Lesson Details
Jason teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 7+
- Teaching since:
- September 2005
Music comes from our souls and is an incredibly passionate form of expression. When individuals perform for people, including a teacher, they put their confidence and abilities and imperfections out to be seen. That's why it is important for students to feel safe and confident in their instructor, something you will find in our teacher-student relationship.
I have been teaching acoustic, electric, and bass guitar for 11 years. My passions lie in folk, blues, rock, and indie music, and I love to share that passion with my students in an encouraging and patient environment. Communication is key in a learning environment to ensure that students are working and progressing toward their goals. I have given lessons to students from age 7 through 75, and understand that each student has a unique interest and skill set to be developed. Music would be pretty dull if everyone was the same, wouldn't it?
I have been a singer/songwriter out of the Twin Cities for the past 11 years and have played in venues all over the world. These include coffee shops, events, and churches in Minnesota and go as far as various establishments in Guatemala. My debut album was released in 2007 and I have been a part of numerous projects since that time. I have also had the privilege of taking intensive blues lessons with Michael May and vocal lessons with Helen Lapakko.
*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back, patient, flexible, and caring teacher. I have experience with and enjoy teaching all ages and abilities. I like to guide students through material that they choose to work on, as long as it is within their ability. During my lessons, I will cover everything from the introductory basics, improving your technical abilities, ear training, theory, and improvisation. Time can also be taken to work through electric guitar basics involving amplifiers and effects and guitar maintenance.
*** Studio Equipment ***
None
*** Travel Equipment ***
Musical Materials, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Amp, Pedaboard, Metronome
*** Specialties ***
I prefer to teach people starting out in tablature, as I feel that they can more easily access songs in this method. I will, of course, teach them some basic note reading and the fretboard. I feel that learning chords and strumming is a great way to ensure that students feel success as they progress...as they can begin to play simple songs. I play all sorts of music myself, from rock to folk to blues.
Experience
Northwestern Academy of Music
Sep 2007 - Sep 2017Education
B.S. of Biology
Sep 2001 - Dec 2004Affiliations
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
Aug 2009The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 480,000 US composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers. The ASCAP is committed to nurturing music makers throughout their careers.
Photos & Videos
25 Reviews
Write a ReviewJason is easy-going, reliable and consistent. My son enjoys his lessons and looks forward to them each week. His skills have slowly and steadily been progressing (more practice on his own would surely help his learning speed up). We are thankful to have found Jason.
+ Read MoreJason has been providing in-home guitar instructions to one of my children for about 1.5 years. The entire experience has been truly and absolutely fantastic. He has a unique ability to be incredibly flexible in his teaching approach to best accommodate the individual student. Moreover, he's able to modify his approach given the particular circumstances on a particular date (perhaps the child is under the weather, crabby or a bit out of practice). Whatever the situation is, Jason is able to maximize the lesson and everybody leaves with a smile and some musical inspiration. Most importantly, individual lesson goals are consistently achieved and my child always has a clear understanding of what needs to happen before the next lesson (let's call it homework). Jason has been able to light the musical spark in my child and is continuing to provide the tools to get to the next level -- all while having fun. Jason has also fostered my child's musical creativity by supporting and fostering her creations and integrating that creativity into his lesson plans. In short, Jason is the best guitar teacher ever, hence the 5 stars!
+ Read MoreJason is very patient. He teaches my 14 yr old guitar and focuses on how my son learns best. He is always flexible with changing lesson times as some times things come up last minute.
My kids just love jason!!
Great intro to guitar.
Jason is an awesome guitar instructor. I am brand new to playing an instrument. He is very patient with me and delivers his instruction in a manner that is easy to understand!
Jason is a very nice and patient teacher for the kid, my son loves the class with him very much. Jason also prepares the class based on the kid's progress, it is really helpful even for kid without any previous guitar experience. Jason also communicates with parents well for any schedule change. I would recommend him if anyone is looking for a guitar teacher.
+ Read MoreJason is an accomplished guitarist, and an excellent teacher. He's a down to earth, regular guy who has a gift to share....which he does very well! He takes
time to communicate with me at a level which meets my needs, and is very patient with me. I believe that Jason wants me to improve in my guitar playing skills and knowledge of music theory just as much as I do, and is uniquely gifted to help me. I'm looking forward to on-going lessons with Jason. He's a really good guy, who deserves my highest recommendation.
