of music. My primary aim is to design a solid route for each student to get what they want out of playing music. Along this path, we will encounter many aspects of music and I value and enjoy them all. I hope to share this knowledge and passion with each student and I always learn something new myself in the process. I have a great deal of patience and a dry sense of humor. Over the years I've adopted many approaches that include: elements from my numerous years as a player, teacher and student; the works of Ted Greene; my study with master player and teacher Gordon Rowland, as well as several different instructional manuals of all levels. I'm currently in a 3 year teacher training program with ukulele master James Hill. *** Studio Equipment *** classroom sized teaching studio,hardwood floors, macbook pro, large monitor, amps, guitars, bass, ukuleles galore, music dvds, iPad,extensive library of music books and pdfs. *** Specialties *** I specialize in teaching all ages and levels of ukulele and also, guitar, bass, music theory, country, rock, soul, blues and exploring creativity through songwriting. I have an elementary education certificate and am equally comfortable with young children, teens and adults.