Phoenix, AZ Guitar Lessons

rming shows in 46 of the US States, as well as festival performances in 2012 in Canada (NXNE), Norway (Slottsfjell Music Festival), and Mexico (Circus Mexicus) in 2016. His past teaching and performing experiences have really helped shaped the musician he is today.

Aside from working as private lessons/class instructor and performer, Henri can also be seen teaching for Mesa Community College as Adjunct Faculty in the Music and Business program, where he currently teaches MUC109 - Merchandising and the Law, and MUC210 - Concert and Touring Promotions, as well as working for several local preschools in support of his children's music business "Wee Rock Music.". A life-long learner, Henri is always finding new experiences and new ways to connect with his students, as learning comes just as much from the student as it does the teacher. You can always find him around "the music." 

*** Lesson Details ***
Students who study with me can expect for their guitar, drum kit, percussion, or piano lessons to be top-quality, personalized, and above all, extremely fun sessions that will cater to the students musical backgrounds, interests, and needs. I create extremely organized and specifically focused lessons so that students feel comfortable, not pressured, while learning their craft. The lessons I teach are a combination of developmental sight reading music, learning student chosen songs (depending on ability), inspiring and encouraging creative abilities, warm-up and strengthening exercises, proper techniques, listening for internal hearing, composition dynamics, chords, finger-picking (guitar only) and rudiments (drum kit only).

After 3 months of lessons together, students will have started learning several key elements to becoming an outstanding guitarist/drummer/percussionist/pianist. They will have learned proper form and technique, warm-up/skill-building exercises, to read basic notation, and basic rhythms/rudiments. Guitar/Piano students will be able to play at least one song utilizing both finger picking and chords. For drum kit/percussion, students should have no problem reading basic drum beats and being able to play through a simple song. With proper, steady practice, most students will achieve much more. I also focus on creative thinking, professionalism, and instrument tuning. Finally, the students will have started to develop a solid level of discipline that is required of any aspiring human being! Remember, "practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanent."

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ludwig Accent Drum Kit, Tama Rock Star Drum Kit, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Casio CTK-800, LP Assorted Percussions, Protools LE, Logic Pro, Korg Electribe, Reason 3.0, Ion Electronic Drum Set, Chord Charts.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide drum sticks, guitar, keyboards, percussion instruments, and all developmental material for students to retain and practice.

I expect my students to be providing the necessary musical equipment as well (guitars, drum kits, percussion instruments, piano/keyboard) for their private lessons. If they do not have these in the home to practice with, the lessons are much less effective for your student.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in the following styles of playing:

Rock, Hip - Hop, All Latin, Jazz, Funk, Blues, R and B, Gospel, and Dance. I also have a very good feel for World Music as well. I have a very free-spirit for playing, so I often mesh the above stated styles into a more progressive style of playing. I believe that you must be feeling what you are playing.

I also specialize in beat programming/sequencing, recording, organizing song-writing/song-structure, musical score, live performance, and professional music marketing. I am able to show you how to use programs such as Reason, Logic Pro, Protools LE, and Adobe programs to take your creative abilities to the next level.

I believe that these days, it is imperative for musicians to have four major components in their professional arsenal: 1) Discipline and chops on your instruments (including reading music notation); 2) Know how to successfully market yourself and your music; 3) Know how to properly develop a learning ear to record/produce your songs/tracks as well as for others; and 4) Understand and effectively utilize music production programs.

I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your musical desires. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a music-filled day.

nic Orchestra and Choir, as well as productions of "Cats", "Phantom of the Opera", Sesame Street, and touring all over Australia, U.S.A. and Israel. I have also been a part of the worship teams at Hillsong Church and C3 Church Australia.

I studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and also received my Licentiate Diploma from the Trinity College of London (L.T.C.L.) in French Horn (Teaching) and Licentiate Diploma from the Trinity College of London (L.T.C.L.) in Piano (Performance). So my experience not only comes from an inspiring teacher, but also from hundreds of performances on stages across the world working with the finest of musicians, singers, conductors and worship leaders.

I love music, and more so, love imparting it to others.

*** Lesson Details ***
Students come away from their lessons inspired and excited about their ability to accomplish their dreams. Whether it is to play 'Phantom of the Opera' or an Adele song, Debussy's Claire De Lune or Jingle Bells, I show them how to do it and help them get there. I am very thorough, taking no short cuts, but making it fun to learn an instrument. You will be amazed at what you are playing in three to six months!

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Jazz, Rock, Contemporary Christian

ute beginners to advanced players welcome.

I'm flexible with musical styles, and I love how eclectic my students' musical tastes are. Whether it's rock, pop, indie, folk, country, jazz, or blues, one thing is true—a great song transcends genre. That's why I love to teach music theory and the building blocks of a song, including melody, harmony, rhythm, chord progressions, and chord structure. These skills give students the ability to learn their favorite songs in minutes, as well as write their own music.

I know how tough it can be to find the right teacher, so go ahead—check out the subjects I teach! Also, be sure to skim through the reviews that my students have left me, as I'm quite proud of them. If you have any questions, send me a message by clicking the "Ask Derek a Question" button above.

Now let's get started!

Derek

Karen has had training in many instruments, she has had the most training in voice.

