Cleveland Music Lessons

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Because of my experience and educational background, I am able to help my students learn what they "need to know" in order to play the songs they want to play. Students will benefit from my unique teaching methods. I won't waste any time learning things that don't apply to your personalized objectives. You tell me what you want to be able to do and I will teach you what you need to know to get there. I have a easy going personality and a user friendly teaching style tailored to the students individual needs.

Here is some more information about my experience and educational background.

I've been a working musician almost my entire adult life. I'm performing around 60 gigs a year in three different bands. Each band I perform in is different and unique. I also perform from time to time as a soloist. When one dedicates their life to music the way that I have, it's not hard to find work. I have more work than I need. I love playing music so much that I now do it for the pure enjoyment. It's really difficult to do all the music I enjoy playing with just one band, that is why I play in three.

I’m am a student of the guitar as well as a teacher. You never stop learning. I'm also a Husband, Father, Son, and yes a grandfather.

Here is a little about my musical background. I started teaching guitar lessons to a few students in my home in 1978. Wow can’t believe it was that long ago. That led me to teaching private guitar lessons at two different music stores as well as guitar class for an adult continuing education program. After a run of 15 years and graduation with a Masters degree in Adult Learning and Development I became a serious student of the guitar studying around the country and in Canada. During this entire time I performed as a working musician in several bands. I am also a singer and songwriter. In 2017 my band Canyon Wind released our 3rd Album of all original music. I wrote or co-wrote all the songs.

*** Lesson Details ***
I can teach a student how to:
Read music and tablature
Form and play chords needed to play songs
Music Theory and ear training
Good Timing
Proper right and left hand technique
Both Lead and Rhythm techniques
Acoustic and Electric guitar
And I can help the experienced player break bad playing habits and advance to higher levels of playing.
I like to incorporate visual and audio aide as well as demonstration when I teach.
I use all or part of these teaching methods and more in order to enhance the learning experience. I always base my instruction on the needs, abilities and goals of the student..

*** Studio Equipment ***
Basement studio w/ guitar, amps, keyboard, pa system, vocal microphones and seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
Country, Blues, Light Jazz, Classic Rock, Motown, Soul, Bluegrass. Acoustic and/or Electric guitar and Ukulele.

The Ukulele is a unique instrument and it's amazing how easy it is to play when you've developed great technique the way I have by playing the guitar. So if you're a guitar player and would like to branch out on the Ukulele I can show you how.
Right and left hand technique is so important. I spend a lot of time making sure you develop great technique. It's amazing how many guitar students come to me with bad technique. I can help you clean up your playing by developing proper technique.

I can teach people how to play both "Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Soloing, Chords, strumming patterns, chord progressions, and a little finger picking. I teach how to use a plectrum, which is also called a pick. I'm primarily a flat picker when playing lead guitar and I love strumming away at playing rhythm. Learning how to play lead guitar is fun but when you think about it 90% of most tunes is made up of playing rhythm. It's so important to learn how to be a great rhythm player. In a band they call it playing in the pocket. but if you are a soloist supporting your own singing or in a duo where you are accompanying a vocalist playing solid rhythm is a great skill to have under your fingertips.

If you write your own music I can teach you music theory. You want to learn how to write your own music. I can guide you and teach you how to develop song structure, hooks and great melody lines to your tunes.

On the guitar most guitar players play by ear but if you desire to learn how to read music I can show you. I coach both singing and playing as well as preparing for performance. Both on vocals and guitar. I have never had just a vocal student but I encourage students to sing while they play. So if that is there desire I can help. I'll show you how to play guitar scales you can use for vocal exercises. While studying voice at Baldwin Wallace I learned how to play the vocal exercises my teacher was showing me on guitar. I can pass this knowledge on to you.

If you play in a band, or desire to play as a duo or soloist. I have the experience to guide you along your path. There is an art playing with others that can't be overlooked. If that is the direction you want to take your in good hands with my guidance.

Some of my students just want to play in the comfort of their own home. Maybe only with their dog or their significant other listening. They find great joy in doing this and have no desire to ever really perform in public. And that is GREAT! When you break it down to the least common denominator, we do this for the love of music. I love music and the joy it brings to my life. You can experience the same joy that I have so why not let me help you? Let's face it.... is there really a better instrument to learn than the guitar? From my perspective there is not. And it's never too late to start.

of playing. The student and I will analyze a new piece of music in various ways while coming up with an idea of how it sounds. I will play the piece and make practice suggestions. The student will play prepared pieces, and I will make suggestions. I value spontaneity.

My adult students say I am insightful.

with, I will work with your group to improve your cohesiveness and your musical style.