Acoustic Guitar Lessons & Classes in Green Valley North

ls. I believe talent is not a factor in learning. Mastering an instrument is the result of effective instruction and step by step guidance toward foundations and skills. I love to teach private lessons because I believe in spreading the word to make the great gift of playing music available to many. It is an inherited right and gift to enjoy a lifetime of personal satisfaction from playing a musical instrument. I love to help students build confidence and make progress. I help them problem solve by going through problems with them. I teach "how to think" and how to become a life long learner of the instrument. I love the challenge of finding ways to help students become successful at every step of the way. I am excited and enthused to be apart of student progress. I am influenced by many 20th Century performers including Van Cliburn, Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Erroll Garner, Yudi Menuhin, Issac Stern, Dave Brubeck, and Horowitz among others. I am passionate in my teaching about providing an effective solution to my student's needs. I am pleased to announce my teaching has awarded a cello student a spot at Del Sol music high school for the 2017-2018 school year. this student of mine passed an audition January of 2017 as a result of my teaching. The student worked very hard and followed my instruction very well. Congratulations!! I am also pleased to announce two of my cello students have both passed auditions to play in the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra starting in September 2017 and September 2018. They both auditioned during May 2017 and May 2018. Congratulations to both of you!!! I also had a violin student who passed auditions for LVA (Las Vegas Academy) a couple of years ago. I have no connection to these organizations. These students all worked hard and followed my instruction. I can help you learn as well. Recently with the development of "octave" strings, if you have been split between learning violin, viola, or cello; these strings installed on a violin or viola make the instrument sound like a cello. It is really something. They are tuned an octave below, so they sound very low. A lot of cello music will have to be transcribed for owners of these instruments installed with "octave" strings. Videos can be found on YOU TUBE of these instruments played. They are ordinary violins or violas strung up with thicker strings to sound an octave below.

I am a professional educator who works with both children and adults, and has the patience to help them. I am a performer who has over 30 years of public experience in solo playing as well as ensemble work. I have performed at Nordstrom for nine years, and performed at many private functions. I have performed classical as well as jazz music as part as my performance experience. I have taught private lessons for well over 17 years. I'm sorry, as of Summer 2016 I do not travel to student locations. I teach at my studio as well as online. If you are among the many parents who home-school your children, you should consider music lessons for them. There are many benefits of home-schooling, but unfortunately students miss out on specials. Practicing an instrument can make up for that and also teach critical learning habits and personal skills toward learning in general.

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe in personalizing your approach to the strangeness of the instrument. You need to learn much about posture, and proper tone production within the first year. Method books are not "how to" books. You need a teacher to guide you toward becoming familiar with the instrument. You also need to learn how to listen to the sounds you make as you play. To develop "musical independence" you need to become musically literate, develop tone production skills, and internalize a steady beat. Rhythm and tone are basic concepts that must be mastered to maximize pleasure in playing your instrument. Learning how to problem solve is another skill I teach so you can help yourself toward progress.
I believe in using the instrument in daily activities such as playing "Happy Birthday" at family get together. Christmas Songs or Hanukkah Songs can bring much joy during December family parties.
A musician in the house brings much joy during holidays and celebrations; and the families are brought closer together. Memories are created and last forever. Playing an instrument is exciting and expresses what can not be said using words. I believe in teaching students based on their strengths, and building upon them. I am excited to help you learn!!

I only teach in my own studio and online. I do not travel anymore.

You can advance quickly if you are taught to listen to yourself and follow my instruction. I will guide you every step of the way to understand how music making works. Music lessons are fun and enjoyable. I am pleased to guide you through your learning every step of the way. My students in Las Vegas have had much success with my teaching and guidance. I will succeed where others fail. You will reap the benefits of my professional instruction. I bring a wealth of teaching experience, teacher training, and professional playing experience to every lesson. Most music store studio instructors have very little or no teacher training. Playing experience does not make one a helpful teacher. Failure to learn "how to" teach along with not earning any teaching credentials will not make a satisfying music instructor.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Grand Piano 5'1', Digital Piano 88 Keys, Violin, Viola, Bass Guitars ( 5 String Fretless), electric guitar (Fender), Upright Bass 3/4 Size French/German Bows.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki for string instruments. Thompson, Schaum for piano. Blues, Jazz and " Real Book " for jazz piano as well as Frank Mantooth books for chords. I also create materials to suit individual student needs. Classical Piano Volumes.

