Canton, CT Ukulele Lessons

ich I walked away saying "Man, I never KNEW that!" and it's my goal for you have that experience, too. Whether its how to play that chord or write a melody, how to get the best sound out of those stomp boxes, or when genres like shoegazer and post-rock were invented and what they sound like... there's something to be learned in every lesson.

The most important benefit of taking lessons from me is my experience. I started teaching casually as a teenager and have followed every opportunity since. My passion for music has allowed me to teach private lessons (10+ years), middle school guitar class (including a guitar ensemble), and college-level music theory classes. Extensive experience in writing, recording, and performing has only helped that passion to grow. I've developed a method to blend theory with practice every step of the way, and make the journey fun!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music stand, Guitar picks, Amplifier, 1/4" cable, Footstool, and paper hand-outs provided for Students.

Lounge area, Kitchen area, Restrooms,and Parking provided for Parents

*** Specialties ***
guitar, acoustic guitar, music, songwriting, classical guitar, electric guitar, music theory

to get you READY to play music, but perhaps was not music in and of itself.

I find that when I get right down to the nitty gritty of playing, and show my students a song they love and know, and get them playing guitar by the end of the session that they are usually thrilled and excited.

In the end it makes them work harder and practice long because THEY ARE PLAYING MUSIC ON THE GUITAR!!!

Certainly exercises are of paramount importance, but when you can make that connection with a student and help them to relate to the guitar the exercises are ultimately easier to them, and the experience of playing guitar an enjoyable and less alienating task.

Grab your guitar and start today!! Let's get you playing TODAY!!!!

TESTIMONIALS:

“I've been working with David for a couple of months, and it has been a great experience. I'm new to bass, with a little guitar experience--he quickly sized up what I knew and had me working on exercises and a great bass line that got me playing right away. He has been very flexible and accommodating of my schedule needs, and he gives plenty of positive and constructive feedback. I've been working in education for nearly 30 years, and I know a great teacher when I see one. David fits the bill, and I'm lucky to be working with him.”

Rudy Ford, Principal
Charles Wright Middle School

“My son had been taking lessons for seven years and was losing interest. David's passion for music, knowledge of music theory, ability to read the student and know the best way to approach the lessons is exactly what my son needed. Along with his background in a wide variety of genres….classical, rock, jazz, etc. has made learning more exciting, resulting in a renewed interest.”

Tammy Sartain, University Place

“David is an outstanding instructor! My son is 5 years old and loves him. My son is occasionally a difficult child with his own special quirks, but David is so patient and observant and tailors the lessons as we go along week to week to keep my son engaged, encouraged and learning. I also have two younger children who must tag along to the lesson and even they are excited during the lessons and are already asking when they start their lessons! We will be starting at least one more child's lessons with him during this coming school year! He is great!”

Cherise Hartman, Parkland

“Loving the relaxed atmosphere with David. Bargain prices for the one on one experience with such an awesome, educated and talented musician.”

Raven Rose, Tacoma

“David is an amazing talent and provides me with much needed inspiration. In little over a year, I have learned a tremendous amount about nearly all styles of guitar, classical and lead guitar in particular. It's very helpful to have an awesome instructor who is extremely knowledgeable and very patient. His lesson plans are geared towards what I want to learn and the lessons that we work on cover all the techniques that are necessary to take my skills to the next level. He makes every lesson fun and he works with me until I am comfortable to move on.”

Larry Larrivee, Gig Harbor

“David tailors each lesson dynamically to my own progression which has been great. Gauges progression and gives you things to work on before the next lesson. Highly recommend him!”

Kory Jamison, Tacoma

"David has been our son's guitar instructor for the better part of a year. During that time we've appreciated his patient encouragement, especially during the early weeks of instruction. His ability to individually tailor his teaching to his students , incorporating their musical interests has helped our son progress quickly and helped keep him motivated. he really is a wonderful teacher."

Amy Lawty, Tacoma

"Where do I begin? I started with a guitar and a couple of chords...(A lot of desire but basically an empty canvas)." 'This was my life for a number of years until I met David.

Now I must first admit, I am ADD so teaching me and captivating my attention is no easy task...David not only broke through that barrier but opened the door to world of music I had aways felt and now suddenly I could touch.

