Iowa, LA Classical Guitar Lessons

s of music as opposed to just "picking and grinning", IE learning only "By Ear." I do specialize in music theory, and have many students taking lessons simply for this excellent foundation for songwriting also.

I am a classically trained guitarist that performs both as a soloist and for ensemble in a wide variety of styles. I graduated in 1996 from Schoolcraft College with an Associates degree in Music performance, and then, studying under the tutelage of Brian Roberts went on to receive my Bachelor's degree in Guitar Performance with a secondary in Jazz from Wayne State University in 2004. While at Wayne State and along the way I've performed and participated in several masterclasses with renowned artists: William Kanengiser, John Holmquest, Philip Candelaria, Jason Vieaux, Scott Tennant, and Antigoni Goni. I have also completed the teacher requirements for books 1-a and 1-b for the Suzuki Guitar Institute.

Many of my classical guitar and electric guitar students have went on to study further at the collegiate level, some achieving scholarships. My most recent students are current Berklee school of music graduates now in a band called "Flight of Fire", recently opened for Bonjovi this past summer and are getting air time on local radio stations... well on their way to living the dream! …the bulk of my students become full time professional musicians.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am an extremely patient person who has been teaching for over 20 years. I am laid back so there will be no pressure. With my electric and steel string guitar students, I host a special "Jam Session" 2 - 3 times a year to which will be one of your goals to participate in. This includes playing with a drummer, bassist, singer and another guitar player (usually me) and having it recorded. This should serve as your motivation to practice. This really eliminates the need for me to pull out a "yardstick" and "smack" your hands over the knuckles when not practicing your scales as many old traditional teachers may have done!

At your first lesson I will talk with you and give you examples of music that is played with a Flat-Pick, or music that uses the Finger-Style technique. This will be an important process as it will dictate which direction you will go in as a musician and especially during our lessons.

For the most part, playing with a Flat-Pick is generally used with the electric guitar and with most mainstream styles of music like "Rock and Roll", "Blues", "Rock-a-Billy" "Funk", and playing with the Finger-Style technique is used in styles like "Classical" and "Folk." After a while, I will introduce you to the other style of playing as well, as most great guitar players use both techniques in their playing...musicians (guitarists) such as: “Jimmy Page“, “Brian Setzer”, “Stevie Ray Vaughan”, “Joe Satriani”, “Lindsey Buckingham”, “Paul McCartney”, “John Mayer”, and many, many more.

To make learning the guitar Fun, I make sure to incorporate your main interest(s) first. Whether it be learning your new favorite song(s), learning how to write a song, or just learning some basics that you can use for when sitting around the campfire. This will be intertwined with which style you choose to start with: Flat-Pick or Finger-Style.

Pending on the level that you are starting at, (beginner, intermediate, advanced) I will include tidbits of music theory that will be used in a consistent manner. These will usually be progressive, pending on your level. For example, the songs you learn will be written out in an easy to understand chart that will have the fundamental aspects of theory (IE, chords, key, and rhythm pattern) that all musicians should understand.

With Children learning with a Flat-Pick, I encourage the use of a basic guitar instruction book.
Level One (beginners) :

"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book One" by Will Schmid.

I will also use as a substitute for Level One:
"Alfred's Basic Guitar Method" by Alfred's Publishing Co.

More advanced players who can read music already (and graduates from book one) I prefer;
"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book Two"

With Adults, I will ask if learning to read music interests you. It is a vital part of a practicing musician, but sometimes your needs may require a more one dimensional approach as time may be of essence. Again, I learned by ear and educated myself later...so I understand the person who wants to hold off on reading right away.

Students who want to learn the Classical (Finger-Style) approach will be encouraged to purchase a beginners book that I use written by one of my first instructors/mentor. It is a very intuitive book that covers the technique in great detail yet is very easy to understand (along with my help.) I will provide means of acquiring this book at your first lesson.

Students who want to learn the Folk (Finger-Style) approach will usually start in the above book, unless your an adult who just wants to learn some basics.

At your first lesson I will also provide you with documentation that goes more in depth about the various styles of guitar as the above info is scaled down.

*** Studio Equipment ***
-Amps

-Guitars (Electric, Acoustic, Classical, Bass)

- PA (loud speakers so you can Turn it Up! When playing along)

-Band in a Box (to play along with real prerecorded instruments seamlessly interleaved into a band type setting with almost unlimited genre choices...very impressive technology)

- Pro Tools (recording gear for all needs)

- Guitar Pro and Finale (to transpose music into sheet music)

-Skype (for out of town interactivity. Can do lessons via Skype)

-Basement with plenty of seating for parents, and or observers.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, and Acoustic Guitar; Improvisation, Songwriting, Backup Vocals, Fretboard Harmony, Music Theory, Performance, and Recording.

ous chamber ensembles in Milano and Genoa. Currently, Travis is performing with the Sage Ensemble as one of its founding members, performing as a soloist, and building his private guitar studio of over 40 students while being on the music faculty at Avanti Music Academy and Allegretto Music Lessons LLC.

*** Lesson Details ***
Learning a musical instrument should be a fun and rewarding experience that enriches your life!

With over 7 years of teaching guitar and over 13 years performing, I know that efficient practice habits and solid technique can unlock your inner potential.

As a student of mine, you can expect a fun and challenging learning environment where bad habits will never be an issue. I primarily teach classical guitar, although all styles are welcome!

My curriculum covers the basics of right and left hand technique, sight reading, ensemble playing, music theory, and performance practice.

It is my personal guarantee, with your dedication and hard work, within 3-6 months, you will have a competent grasp of basic guitar technique, note reading and musicality.

I look forward to working with you!

Sincerely,
Travis C.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I teach primarily at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Lamont school of Music, in their studio spaces and private practice rooms.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide classical guitar footstools, music stands, as well as music theory text books to get started. I require the student to provide their own guitar. I am also available to consult on the purchasing of a guitar.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical Guitar and teach many methods depending on the students needs. I can teach the Suzuki method and the Parkening method but primarily teach out of "Bridges" The Royal Conservatory of Music graded repertoire series.

ian. She wants you to be able to pursue any avenue of Music that appeals to you, professionally or personally.

erformed in the Master Classes of Juan Mercadel, Ricardo Cobo, David Tanenbaum, Stephen Robinson, Jorge Caballero, Douglas James, Lorenzo Micheli, Adam Holzman, Oscar Ghiglia, and Jeremy Jouve.

Matt has taught at the college level since January 2000. He taught guitar, bowed string instruments, music theory, and advanced cello full-time at Pensacola Christian College until 2006. He has also taught at Pensacola Junior College, Grand Rapids Community College, and Cornerstone University. Matt moved to the Kalamazoo area in July of 2011 and is currently teaching at Kalamazoo College, Crescendo Academy of Music, and out of his home office.

n my experience life and enriched my life and those around me.

I believe in the cultivation of a living musicality.

My approach emphasises the importance of process, exploration and discovery, as well as the study and analysis of traditional concepts. I propose, active listening to be the simplest form of composition. And as musicians an active ear is central, not only in practice, but generally, for creative evolution and innovation.

I've found the most effective methods effectively balance theory and practice.

I believe the biggest inhibitor to growth, musical or otherwise, is a lack of confidence. A lack that comes from too much pressure to produce idealized results-- fear of mistakes...

I embrace the developmental process,
I work with every student to make each lesson plan efficient, meaningful and inspiring.

ching is the connection, support and influence I make with/on my students. There is nothing more satisfying to me, and to the student, than for them to accomplish their goals. Especially those who never thought it would be possible when they first decided to pick up or begin learning the guitar.