Hopkins Music Lessons

you or your child on the guitar. The guitar is a great instrument for sharing the joy of making music.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my page and I hope to see you soon!

Mark F.

*** Lesson Details ***
I've had some great guitar teachers in my life and I've learned a lot from them about music and playing the guitar. I will use what my teachers taught me to help you or your child learn how to play the guitar. I teach beginning to advanced players (except for classical guitar which I teach beginning to intermediate levels), kids and adults, and will work with you in a fun and challenging environment to make sure you are getting the most out of your investment. I am a very calm and friendly teacher who will make our lessons fun while also encouraging you to make progress. I will strive to keep you motivated to improve and will document your progress with the use of technology like audio recordings and video so you can see and hear your progress. I like to work from guitar method books so we can establish specific and measurable goals, but I do respect and accommodate different learning styles. And, of course, we will work progressively on any songs that you have your heart set on learning so that you can soon be playing the music that you love!
I believe that there is always room for improvement. I continue to look for new ways to improve my own playing. I am sure that I will be learning some things from you, too, so let's get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I currently teach in the living room of my home while my basement music room is being remodeled. I provide a music stand, a metronome, a tuner and recording capability so students can see and hear themselves play. I expect the student to bring his or her own instrument and to purchase the book(s) that we'll be working from.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a small amp for electric guitar if the student doesn't have one. I expect the
student to provide his or her own instrument, a music stand, and to
purchase the book(s) that we'll be working from.

*** Specialties ***
I can teach you to play guitar in any style of music that you want to play, from folk to rock, country to classical and bluegrass to contemporary Christian. I specialize in fingerstyle acoustic guitar that I have adapted from my many years of classical guitar training, but I also love to play the electric guitar, too.

a teacher is to give you an enjoyable experience in learning a new instrument and to tailor the lessons based on your interests and goals. After the first few months a beginner student can expect to have learned basic techniques and useful skills to allow them to play simple songs and melodies with ease.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons are taught in a studio with amps, acoustic guitars and electric guitars, ukuleles, along with fretless and fretted bass guitars, drums, microphones, recording equipment and software, are available for a student to use during the lesson time.

*** Specialties ***
Simplifying concepts and process. Breaking down elements of how to play Pop, Jazz, Funk, Blues, Rock, Folk etc.

t. Fun "family-style" lessons with parent(s) and young children are also a new option.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, ukuleles, bass guitars, strum-sticks, various percussion instruments, various keyboards, synthesizers and music composition/production software and amps.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Teacher brings instruments/supplies/books as needed, and can arrange to provide instruments for students as well.

*** Specialties ***
Individual or group instruction in folk, jazz, blues, rock, guitar/vocal performance coaching, songwriting, lyric writing, instrumental improvisation, digital media production/composition, iMovie, Garageband, "beat-making" and therapeutic music for youth, adult and special needs students.

Festival in Minneapolis and Festival of Nations in St. Paul. I also perform in a smaller three-person group, known as the Accidental Trio. As a solo musician I have performed for many special events, such as weddings and parties. I have frequently been called upon to play accordion in pit orchestras for musicals, including "Fiddler on the Roof" (5 different productions), "Cabaret," and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."

succeed, when after each lesson you feel that you improved your playing and gained new skills, even if its a small one.
Lessons are taught using a Traditional method refer to students learning to read music. Whereas the Suzuki Method students learn by ear which I (might) use for very young students age 3-5. For older students I use certain aspects of the Suzuki method but definitely incorporate basic theory and note reading as early as possible.
All students will have the opportunity and are encouraged to perform in recitals.

AVAILABILITY: The calendar here is not up-to-date and still on a summer schedule. I mostly teach M-Th (depending on my schedule Fr and Sat are possible). Lessons are scheduled on an individual basis based on my schedule and student's availability.Please send me a message what days/times you are looking for, and I'll get back to you. Thanks!

trumental Music Award for extraordinary musical performance.

With knowledge in jazz, classical, and pop saxophone, I am able to teach all ages and ability levels in one, or all three of these categories. I have had a few students over the past six months and absolutely love teaching them. We have covered technical skills, repertoire, and saxophone basics. Whether it's a 30 minute lesson or a 60 minute lesson, I make every second count! I work in a relaxed environment and make it fun and productive for all ages. I am willing to do lessons online or in-home.

My passion for music has no limit and I really want to share that with any and every student. I strive to be a positive influence in the music teaching world so that students can carry a firm foundation of music for a lifetime. I look forward to meeting you and helping you become a better musician!

nt ways to learn music. I teach students ways to understand where the notes exist on the neck by reading chord charts and seeing patterns. Using these various methods they still learn the entire neck.

I now have two distinct paths a student can take:

If the student wants? Teach them to become a skilled sight-reader.
If the student is not interested in sight-reading? Teach them to understand music in a non-traditional path.

My Goal: To help others learn the guitar in the most time efficient manner possible. And, in a way that will cut years off the traditional methods most guitarists learn with!