I began learning the language of music since the 3rd grade. I have used that knowledge and consistent practice to excel at 3 different instruments saxophone , piano and guitar . I love to sing , play old and current songs as well as write my own music on the guitar. I want to teach you all of the skills needed to play guitar effectively. I will teach you timing , how to form chord shapes , strum patterns , reading tab or notes on the staff , rhythm as well as solo guitar. Playing the guitar should be fun so I will show you fun easy riffs to play as we move forward to more challenging material along the way. When you sign up for lessons with me you will have a fun and rewarding experience so you can reach your musical goals.

We're gonna HAVE FUN! Your lessons will be customized to your needs and what you want to do with your ability to play guitar. I can teach you either electric or acoustic guitar. I can prepare you for any genre as I include fundamentals (for example, scales and arpeggios) in your practice. I use Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method books for reference and/or lesson work. I can help you learn how to play with a pick, how to finger-pick, how to sing and play simultaneously, and even how to sightread.

Guitar students start with five subjects. 1) Technique is concerned with the development of the physical mechanics involved in playing the instrument. 2) Scales are a part of basic music vocabulary and building blocks of the musical language. 3) Chords are also basic vocabulary of the musical language. 4) Note reading is not required for every student. It really depends on the students' goals. However, I strongly encourage everyone learn to read musical notation, (more than tablature). Literacy in reading music is analogous to literacy in reading in our English language. Can you imagine how much smaller our world would be if we couldn't read? 5) Songs utilize the skills and concepts of all the previously mentioned subjects and are the goal of studying music. The student chooses what songs they want to play, guided by my suggestions; Jazz, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, R &B - "How deep is the ocean, how high is the sky?" A beginning student will practice all these subjects as part of the daily practice routine. A half hour practice session will cover all subjects. Students that concentrate for thirty minutes a day four days a week make adequate progress. However, please know that very accomplished players devote a lot of time to each subject. These five subjects are developed and expanded as the student progresses. There are an infinite number of areas to explore, depending on the students interests, and can lead to a lifetime of learning and artistic expression.

Build a foundation of techniques to be able to play riffs, scales, chords and songs as quickly as possible. Build strength and dexterity through different patterns and have an overall understanding of how the instrument works and how to be creative with it.

I have 20 plus years in several styles of guitar including Rock, Metal, Blues, Worship styles. I also teach songwriting on guitar. If you desire to learn to play the guitar and grow very quickly then I am the perfect teacher for this. You can learn Popular Songs, original Songwriting and much more. I am a Heavy Metal Riff Master! Favorite bands include Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, All That Remains, August Burns Red and much more.

I am a string specialist. That means I teach and play violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, ukulele and piano. I earned B.A. earned from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley Colorado where I was a double major in classical guitar and double bass. In my senior year I was the recipient of the Annual Concerto Contest where I performed the "Concerto in A Major" on double bass with the University orchestra for the spring concert. I have played in both professional and semi-professional orchestras in Colorado and Arizona. I believe that any student will practice more if he or she likes the music they are playing. Periodically I will ask a student to give me a name of a piece of music that they would like to learn how to play. I notate it for them, often simplifying the rhythm and chords in Finale NotePad and give it to them free of charge. I teach students how to play music on their given instrument. Not just how to play the instrument but working on technique, finger dexterity, expert note reading ability and total musicianship. I stress vocabulary and music history and theory as part of being a well-trained musician.

Through my work with the M Gray Music Academy (Macy Gray) and my tenure at the Hollywood School of Rock as teacher and musical director, I have developed successful programs for students ranging in age from 5 years old and beyond. I have mentored numerous young musical groups in beneficial rehearsal techniques, live performance and basically all the things you need to know about being in a band that wants to be great! As we explore the exciting world of music, guitars, drums and percussion, we will cover all aspects of music theory, music history and ear training through video, audio and text examples. For beginner guitar 101 students, we will start with basic chord shapes, scales and common rock and blues forms. I also like to incorporate songs that students want to learn so it's not just a bunch of boring exercises. Course topics for guitar 101 (beginner to intermediate) include: Scales, modes, chord shapes and positions, rock and blues forms, arpeggios and learning you favorite songs!

I teach the basics of learning acoustic guitar technique including: Selecting an appropriate guitar for the student, correct holding of the guitar, finger and hand placement, guitar notes and scales, guitar tablature, reading and playing guitar chords, strumming and picking, playing guitar songs from most genres and music theory. I also teach electric bass guitar and ukulele, beginner through intermediate. I teach guitar in most genres of music (except hip-hop and rap). I have been playing acoustic guitar since I was 10 years old, and have a great deal of experience in playing most genres and techniques, I am used to accompanying groups of people in different settings on the guitar. I learned to play ukulele as one of my first instruments. I learned to play electric bass guitar in stage band and in a rock group in high school. I love the guitar and it is one of my favorite instruments because of its versatility.