Leslie, MO Bluegrass Guitar Lessons

Flat pickin to finger pickin and even chicken pickin!

Lets get pickin!

My lessons are catered to the individual student. Typically half of the session is spent on technique/fretboard harmony and the other half is spent on learning music/songs. I have found it is best for younger students (12 and under) to learn from a book - for added structure).

My teaching style is very in depth, but laid back. I base my lessons off the students' specific needs and abilities rather than a set curriculum. My lessons are also different in that they prepare you for all styles of music rather than one or two genres. Overall you will learn at an exponential rate. I go into details and principles that are truly the fundamentals of learning music for any instrument. But I will most importantly, do my absolute best to make learning music an easy and stress-free process.

Hey there!
My passions are technique and accuracy; by perfecting technique comes a deeper understanding of theory. I have lots of teaching methods that will encourage you to play your favorite songs and styles with the sounds you like.
I'll focus on the very basics of guitar theory in order to get to a higher level of understanding music theory.
I will challenge you! We will have lots of fun and you will see, hear, and feel your own improvements with my teachings.

My goal is not so much teaching one how to play an instrument, but more broadly, to help one cultivate their own living musicality. My own areas of practice, study, and specialization are in free improvisation, sound art/Sonic sculpture, conceptual performance, and songwriting/composition. I've explored a vast number of different styles and genre. Jazz, classical, folk and bluegrass, spirituals, blues, punk rock, contemporary ghospel, electronic dance and ambient, to name a few... I love working with kids, I love teaching any age any skill level, I promise to listen, and fine tune our lesson to fit your specific personality and needs.

I have an Associate’s Degree in Guitar Performance and was awarded most improved student of 2016 at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA
I have designed lesson plans that range from the basics to advanced techniques. I offer handouts as well, and give homework for continued students that promote progress and creativity

I enjoy being able to see the students grow as musicians and spread the knowledge and love for music.
I aim to inspire others just as my teachers have inspired me.

Gary is a professional touring/recording guitarist,composer
and member of PERE UBU, ROCKET FROM THE TOMBS AND THE LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS.
A Graduate of Berkee College of Music, he has over 30 years of experience teaching and performing. He specializes in Contemporary and Classical Guitar. Lessons focus on the application of Music Theory to Guitar to help students acquire strong compositional and songwriting skills, knowledge of chord construction, the ability to play scales proficiently, and gain necessary skills needed for solo improvisation. In addition to a wealth of teaching experience, he has toured extensively throughout North America and Europe and has numerous songwriting credits on international releases.