network television variety program, "The Gene Carroll Show", that was a television institution for over 30 years in the Midwest. I was a featured performer on that program for over 7 years, all the while perfecting the art of "playing to a camera." This experience was invaluable, and the knowledge I gathered is now included in my curriculum. I also began performing a solo act in the nightclub circuit at the age of 15, performing up and down the "north coast" from Cleveland, OH, (my home), to Erie. PA. At a very young age, I learned the difficult art of choosing musical material and pacing a show; also adapting to performing under a myriad of conditions with a vast array of musical accompaniment. After graduating college with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, I assembled my own band, and took to the road. That experience eventually brought the act to Las Vegas in 1982. Over the years my show has been a staple in major casino cabarets in Las Vegas, and all over Nevada. Since my first engagement at The Landmark Hotel in the early 1980's, I have literally been up and down the famed Las Vegas Strip many times over. The Desert Inn, The Dunes, The Stardust, The Maxim, The Tropicana, New York New York, Mandalay Bay, MGM, Bally's, The Flamingo, The Imperial Palace, The Four Queens, The Golden Nugget, The Fremont, The Venetian, The Palazzo, and a three year engagement at The Riviera. My show is truly comprised of musical variety; classics, show tunes, jazz, rock, blues, r&b, country. Even a presentation of "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera, that I perform in full costume. It is this ability to successfully deliver an extensive repertoire that I am enthusiastic about passing along to the next generation of entertainers.

I have been truly blessed in my career to have experienced so many highlights; too many to document. From winning an understudy roll in the Broadway Musical "Platinum" starring Hollywood actress Alexis Smith, to performing our National Anthem at events ranging from Major League Baseball to ESPN Boxing to receptions for major dignitaries, to recording 7 albums and a full-length video, to being asked to perform for Mr. Frank Sinatra at the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Golf Tournament, I have lived a full life on stage, learning and absorbing every bit of knowledge gathered along the way.
Now it is my desire to escalate my status as an educator to a more "one on one" experience; availing myself the opportunity to pass along that wealth of knowledge to individual students who aspire to enjoy the entertainment profession as I have, providing them with the skills needed to successfully compete. Or, should it be their choice not to pursue entertainment as a vocation, to gain a working understanding of all facets of their instrument so as to gain a better appreciation of music. Whatever the goal of the student, I feel that I am equipped to provide them with the tools needed to achieve that goal.

*** Lesson Details ***
Content of Sessions

Generally, the first 10-15 minutes of each lesson will be focused on vocal warm up and exercise. (For guitar students, we will review the previous
week's assignment). For Vocal Students, it is understood that the voice mechanism is made up of muscles, and as an athlete prepares for a sporting event, a singer must prepare to vocalize. It is at this time in our lesson when the student will develop good habits of voice maintenance, which will serve them well throughout their careers. The proper care and preservation of the vocal unit cannot be stressed enough, especially for pubescent and pre-pubescent students. Vocal chords in a developmental stage are most susceptible to damage, and because they are particularly sensitive, they must be handled with care. Our warm up regimen is designed to strengthen as well as preserve the singing voice.

I am not an advocate of getting too involved and "bogged down" in the technical aspects of singing, especially with the young students, and
especially early in our program. This is not to say that breath control, tonality, pitch, etc. are not vital to good singing, because these workings are ESSENTIAL, and their application will certainly be incorporated into our studies. Some instructors, on occasion, have a tendency to lose sight of the fact that much to do with singing happens "naturally", and too much focus on the "technical" can actually be inhibiting. This can alter a beautiful, natural tone into one that is unnatural and contrived.

I adhere to the philosophy that above all else, SINGERS WANT TO SING SONGS, and musicians-in-training want to play music. That is our focus, and all of our training is conceived with that objective in mind. All the technical knowledge and coaching serves no purpose without practical application. It is my belief that the most significant progress occurs when a vocalist is singing a song.

Nearly every element of instruction can be utilized in the performance of one song. This is why the majority of our session time will be spent "in song". For the very young student, we will concentrate our efforts with the students choices of favorite and familiar songs. The older students will undoubtedly have favorite songs, styles and artists. Special attention will be paid to the genre most enjoyed by the student, but diversity will be emphasized as well, and a variety of genres will be unpacked and explored. I believe that whatever a student's musical goals and aspirations, it is in their best interest to gain knowledge and insight in all facets of music, singing, and performance.

The most vital pre-requisite for any student is their enthusiasm. My ambition will be to harness that enthusiasm and channel it productively through stimulating instruction. Our sessions will be informative and educational, but always predicated upon "having fun with music".