As an adult, Karen has sung extensively in church choirs, women's ensembles, and has been a featured vocal soloist at church services, Christian retreats, and women's ministry events. She was extensively involved in vocal music at Grace Community Christian Church, where she was the singer and guitarist leading and teaching songs to women Bible study groups, preschoolers at vacation Bible school, and Kids Praise Club for elementary aged children. For Kids Praise Club, she also taught the children the choreography for the performances. Presently, Karen is a Choir Director for the K-6 Choristers group at First Presbyterian Church (FPC) in Mesa, AZ., and also taught singing and choreography to the children at VBS at FPC. Karen also had a main roles as Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man in April of 2013, and Mrs. Bucket in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in April, 2014, The Jailer's Daughter in Wind in the Willows, and Mrs. Brill in Mary Poppins, Mrs. Darling and a Pirate in Peter Pan, performed by the First Players at FPC. Additionally. Karen is presently a substitute elementary school and music teacher at Grace Christian Academy, Bethany Christian School, and teaches General Music K-12 at Young Disciples Christian Academy part-time.

During Karen's college career, she was a voice major at Mesa Community College (MCC) and Grand Canyon University (GCU). At MCC, she performed in the Sun Valley Chorale (SVC) and Cadence women vocal jazz ensemble. SVC performed classical songs at the Mesa Arts Center, and Cadence performed jazz songs for MCC events. Karen was also involved in musical theater at MCC. Karen was an opera singer at Night at the Opera, and a Broadway singer at Broadway Bound, both at MCC. At GCU, Karen has been in the President Singers, Canyon Singers, Canyon Chorale, and Union Choirs. Canyon Singers were the honor students and ambassadors for GCU who traveled locally and out of state to recruit students for GCU. As a voice major, Karen has had 9 semesters (4 ½ years) of private voice instruction under the tuteladge of Dr. Cathy Hauan at MCC, and Dr. Sheila Corley at GCU. Karen has three degrees from GCU: A Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Minor in Music, a Master's of Education in Reading and Curriculum, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Music is Karens passion and she desires to teach it to all ages and stages of people. Music is the universal language and creates joy and healing in the soul.

Presently, Karen owns her own home music studio called Starshine School of Music in which she teaches piano, voice, and guitar. Karen also teaches Take Lessons music students (an online music student placement company) piano, voice, and guitar in her home. Karen is also an active Mary Kay Consultant.

*** Lesson Details ***
Karen's teaching style is very patient, nurturing, encouraging, and fun-loving. Karen is a teacher who sets loving but firm boundaries and guidelines. She implements structure and organization, but is not overly strict and harsh. She believes in encouraging, loving, and imparting knowledge with her students so that they will maximize their potentiality and their inner musical stars will shine.
Karen teaches piano, voice, guitar, and music theory for beginning through intermediate (for voice she teaches beginning through advanced). The curriculum that Karen uses is varied according to the student's personality and learning level. She uses her vast knowledge and information from her education and past experiences, and also Alfred Essentials of Music Theory, Alfred's Instructional books, Hal Leonard Pro-vocal Series, Faber Piano Adventures for all levels, and other resources. She also uses an assignment lesson plan book so that each student will know her clear objectives, what is expected of them and so that communication is established with the student's parents if the student is under 18. Additionally, Karen uses incentives, a point system, and rewards for self-discipline, consistent practicing, musical accomplishment and growth, and a good attitude.
Karen's students learn and perform remarkably well because of her very loving, organized, and comprehensive teaching style. They progress in amazing ways on a weekly and monthly basis. They look forward to coming to their lessons because they are treated with such respect and care. They know that Karen has such a passion and love for music, which is so contagious and is passed on to them. Therefore, these music lessons are enjoyable and enriching for the teacher and student alike.

*** I have a current Fingerprint Clearance Card

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitar, Kimball piano, CD and cassette players, extensive music literature, Demo and Karaoke CD's.

*** Specialties ***
I have been classically trained as a voice major at college level. However, I have had so much musical experience (singing, and playing guitar and piano) in varied genres including rock and roll, Broadway and theatrical music, country western, Christian contemporary, folk songs, and children's music. I am very familiar with all kinds of music.

excited to announce I am available for on-line lessons, and will now be able to work with students from all over the world, regardless of distance or location!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am laid back, but at the same time very goal directed. I like to do technique and/or vocabulary, note reading, and songs every lesson. After six months students are able to to 'jam', (improvise over chord changes such as the blues). They are well on their way to becoming literate, probably a third way through the first book. They probably can play a half dozen songs well, and are starting to strum (comp) chord progressions in a musically rhythmic way. They may even have played in a couple concerts by then.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Office studio w/ guitar, bass, amps, and seating for parents, computer with skype capability.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I bring my guitar and writing tools, extra picks, extra paper etc. Students provide their own instrument, method book, staff paper, notebook paper. Hopefully they have a music stand and their own guitar picks and other items relevant for the study of their instrument.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, jazz, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, theory/composition, improvisation

in operas, musicals, choirs, praise and worship. I also write and compose music and I also teach piano and guitar. My teaching style is very relaxing, but also to the point. I will not waist your time or money on useless information or exercises that will not help you to become a better musician. As a music student you will make many mistakes, but that is not a bad thing. Everything takes time to learn and learning music is no different.

I have never had to make myself stay patient with any student. Patience is what it takes to become the best musician you can be. I will always give 100% of my ability to help you achieve your goals.