Playing for the first time in many many years it has been pleasure to work with Jason to bring back all the lost learning.
I refer to myself as Jason's mature student. I'm 71 and can't believe how much Jason is able to teach me. He is very patient and able to help correct my bad habits.
A great teacher.
My son has been taking lessons from Jason for about 9 months, and he LOVES Jason! He is awed by the level of talent Jason has and is inspired by the way Jason teaches him. Lately, Jason has also been working with our son on garage band and composition. We're really liking this also. Professional, flexible, talented - what more could you ask for?
+ Read MoreJason is an exceptionally gifted and talented musician, and this applies to his teaching as well. Our son takes lessons from him, and loves his lessons. Jason is able to teach effectively at an age-appropriate level. He is always patient and encouraging. Jason has a passion for the music he plays comes through in each lesson. I highly recommend him as a teacher. If you want the best instruction, get the best instructor. Jason is your guy!
+ Read MoreGreat Teacher
Jason is a great teacher for my 11 year old daughter. His style worked well with a young audience as well as an absolute beginner. The progression of skills and materials seemed perfect for a developing guitar player. I would highly recommend him.
Great teacher!
My 9 year old son has been taking lessons from Jason for the last 4 months. My son enjoys his lessons, practices on his own and is actually sounding pretty good! Jason is very patient and great with him! I definintely would recommend taking lessons from Jason!
My son loves him!
After the very first lesson, my son was enamored with Jason. He's kind, easy going, knowledgable and "cool" according to my 8.5 year old son. I highly recommend Jason as a guitar teacher.
Jason rocks
Jason is amazing teacher. I love his teaching style. He teaches technique while learning a song. Lessons are fun but challenging and he is very patient throughout the process. Would recommend him to anyone
"I love practicing and playing guitar, dad"
That's what my 8 1/2 year old daughter says to me while practicing and after she has finished her lessons with Jason. I couldn't be happier with the lessons he is providing her and her sentiment speaks for itself. Thatâs all I need. If sheâs happy, I'm happy. I see her learning, improving, and having fun after every 30-min lesson. She also wants to practice!!!
Jason has a very easy-going style that connects with my daughter #and many others judging by the other reviews, which I read before selecting Jason# so I would 100% recommend him to anyone searching this site for a qualified guitar teacher for their child or themselves.
Jason rocks!
Jason is a great guitar teacher. He was very patient when teaching our boys. He is easy to talk to and made learning the guitar fun. He also let us know in advance if he needed to reschedule a lesson. We would definitely have Jason as a teacher in the future.
Jason
Jason is reliable He started with my daughter on her first lesson and now three years later she has become a good guitar player
She enjoys taking lessons with him and he lets us cancell if needed no problem
Great work.
Jason has been great to work with. And he is amazing at the guitar. Thank you Jason!!
No better way to learn guitar!
My son was introduced to music through his guitar lessons with Jason. He is now on his next instrument and playing some songs by ear. In the words of my son, "he doesn't rush you or make you do more than you can handle, so he is a great teacher".
Wonderful guitar teacher!
Jason has been teaching our son for 3 years and has been a wonderful teacher during that time. He has been supportive, patient and encouraging of our son, even on the weeks he hasn't practiced as much as he should have. Jason is quick to respond when I call and always communicates with me if something comes up. Our son loves playing guitar and has developed a love of the Beatles, thanks to Jason teaching him various Beatles' songs.
Great coach and teacher
I'm on my 4th lesson with Jason and I must say how much I appreciate his style and approach. His gradual method of teaching elements which start to fit together, has been rewarding and satisfying. He has a way of making you feel good with small steps of progress. I've learned to just concentrate on exactly what he tells me each week, trusting that the pieces all have meaning and will fit together in time. I look forward each week to that next challenge. I would recommend Jason to anyone looking for a teacher that will very methodically and patiently modify his teaching to your ambition and desires.
Jason does a great job.
Jason works with our 10 yo son at our home. It is a chaotic environment with 2 kids, 2 cats, 2 adults and one dog. It doesn't even phase him. Our son thinks he is "cool" and actually enjoys practicing. Jason is laid back and easy going.