Troy, MO Banjo Lessons

Dominic Castillo, a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, who was a student of Jerry's as well. After studying under these talented musicians, I went on to pursue my education in music and received my BA in Music from San Jose State University in 2004. I started teaching music privately during my time with Jerry and Dominic and continued to teach during college up until the present, and have taught hundreds of students since. I now live in San Diego where I teach, work as a freelance musician, and play in local funk/jazz/rock group Science Fiction Jazz and gypsy/kickstomp outfit Quel Bordel!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a very easy going, friendly individual who believes that learning music is built upon a strong relationship between teacher and student. This relationship involves good communication, honesty, open mindedness, and most importantly the desire to LEARN and have FUN. I approach teaching music by knowing and understanding the student's musical goals, and teaching fundamentals, theory, and technique through the style(s) of music that the student wants to learn. For beginners, I tend to teach basic techniques and chords through simple songs to get the student playing music as quickly as possible.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room: couches, table and TV, music stand, student can borrow instrument for first lesson, parents can sit in on lesson

*** Specialties ***
My main musical styles that I perform and teach are rock, blues, jazz, funk, R&B, and reggae. I studied jazz in college so I also have extensive knowledge of jazz theory.

c performed in numerous Master Classes for internationally acclaimed artists such as Manuel Barrueco, Christopher Parkening, Oscar Ghiglia, Michael Lorimer, and Carlos Barbosa-Lima.

Eric has taught guitar at the college level for over twenty years teaching on the music faculties of University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Stetson University, Bethune Cookman College, Florida Southern College, and St. Leo College.

Eric's experience includes performances with rock groups, stage bands, folk groups, classical ensembles, jazz combos, Broadway shows, operas, solo recitals, and concerto appearances. Eric has appeared hundreds times at Disney and Sea World as well as other venues around Central Florida.

Throughout the years he has had many unique experiences while performing, one of his favorites being the opportunity to play the MASH theme song for Alan Alda as well as other stars in attendance at a cast party for the show, Win, Lose or Draw at EPCOT Center.

Although he enjoys performing, Eric considers teaching music to be highly gratifying. The importance of giving students a good foundation with the proper technique and performance skills cannot be underestimated. When a student can play a song from beginning to end with style and confidence you know you've given them a gift that will offer them enjoyment for the rest of their lives.

*** Lesson Details ***
If you're looking at this site, you're already on your way to becoming an AWESOME musician! Whether this is your first attempt at music lessons or you've been playing for a while and trying to improve your skills, I'm EXCITED about working with you. I am a professional music educator and performer that has a passion for music and teaching. I will gear each lesson to fit your musical interests and playing level while I encourage and motivate. My goal is to use proven teaching methods and a supportive learning environment to help you realize your musical potential, as well as having FUN while doing it.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ipad apps, music stand, instrument stands, tuner, metronome, amp, chairs,

*** Specialties ***

Fingerstyle- Classical, Fingerstyle Jazz, Folk, Celtic.

Pickstyle- Rock, Blues, Jazz.

es, from beginners to advanced; from young children to adults.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music studio, f/w keyboard, and all other instruments he teachers, seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student should provide instrument, stand. I will provide my own instrument (except piano).

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki for violin (I'm comfortable with other methods, too)

with a variety of bands in my home state of New Mexico, as well as Japan, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Since 2006 I have been an active teacher. This profession has taken me everywhere from working with classical guitar classes in New Mexico high schools to Elementary students in Japan to a variety of private students of various musical instruments and genres everywhere I've been. Since relocating to the Bay Area in 2010, I've had the pleasure of working with lots of great students from kids to adults with a wide range of ambitions. Since 2012 I've been running my own full time studio.

Philosophy of Learning

Lessons are generally designed to work towards giving students the tools to accomplish their goals and become increasingly independent over time. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. What kind of music do you want to make? I'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

I also love to help students put together a song, record, and produce it for them so that they can have a recording to share with their friends and family.