I am proud to feature a curriculum that emphasizes the entertainment aspect of singing as well as the technical; created to benefit all ages and experience levels, from beginner to seasoned professional. After just weeks of my "Triple Threat Training" a student will begin to see astounding results: vocally, musically, and in the art of performance. I am excited to share my knowledge with you. Let's get started!

***Performance Opportunities For Students***
I am very proud to share a long time friendship and association with Mr. Frank La Spina and his organization The Youth Musical Scholarship Foundation. Together we host shows and events that feature the most gifted and promising students of all ages in venues ranging from The Italian-American Club Showroom to the fabulous Smith Center For the Performing Arts. Many of my students have been featured in their OWN shows!! If you desire to hone your craft in front of audience in a quality venue, I can and WILL make that happen!!

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio is equipped with a full vocal sound system with microphones that I utilize to teach the valuable art of mic technique. Young students enjoy using the mics and hearing themselves sing and perform. Since our lessons are predicated on enjoying the art of singing, this opportunity has proven invaluable. For the advanced performer, studying all aspects of amplification and what a singer should know about their stage sound is a part of our educational curriculum. My studio is furnished with the equipment that is essential to mastering that knowledge.
Since the practical aspect of my course is based on singing songs, I provide all the latest technology required to allow my students the opportunity to sing the songs of their choosing, with and without the lead vocal tracks. I feel that when students are singing their favorite songs, it offers me the greatest teaching opportunities. I make certain the every musical genre can be represented, and feel I have the knowledge and ability to guide the student is whatever their musical tastes. My studio is also equipped with piano (for vocal exercises), and guitars, which gives me opportunity to accompany my students when the musical moment is appropriate. Be assured that all the technology I need to fulfill the educational needs of my students is but a step away!! I AM ESPECIALLY EXCITED ABOUT MY STUDENTS BEING AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECORD THEIR MUSIC. My studio is equipped with full-service, state-of-the-art digital recording equipment. Many of my students have recorded full length albums. This not only provides an extraordinary teaching tool, but also a wonderful memory for student's family and friends!!

basic skills of guitar so that they can become an independent and self-sufficient musician with a strong fundamental foundation. Crucial skills such as reading music, scales, various chords, and more will be taught in each lesson. Each lesson will be just as enjoyable as it is informative. After all, “pleasure in a job puts perfection in the work”. That is why I ask each Student to bring a song or piece that he/she enjoys working on. Overtime, all the skills learned will allow students to play with confidence!

***Lesson Duration***
Lessons are available in 30, 45, & 60 min durations. Below are the recommended times based on age that I find most beneficial to most students. These will help you achieve the most out of each lesson while keeping things fun & simple!

kids under 11- 30min
12-17 - 45min
Adults- 45min or 60min

***Studio Equipment***
Students will be provided all handouts and paper material. Books, guitars, and amps are available to use during each lesson. Guitars available for purchase as well. Over time it is recommended that you work on acquiring your own equipment as well.

parties, corporate events and weddings.

Nick has been teaching private lessons and masterclasses since 2004. He has a extensive experience teaching all styles of electric and acoustic guitar, including extended range instruments. Additionally, he teaches bass, improvisation, music theory, songwriting, and advanced techniques.

During your lessons you will work on anything from absolute basics, your favorite songs, reading notes, music theory and ear training to technique, improvisation, composition and anything in-between! And you will be learning in ways that are fun to play, sound good and can be applied immediately to your current playing!

Stop waiting! It's time to begin or extend your guitar knowledge and get you achieving that sound you're looking for!

Although an occasional book may be recommended, and any book you already have can be used, all other lesson materials will be provided (sheet music, charts, scale info, jam tracks, etc.) by your instructor!

Check out Nick's latest TakeLessons.com blog here: http://takelessons.com/blog/cruise-ship-musician-jobs

ust become obsessed with the craft- I've been obsessed with this craft since before my mind could even conceive what I was hearing! What better way to learn is there than to jump straight into the madness with someone (yours truly) who is already obsessed and constantly learning new things about all music and sounds?!

Let me help you realize and actualize the musical potential that you never knew you had!

d with country and jazz groups in Kansas City and gave lessons at KC Music, a local music store.

In 2017, I relocated to Nashville, began touring with country artist Derryl Perry, and recorded and released my first solo album, Aces. In between tour dates, I've been enjoying the task of expanding both my teaching studio and my guitar resume in this growing city.

I have also taken lessons from Gonzalo Bergara, Dan Wilson, Lorne Lofsky, Charlie Hunter, Jim Campilongo, Randy Vincent, Greg Koch, Guthrie Trapp, Brent Mason, and many more!

Update: will be at the Smoky Mountain Opry in Pigeon Forge TN in 2018!