Sun City West, AZ Guitar Lessons

Guitar is my number one specialty—particularly classic rock, alternative rock, and popular styles, with a strength in bluesy solo technique. I have a modern teaching style, and I am very up to date with current music trends. I tend to focus on practical and transferable music skills—you know, the things that allow you to play with other musicians, learn new instruments, and be truly creative on the guitar! I am very adept in subjects related to real world music knowledge and application, such as songwriting, music theory, music recording, and music performance. Whether you're a hobbyist wanting to strum your way through folk classics, or a future musician looking to write songs and start a band, I have a way to make you love playing the guitar!

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 ...

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

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.

Whether you've just started out or you want to take that next step to becoming a better guitarist, I'm here to help!

Learn finger style/classical technique to play contemporary, classical, country, Spanish, standards, and many more beautiful guitar pieces.

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 ...

My lessons are catered to the individual student. Typically half of the session is spent on technique/fretboard harmony and the other half is spent on learning music/songs. I have found it is best for younger students (12 and under) to learn from a book - for added structure).

Hello, my name is William. Thank you for taking the time to read about what I have to offer you. Are you interested in learning to play the music you love, using techniques that are actually healthy for your hands?

My instruction involves healthy, ergonomically sound, efficient, time-tested playing techniques combined with customized lesson plans, including original instructional materials, established texts, theoretical education, and material chosen by the student.

I offer training for acoustic as well as electric (steel and/or nylon string) instruments and provide instruction in popular music styles as well as formal classical.

Quality practice coaching will make a profound difference in your ability to learn and play music effectively, but it takes time. That's why I offer full hour lessons at a reasonable price ($49). Practice well and you will play well.

About me: I earned my Degree in Music Education from Shenandoah Conservatory where I studied Classical ...

I have a hybrid course that involves music theory, and actual techniques for guitar players. The three most important areas to start in are the EM Ionian, the c-a-g-e-d system, and the minor pentatonic. Beginning with these fundamentals will help YOU, the growing guitarist to understand why what your playing works. I also attended Roberto Venn School of Luthiery, so I do guitar/bass repair work as well, in case the instrument you are using needs work. I will include any small repairs as part of the lesson.