If you posses the desire to learn and the drive to work...the sky is the limit."

Wes Hough
City of Destiny
Tacoma, WA

"I am very happy with my decision to take lessons with David. In just 2 months I've gone from strumming some chords to understanding picking patterns, learning how to put together an entire song, and expanding my techniques. I am very surprised at how much technical skill I have been able to pick up in such a short period of time"

Marianne Burch, Tacoma

"I'm 46 years old and my only known talent is for overcomplicating things. I've always admired a good guitar player and wanted to learn to play myself--who doesn't?--but felt I didn't have the talent or just "couldn't do it." Then I found David and he said, 'Oh yes you can. Commit to 4 lessons up front and you'll see that you can.' I took the leap and sure enough, he had me playing blues riffs in less than one month. All I had to do was listen and do as he instructed me to and it all comes very naturally. There's no stress, just a whole lot of fun! If you're like me and you thought you couldn't play guitar, start with David and just have some fun with it. It's simple. You won't want to put the guitar down again!"

Dan DuBeau, Tacoma

I had been playing guitar for about 5 years and had only been self taught. I found myself completely stuck playing the same chords and not able to play riffs or solos at all. In my first lesson I was playing the blues with slides and hammer ons and pull offs. In a couple of lessons he had me soloing in different keys and playing riffs from guitar gods! He was able to teach me in a couple lessons what took me years trying to teach myself! He makes lessons so much fun because not only are you learning the music theory but he relates it to popular songs that you can practice along with. He also has so much knowledge in other aspects as well. He can teach you about music gear and amps or help you compose your own music. He caters to your style and taste in music and can teach you ANYTHING!

Ashley Allen

I love guitar period, but it's overtly frustrating when you have no idea where to start, or how to play at all. I went through multiple guitar instructors trying to learn how to play and each of them weren't very specific, or didn't hone in on any one thing at a time so you could really start to get it down and process it. Then we happened to find David, and he was really what we were looking for. I started picking up chords like no other, It helped, and is helping tremendously. He goes into depth about the song,letting you comprehend it a little more, and ultimately learning it quicker and better.

Skye Reed, Tacoma WA

I have had 4 different Blues guitar Teacher in the last 6 months, getting nowhere as far as really playing some Blues until I ran across David. The other teachers just wanted me to learn the pentatonic scales, Major and Minor. That took a lot of boring weeks and I am sure I will need to know those scales but I just wanted someone to show / teach me Blues chords, related to Blues songs and the timing to the chord changes so I could start playing some kind of Blues. I have had 6 one hour lessons so far with David and I am playing the Blues. The first 4 hours Dave showed me a E, A, B7 blues chord progression with some step up and step down notes. The 2nd 2 hours Dave showed me a A, D9, A7,E9 Blues chords and Blues timing with slides.

I take one hour Lessons every Thursday and in 6 hours I am playing the Blues. I picked up the guitar about 6 months ago, started teaching myself and not really getting anywhere. I am not a fast learner, about average in learning something new. Now I set a home Learning my guitar and polishing the Blues songs that David has taught me, starting to get FUN.

Les Fairley Tacoma, Wa.

Working with David has made me focus on areas of my chops that needed fine tuning. He provides the basic exercises and tools that, when practiced enough in a zen-like manner, clarifies your understanding of movement on the fret board, and makes you sound a bit more professional. Questions regarding speed, theory, notation, composition, and even string size, are ready for answer with David, which is what keeps me working with him. From begining, to intermediate, to professional levels, if you're looking to improve your chops, Dave's your guy.

Frank Lorenzo, Seattle WA

I had tried many different instructors and had become very frustrated with trying to learn guitar. Within one lesson David had me playing ACDC and RUSH! David just has a way of explaining things so that they make sense and doesn't waste any time getting right down to the nuts and bolts of guitar. A lot of other instructors spend alot of time getting you 'ready' to play guitar, but with David we got down to playing guitar right away!

