Canton, MI Blues Guitar Lessons

sons as well as classes, clinics, College Prep courses and is a member of The American Guild of Music. He is a versatile teacher and motivated performer and is fluent in most every style of music.

"I can teach you everything you need to know to accomplish your musical goals!!! Music should be fun and my approach is to ensure a rewarding experience for every individual student"

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons can be scheduled for once a week or every 2 weeks, 30 min - 45 min and 1 hr available.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home Studio: a dedicated music room with a baby grand piano, electric guitars; acoustic guitars, bass, drums... full digital recording studio and rehearsal space!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide all teaching materials and personal equipment, the student needs to have their own instrument... guitar rental is available!

*** Specialties ***
I am open to any and all methods, genres and styles...

I have more availability than is shown here and try to be flexible with scheduling...

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.

situation that can make learning at your lesson more fun.

Genres include Acoustic, Blues, Country, R&B, Funk, Latin, Jazz, Rock, Pop and more.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My Line 6 Spider Jam will take any wave file and speed up or slow down the tempo and lower or higher the key to your preference.
Great transposing tool

Tuner Korg

Electric Ibanez Guitar s470dxqm
Acoustic Taylor 110CE
Classical Cordoba model 20

Amp Mesa Boogie Nomad 100 watt combo all tube
Amp Line 6 Spider Jam

Effects Roland GR-55

Microphone Audio Technica AT 2035
Microphone Peavey I-101

Operating System WIndows 7 64 bit edition
Recording Software Presonus Audiobox USB with Studio1

Mixer Alto ZMX 862 Zephyr Series

Logitech C620 HD Webcam

Camcorder Sony HDCRX430V

*** Specialties ***
I have studied under virtuoso Rex Carroll from Atlantic Records signed band Fierce Heart & another famous band he was in was Whitecross, Shawn Gette who is in the band Forbidden Symphony, who in his words once took over a gig for Steve Vai and the American Guitar Academy.

r 2015, I was granted a merit scholarship to Le Domaine Forget International Music Festival, where I studied with Bruce Holzman. I was a finalist and top prize winner in the 2015 ASU guitar competition. During my last year of study at Peabody, I also studied privately with Matt Palmer, who authored "The Virtuoso Guitarist: A New Approach to Fast Scales."

In 2016, I was granted a scholarship to study at the Aspen Music Festival under Sharon Isbin. I am now pursuing my masters degree under full scholarship at the Florida State University College of Music, where I am also a graduate teaching assistant to Bruce Holzman. During the summer of 2017, I was a finalist at the Southern Guitar Festival and Competition. I was also selected to perform at the 2018 TedXFSU convention. In the summer of 2018, I will be studying with Adam Holzman at the Brevard summer music festival under scholarship.

I play and teach classical, jazz, rock, acoustic, and have extensive knowledge of theory, ear training, and guitar technique/pedagogy/fretboard harmony. I have had students who have been accepted to top guitar programs at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Here is an article of mine!

http://takelessons.com/blog/learning-classical-guitar-right-hand-technique

e the most of each student's own unique abilities, limitations, preferences, and interests. Whether students prefer, or do better with, traditional materials, playing/singing along with their favorite recordings, improvisation, or anything in between, I am more than happy to accommodate and bring out each student’s best!

I teach real music -- students begin playing music they love almost from day-one. For example, many of my piano and guitar students pride themselves on learning to play every song on the Beatles One album ... playing right along with the CD! Reading, playing by ear, improvisation (jamming), singing while you play ... there are so many ways to play and avenues to explore in music.

**** MY STUDIO ****

My studio is spacious (very spacious – no cubicles here!), well-appointed, and very quiet. Unlike music stores and multi-lesson facilities, there are no other lessons on the premises, no drummers going crazy on the other side of the wall. This means students can concentrate better and learn faster. There is also plenty of room for parents and siblings who may wish to sit in on lessons.

**** STYLES / GENRES ****

I believe that students make the most progress learning music they love and I am very happy to teach every student the style of music he or she loves most.

My most requested genres are: pop, rock, country, blues, classic rock, jazz, and classical. Some students arrive knowing exactly what they want, but most are happy to explore various styles that interest them in search of the perfect fit. It is not at all uncommon for a student to spend part of their lesson polishing up a Beethoven piece or jazz standard, then finish up playing the chords to “Hotel California” along with the CD. Another student might start off their lesson learning a Taylor Swift hit, then move over to doing some blues improvisation. Variety is a wonderful thing and it is highly encouraged!

**** MY STUDENTS ****

Over the years, I have taught students from four years old to eighty-somethings. I’ve taught absolute beginners (most of my students start from square-one), hobbyists, seasoned professionals, even a Grammy nominee and a Grammy winner! Many of my young students have gone on to perform in school bands / jazz bands and/or professionally. In all cases, they acquire a skill that will last for a lifetime and provide joy, enrichment, and satisfaction.

Do you have a song or two in your heart. Contact me today and I will help you reach your musical goals and have a good time doing it!

ie Ray Vaghan, Nirvana, Green Day, Johnny Cash, The Eagles, Avenged Sevenfold, and many more!

Additionally, in 2017 I was given Takelesson's "Student Favorite" award. This means that I have consistently ranked in the top 15% of Takelessons teachers based upon reviews, number of students, and student retention!

Guitar has been a love of mine since I was 9 years old and I enjoy helping other people realize their full potential! I have training in standard notation and tablature, and I am equipped with the resources necessary to get you going quickly!

I am currently attending Liberty University and working on earning a degree in Business Administration. Each week, I teach around 23-25 students! I am looking forward to helping you reach your goals!

Please feel free to use the "Ask a question" feature, I will reply to you as soon as possible.

learners, and to think and play creatively.

Besides teaching, my main passion is writing and performing new music. I have toured across the United States and Canada with several bands and released a number of full length records and EPs.

Whatever stage you're at in your musical life, starting from square one, looking to build up from what you already know, or needing a real shake up in your playing, I look forward to helping you take the next step and achieve your goals.