Leslie, MO Bluegrass Guitar Lessons

I've taught many students over the years and every one has been different. Learning to play bluegrass music on the guitar is no exception. I'll work with you to reach the goals and play the songs that you are interested in. I'll also teach you about music more broadly than just where to put your fingers on the guitar. I want my students to have a good understanding of not only what to play, but when and why they're playing it.
I have helped many students reach a high level playing difficult licks, or just strumming along while they, or someone else, sings. I have also helped students write their own songs and come up with a way to fit together the guitar and singing with the words.

Regardless of what your specific goals and desires are, I'm confident that I'm the teacher to get you where you want to be! And, hey, maybe you'll discover something new along the way that you'd like to add to your arsenal of music skills!

I can teach all levels and many styles. I make it easy for you to learn at you're own pace so you can achieve your goals and have fun playing music.

After the first lesson, you will understand the essentials of bluegrass guitar and be playing bluegrass! Bluegrass guitar playing requires a knowledge of chords, melody, licks, flatpicking/picking technique as well as knowing songs all of which we will start learning in your first lesson.

With 10+ years as a music teacher and professional musician I have picked up many approaches that will insure you are making the most progress and truly finding your musical voice.

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

Flat pickin to finger pickin and even chicken pickin!

Lets get pickin!

Both Finger Picking and Flat Picking styles.
Vintage and modern styles.
I've been teaching for 7 years, but I've been playing for 30+ years.
I typically use Hal Leonard's books as part of my teaching program.
I have the necessary instruments appropriate for teaching both acoustic and electric guitar, as well as mandolin.
Most students see a full letter grade improvement within the first two months.
Performed full-time, professionally, as a musician for 12 years.

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.

Tim has made a career as a professional musician since receiving his M.A. in Appalachian Music: Roots & Influences from Appalachian State University in the spring of 2014. With experience as a Guitar Center instructor since 2015, an AmeriCorps member with the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, and an Instructor of Record at Appalachian State, Tim is able to pair his deep knowledge of diverse musical styles, techniques, and theory with his adeptness at teaching. This enables students to quickly increase their skill and gain a deep appreciation for the music they are learning. His teaching approach centers on aural training, and encourages a student-driven curriculum.

Professionally, Tim is a Larrivee Guitars sponsored artist, and has performed all across the United States with the acoustic roots band, Redleg Husky. For more information on Redleg Husky visit: http://redleghusky.com

If you want to be the best guitar player you can be, the first step is to study with someone who not only knows what they are talking about, but has the experience to back it up! My name is Olin Clark and I hold a Masters of Music degree from Michigan state university, as well as performing and touring professionally with jazz, blues, rock, reggae, hip-hop/rap, r'n'b, and pop bands. I have been teaching privately for over seven years, with students aged 4-60! I am educated not only in jazz, but in a multitude of styles of music, and I want to share what I know with dedicated students who love music as much as I do.

I believe that developing a personal relationship with my students is the most important aspect of my effectiveness as their teacher. I prefer to use both aural and visual learning, as well as demonstrating with my instrument and explaining with verbal communication.