Stevie Johannsen, Olympia WA

“I started receiving lessons from David a few years ago, to improve my guitar abilities. I always used to tell people, "I've been playing guitar since the Eighties, though you would never know it." At the time I started, I knew some Metal riffs, three-chord Punk Rock progressions, and simple 12-bar blues. Though I took two guitar classes and first-year Music Theory in college in the early Nineties, the only scale I could say I knew was "blues pentatonic," emphasis on the quotation marks.

My goal was to relearn Modes/Scales, and brush up on theory, so that I could write more complex material. David taught me that, and so much more. Over these few years, I've learned Progressive Rock, Fusion/Jazz, and even some Country styles, as well as a great deal more about Metal and, yes, even Punk from David. I can play leads and solos with much more proficiency, in timing with the rhythm, and more tonally correct, than I ever could before. He has also helped me read music better, construct more professional-sounding compositions, and has started me on my own path to produce my own recordings, from recommending and using recording software, to capturing dynamics with mic placement, to mixing the rough takes to get the most out of the sound.

For a musician of any level or caliber, having an instructor like David is a true asset--for he has the knowledge and skills to take an entry-level musician every step of the way to becoming a professional performer, recorder, mixer, engineer, and producer. The only limit to the lesson's potential is your own level of determination, which David quite expertly helps you to improve with every session. Even if your goal is to simply learn to play one song on one instrument--and David teaches MANY instruments--he will have you playing that song like the musician who wrote it before you realize it--as long as you stick with your practice between lessons. That part's up to you!”

Marc Q Digby, Apple Valley CA

*** Studio Equipment ***
Mac
Logic
Presonus
invariable guitars, amps, keyboards, and other stuff.
Tama drumset, Full Mic's.
University trained mind and honed skills. Who cares about the software.

*** Specialties ***
Generally come from conservatory/ classical background so utilize classical methods of teaching with a contemporary application to suit modern day application

ting as hosted a recording clinic at the end of each day.

Jason has host student showcases/charity benefits where his students were able to get on stage and show off their new talent and perform with other musicians. It wasn't mandatory though, if you were just looking to come out and support there was no pressure other than to come out and have fun.

Jason has been transcribing for guitar and bass since the age of 18 and since then has become a master of the craft including both 5 line staff and tablature, hand-crafted exercises and deconstructions to better enhance the students learning. Artists and genres that Jason has experience with range from Classic Rock, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Guns N' Roses, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Robert Johnson, Pierce the Veil, Paramore, All Time Low, Demi Lava to, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Pantera, Avenged Sevenfold, The White Stripes, Green Day, Old Crow Medicine Show, Taylor Swift, Mumford and Sons, Bruno Mars, Rob Zombie, John 5, Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine, Van Morrison, the Beatles, AC/DC, ZZ-Top, Bullet For My Valentine, All That Remains, Ozzy, Black Label Society, Sublime, Aerosmith, At the Drive In, Type O Negative, the Black Keys, the Pixies, the Toadies, Black Sabbath, Jason Mraz, Lady GaGa, John Mayer and Journey.

Jason attended the University of Alaska, Anchorage where his degree is in Music and Business. He is constantly continuing his education with music theory courses as well as private guitar instruction. He attends guitar workshops and seminars by artists such as John5 and Kerry King who are known as some of the worlds finest guitar players. He reviews every day from a wide range of over 1000 sources working to become a better musician and instructor.

Another nice feature that you might enjoy from one on one sessions with Jason is learning the ability to craft and record your own songs using state of the art technology that caters to your own unique personality. There are no limits!

Jason teaches all experience levels from beginner to intermediate and advanced as well as artists that are signed to labels.

Local news outlet Fox 5 did a segment with one of his students who overcame issues with ADD and depression as a result of taking guitar lessons.

His students advance quickly, some have released albums, been in Guitar World Magazine as well as its online companion and won awards for their music websites.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are scheduled to best fit to the student'€™s schedule when possible.
Students receive complimentary audio lessons and transcriptions of songs upon their first or second session. Jason is a very patient instructor and understands that students learn at a different pace, after all everyone is an individual.

