Old Monroe, MO Country Guitar Lessons

Old country, New country. All styles and artists. Learn from a pro!

Mark Catalano is an American composer, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer.

"I started teaching private music lessons my senior year of high school, in 2006. Since then I've taught over 50 different students of all ages from 3 years old to 61 years old. While still living in Ohio, I was the one and only official guitar teacher for Guitar Center Youngstown through the duration of 2008-2009. In late 2009, after moving to Los Angeles, I continued to teach privately all around the city. I currently live in West Hollywood with my wife and dog. I plan to continue teaching private students for the rest of my life."

MarkCatalanoMusic.com

A major priority of my guitar teaching is to have students making expressive music every time they touch the instrument.

I begin by working on tone production on the open strings of the guitar, so that students are able to produce a full, beautiful tone on the first day. From there, we study left- and right- hand techniques in the context of real pieces of music, giving students the chance to apply the mechanics of guitar playing to the expression of musical ideas. At the same time, I work with students through progressive studies and warm-up exercises that have built-in expressive goals, so that they can learn to rely on their own ears to further refine their playing.

As I believe that a good guitarist is, first and foremost, a strong musician, I fold a number of diverse activities into weekly lessons, developing skills in music theory, ear training, sight reading, composition, and improvisation, all of which reinforce the acquisition of strong technique.

If you're a complete beginner, an advanced classical player, or anywhere in-between, this is the place for you! My teaching philosophy is simple: each student is unique and each student requires a unique approach.

With experience in a range of teaching methods and schools of guitar playing, I take the time to get to know you, to learn what it is you want to play, to learn your music, and teach it to you in the way you will understand.

​I'm Jay, an award-winning guitarist and teacher with a doctorate in guitar and music theory.

Hi! Thanks for taking a second to read about me. I love music and that's why I'm here. Each instrument is a channel through which we individually learn how to interact with music. I chose guitar when I was a kid and never looked back. Now it's your turn to learn!

What I found most effective in my years of learning is what I'll teach you. Since every student is different, I'll listen for your cues and provide the guidance that you need. For example, some students simply want to play a few country songs and look to me for interpretation where other students what to understand the mechanics behind the theory and jazz.

I do believe some basic music theory will help you more quickly absorb all the music you hear around you and put it into a context so you can play it quickly, without reinventing the wheel every time. It's a great long term investment into simplifying music.

I'm great with beginners and I always learn something during a class too. I'm looking forward to ...

I believe that music is a fundamental part of human expression created by God, and my heart’s desire is to use music to express a meaningful and edifying message in an effective, beautiful and creative way to God and to others. My intention with my students is to instill the same principles and desires in them through musical instruction and coaching, technical training, aural skills, exploration of quality musical literature, and performance opportunities.

I am passionate about seeing students grow. I strive to be energetic yet patient when teaching to create a comfortable dynamic in my lessons that encourages excitement about music.
I have been playing guitar for 9 years, and have performed professionally with groups playing styles ranging from jazz, country, rock, blues, funk, and even musical theatre. I am capable of teaching beginners as well as intermediate students.
My lessons encourage a strong knowledge of fundamentals, so that a student can continue to develop years down the road with their acquired understanding of music, but I also am also careful to tailor lesson material according to a student's interests, personality, and natural learning methods.

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