Foley, MO Bluegrass Guitar Lessons

I work with students of ALL AGES, and ALL SKILL LEVELS, so no matter whether you are just starting to explore your passion, or you want to master your craft, I have different options to suit your needs.

I offer Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Classes, and I have several available class times for each skill level and instrument, so students have flexible options to suit their needs.

Beginner's Classes-Learning the Basics of the Instrument, Rhythm Games, Chords, Scales, Introduction to Reading Sheet Music, Playing Full Songs and Arrangements, Introduction to Music Theory

Intermediate Classes-Music Theory and Comprehension, Music Performance, Rhythm vs. Lead Playing, Introduction to Song Writing, Intro to Improvisation, Music Arrangement and Layering for Recording, Adopting Musical Styles

Advanced Classes -Advanced Music Theory, Advanced Improvisation, Introduction to Sound Engineering, and Music Performance, and I can also help students play a multitude of styles such as Rock,

Basic chords and strumming patterns, picking patterns, bass runs, fills, scales and soloing, improvisation

I started playing acoustic guitar when I was seven years old. I have been playing and teaching mostly bluegrass, old time, Irish, blues, and swing jazz styles for many years. I have taught both privately and have also done various workshops at festivals. I have taught guitar multiple years for instance at the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival in PA.
My students learn to have fun with music. Students can work on rhythms, melodies, improvisation, song writing, getting into and/or hanging on in a jam session, etc.

Flat pickin to finger pickin and even chicken pickin!

Lets get pickin!

I hold a Masters Degree in Music, am a certified North Carolina Teacher, and have been playing the guitar for the past 15 years. We will figure out at what level you are currently playing within the first lessons and then decide together what you want to focus on. This is YOUR lesson, and I am here to guide you down the path that you choose.

My lessons are tailored to the specific goals of the student and each lesson has its differences. However, a typical guitar lesson might entail the following: on your first lesson goals are set, this would include songs you would like to learn and play, as well as any technical and theoretical problems you would like to overcome. Next comes the development of an individualized plan on how to achieve those goals. The student then leaves with a clear understanding of specific tasks and a focused practice plan to prepare for the next lesson. It's important to remember that all lessons are presented with great clarity and simplicity so that the student stays engaged by having fun as they progress.

Donovan Raitt has been teaching guitar since the age of 18, and has continued teaching lessons in since 2001. Mr. Raitt holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in guitar performance and his teaching methods have been proven successful from absolute beginners to students at the college level.

Donovan has had a passion for the guitar since the age of 10, and loves sharing that passion with his students. Donovan strives to create the best learning environment for his students and help them achieve their musical goals. He is dedicated to teaching and developing the next generation of professional guitarists. Several of Mr. Raitt's students have gone on to professional careers in music, and have been accepted into some of the best guitar programs across the country.

BEGINNERS:LEARN TO PLAY THE FIVE BASIC CHORDS WITHIN THE FIRST FEW LESSONS ON THE GUITAR. THEN LEARN HOW TO STRUM AND CHANGE BETWEEN CHORDS SO YOU CAN LEARN TO PLAY YOUR FAVORITE SONGS.

INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED STUDENTS: I CAN DEMYSTIFY THE GUITAR NECK, TEACH YOU SCALES , SOLOS AND TECHNIQUES OF YOUR FAVORITE GUITARISTS IN ANY STYLE.

I believe that learning music should be as fun and inspiring as it can be to play. We all have a vast wellspring of creative energy within us, and the goal of the relationship between the student and the teacher is to help nurture and develop that latent talent. For this reason, my approach to teaching music is highly individualized. I start out with the premise that the student has unique gifts and my job is to help them discover what those are, and develop and refine them in order to make beautiful and deeply satisfying music, through whatever instrument and in whatever style they are drawn towards.

Depending on one's starting level of experience, some basic exercises will be assigned to develop core skills, with increasing levels of technical challenge and complexity. Elements of music theory will be woven into practical lessons. Students will have the choice to incorporate material from popular and familiar music into their studies, and as they progress they will be encouraged to