Guitar with Owen K.

I began playing the guitar at 11 years old. I discovered my dad's old nylon string buried in the closet and immediately fell in love with playing. I began taking lessons and soon after formed a garage band. In high school I played in various rock bands, performing at school events, parties, and all-ages venues. I was also enrolled in the Ft. Hayes Vocational Music Program in Columbus, OH where I received hands-on instruction in music theory, recording, and music history. At 18 I decided I wanted to make music my life. I began studying Jazz and Classical guitar and a year later received a scholarship to go to the Music Conservatory at Capital University in Columbus, studying under Stan Smith, a Berklee College of Music graduate. I performed in various jazz and classical ensembles during my 4 years at Capital. I also wrote songs and performed in original rock bands Tornado and Elephants Gerald, which played at clubs and house parties throughout Columbus. After college I joined Hip-Hip/R&B group Lt. Dan's New Legs, playing weddings, corporate events, sports bars, and tailgates throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. LDNL also toured through Japan, Guam, and The Marshall Islands through the USO program. I formed an original alternative-folk group, Couch Forts, writing and arranging original songs and touring through Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia. During this time I also taught private lessons and had a roster of 25 students. I moved to Oakland 3 years ago and have been writing and performing with my original rock bands Frozen Folk and 'Lectric Was House. I also play lead guitar in a folk duo, Red Steppes, and progressive rock band Cash Pony. I thoroughly enjoy meeting and working with students. Along with performing, sharing and teaching ideas on the guitar is my passion and I'm always excited to work with new people. *** Lesson Details *** I try to keep lessons interactive and loose while still staying on task and making sure the student has something new to work on for each session. I'll start out with simple chords fingerings and melodies, something fun and musical to work on. Sight reading, music theory, and scales are added as we progress. I find that most students enjoy learning some of their favorite songs on the guitar, so I encourage them to bring in recordings and we can work out the chords and melodies of those songs. Overall I try to promote improvisation and experimentation with what we work on, striking a balance between learning new concepts and having fun with them. Playing the guitar can be very enjoyable but it does take practice and some dedication to get better. I encourage students to practice at least a little bit each day. *** Travel Equipment *** I have a small amplifier, guitar cables, a music stand, and extra staff paper if needed. *** Specialties *** I specialize in all forms of rock and pop music, primarily modern rock, blues and jazz. I generally use the Hal Leonard Guitar Method books to establish sight reading and general technique and theory. If the student has a specific song they would like to learn I am happy to work it out with them.