*** Studio Equipment ***
ESP KH2 "skully" Kirk Hammett signature model Electric
Epiphone Zakk Wylde signature model Electric
Schecter SLS Blackjack Special Edition Avenger with ©Sustainiac
Schecter Blackjack ATX 7-string
Jackson Randy Rhodes V
Fender '51 Pawn Shop Series
Epiphone Banjo
Mahalo Ukulele
Savannah Ukulele
M. Acoustic
G&L S-500 custom Electric
ESP LTD AX-50 "banjo" Electric
ESP LTD AX-50 "guitar"
Fender Squire John 5 signature model
Epiphone 12-string
Nylon Classical
Yamaha Acoustic (left and right handed)
Voyage-Air Guitar Acoustic
Fender Squire Bass
Dean Vendetta Electric
Dean Dime Razorback
B.C. Rich Warlock
Yamaha Keyboard
ProTools LE
Guitar Pro 6
Tascam CD-GT2
KRK Rokits speakers
Line 6 AXSYS212 Amp
Scott Ian Randall Amp
Cry Baby Wah
Digitech Whammy/Bad Monkey/Death Metal/Grunge pedals
Ibanez Chorus/Flanger Delay/Echo
Line 6 Backtrack
Drum sticks and practice pad
Multi-angle cameras for online students

*** Travel Equipment ***
Voyage-Air Guitar (Acoustic)
Laptop with ProTools/Backtrack or Guitar Pro 6
Scott Ian Randall Amp
Various guitars depending on project or mood.

*** Specialties ***
piano, guitar, music theory, music, bass guitar, banjo, songwriting, electric guitar, acoustic guitar,

de myself on being very open minded in terms of musical taste. Never apologize for liking what you like! I bet there is something in that music which is great. I can't wait to learn something from the music you introduce to me.

I be glad to provide a full resume to anyone who requests it.

*** Lesson Details ***

My most important goal for each student is that they get to where they want to be musically.

I want the student to be able to play the way he or she wants to play. If you want to learn to play one song, that is great! If you want to learn to play one classical etude that is just as great! If you want to learn how to play in a salsa band, bravo! I treat the desires of my students as my curriculum. Each student will receive special prep time from me each week. I pride myself in taking the time and energy to prepare for each meeting. Every time you complete a lesson, it is my hope that you are walking away as a better musician.

In the beginning I hope to find what will musically interests you the most. Usually, you might have a goal that requires you to play on a higher level than you do presently. If that is true, we might take some time to figure out a road map to get you to that place. Along the way, I'm sure you and I will learn many new concepts and techniques that aid you in becoming the bassist/musician you want to be.

And rest assured, the teacher always learns from the student...this is the best part of teaching: learning from the student.

*** Studio Equipment ***

Studio: 3 electric basses, plenty of amps and chords, one acoustic bass, piano, ukulele, guitar, computer playback and recording.

*** Travel Equipment ***
As requested

*** Specialties ***
I have been lucky to play tons of different types of music. I believe I can give musicians and aspiring musicians a deep understanding of what is most important in many different styles of music. Music I have been lucky enough to study and play professionally: Jazz, Rock, Funk, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Blues, Classical, Pop.
I'm also a very good transcriber, so if there is a song you heard on the radio we can definitely play it! Ear training could be an area in which I could be of service to you as well.
I have many arranging and composing credits and I would be glad to help students in this area whenever requested.

d the News
Maceo Parker
They Might Be Giants
Lyle Lovett
Ratdog (Bob Weir)
Chaka Khan
Los Lobos
Ben Harper

Jazz & Acid Jazz:

George Benson
Charlie Hunter
Michael Brecker
Roy Haynes Trio
Count Basie Orchestra
Bela Fleck & the Flecktones
Wayne Shorter
Yellowjackets

Blues:

B.B. King
Jonny Lang
Buddy Guy
Koko Taylor
Lonnie Mack
Etta James
…and many more

In the studio, Tom has recorded on countless TV & Radio commercials including:

McDonald's
Coca-Cola
Disney
Budweiser
Sears
Buick
Gatorade
State Farm
Ford Motor Co.
Miller Brewing Co.
…and many many more.

Tom has also played on many CDs receiving local and international acclaim. In 2001 Tom garnered a GRAMMY NOMINATION for his work with the Chicago based band Liquid Soul.

He has written and performed on music for TV and has even recorded on a few tracks that have hit the Billboard charts.

to suggest songs that they care about. Good technique(s) can be applied to any repertoire!