I also hold events for my students. (Check out our pictures and videos below!)
Younger students have opportunities to perform for friends and family at my studio every few months. Once or twice a year we'll also stage a larger event off site for more individual students and bands classes to perform.
Adult students also occasionally have events where they get a chance to get together and play music as well.

Aside from in-studio lessons, students also have the option to sign up for online lessons via Skype.
(*Online lessons offered during different times than in-studio lessons.)

*Unfortunately due to scheduling issues, I'm not currently accepting students for bi-weekly lessons. I can do regular weekly lessons, or occasional drop-in lessons, but bi-weekly appointments make it really hard for me to give the best scheduled times to my existing weekly students. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

My studio is equipped with:

*Music Stands

*A P.A. System

*Vocal and instrument microphones

*Guitars, Basses, Ukulele, Banjos, etc

*Two guitar amps and a bass amp

*Various percussion including a fully equipped acoustic drum set

*A Roland V-Drums electronic drum set

*An electric piano console and Yamaha organ

*A MicroKorg Synthesizer

*A Tuba, Trombone, Cornet, Saxophone, and Flute

*An extensive physical and virtual music library

*A recording system that students are not only welcome to use but encouraged to

*HD Webcam and condenser microphone for high fidelity online lessons via Skype

tronic keyboard, in the lessons.
Bass Guitar: I teach rock, pop, funk, and country music on bass.
Banjo: I teach bluegrass, country, and some blues and rock music. I can also teach a bit of old-timey frailing/clawhammer style.
English and Reading: I am highly qualified, to tutor/teach English (spoken, written, and reading comprehension) to both native English speakers and to those learning it as a second language.
*** I am particularly good at working with children who have a.d.h.d. and other learning disabilities!

d "Falling, Rust, and Bones" was released in January 2016 and as a result of the volume of radio play across the country, immediately set a new all-time record on the national Americana Music Association Charts for highest new artist debut. The band's first music video made it's debut in March 2016 courtesy of The Huffington Post, along with a feature article. Along with the premier article were various national press releases and articles featuring the band and the album. Their second album has been completed and will be released in early 2018.

Andrew currently plays in the orchestra for the weekly production "Brunch to Broadway" at Red Rock Resort and Casino. The show features original members of Broadway's "Smokey Joe's Cafe" and the wonderful music of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Band members include musicians from "Le Reve" at the beautiful Wynn Resort, as well as long time veterans of Bette Midler's Orchestra and Donnie and Marie Osmond's backing band.

Andrew also performs with local country cover and line dance band "The Voodoo Cowboys." The band can be seen almost any night in Las Vegas between the famed Gilleys at Treasure Island, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar at Harrah's Resort, and one of the three stages at the amazing Fremont Street Experience.

Andrew also plays in the band at a local church on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, and teaches a handful of lessons each week on his various instruments.

*** Lesson Details ***
Music Theory (Building Scales, Harmonizing Scales into Chords)
Ear Training
Single String Concepts (Scales, Arpeggios, Intervals)
Rhythm Concepts (Chords, Blending with a Band)
Learning Songs
Writing Licks, Lines, Chord Progressions, Charts, and Songs
Techniques (Pick vs. Fingers vs. Hybrid Picking)
Acoustic vs. Electric vs. Nylon String
Slide and Steel Guitar
Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele, and Other Doubling Instruments
Playing in a Stylistically Appropriate Manner
Choosing the Right Equipment for the Gig or Project
Music Reading
How to Practice
How to Market Yourself to Acquire Work

*** Studio Equipment ***
various electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, ukulele, banjo. A few different amplifiers, and many different pieces of effect and accessory equipment.

*** Travel Equipment ***
various electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, ukulele, banjo.

*** Specialties ***
All Contemporary Styles (Rock, Blues, Country and Country Rock, Mo-Town, Jazz, Latin, Latin Jazz, Fusion, Metal and Tapping Style, Theater)

r, mandolin, bouzouki, keyboards, or bass in folk, classical,