Guitar with Scotty W.

It is my goal to provide students with the tools they need to play the music they want on the guitar, all out of the convenience of their homes. I want to share the gift of music to others in the hopes that it will enrich their lives as much as it has mine. I realize that music is an art form worthy of serious study, and as such, the way it's taught is of upmost importance. Therefore, I am acutely aware of how I present material to my students, and they can be assured that I will always teach to the best of my ability, so they can benefit the most from their lessons. I am an award winning guitarist with over 17 years of playing experience and 6 years of teaching credentials. In 2009, I graduated from Friends University in Wichita, KS. with a B.A. in Music Business. During my time there, I played in the top jazz big band and numerous jazz combos, including the top jazz combo group Soulstice, and shared the stage with many jazz greats including saxophonist Bobby Watson and guitarist Jerry Hahn. I traveled with the big band to Italy and France in 2008, where the group played several shows, including the Umbria Jazz festival in Perigne, Italy, and the Jazz a' Juan festival in Juan-les-Pins, France. In 2009, Soulstice won the Rick Matteson Award for best college jazz combo at the prestigious North Texas Jazz festival in Addison, Tx. Aside from being a jazz guitarist, I have also dabbled extensively in rock and experimental styles. In 2004, I recorded an all original full length album with the progressive rock group Deep Structure, which was active in the Wichita, KS area for several years. I got my start teaching guitar lessons in Wichita in 2006 and taught private lessons and rock band classes at a local music store from 2007-2009. Upon graduating from college in 2009, I relocated to Denton and immediately began to redevelop my approach to the guitar, with a renewed focus on innovation. I played in the local experimental rock band Tranquilo throughout 2011 and a portion of 2012, as well as preparing solo material for a future release date. Since 2010, I have been teaching privately in Denton and the surrounding areas. *** Lesson Details *** I would not consider myself an especially strict teacher However, I am a motivator and will give students the push they need to get to the next level. I am well versed in teaching several styles, including Rock, Jazz, Country, and Metal. I'm also open and experienced with teaching all ages and skill levels. Although I don't follow a set curriculum with my students, I still feel the need to stress the importance of rhythm and ear training, which translates to my students being able to play along to their favorite songs (or their own) without missing a beat, and being better equipped at interpreting music with their ears, which provides a deeper understanding of music as a whole. The teaching methods I employ place a primary emphasis on the student's musical personality and desires. Thus, there is no standard curriculum that all must follow. Instead, a customized lesson plan is built around what the student is wanting to achieve with their lessons, in a way that emphasizes their individual character while expanding their overall knowledge of the instrument. In order to achieve these things and for organizational purposes I keep hand written notes on my students and designated folders with all the material we've been working on. I've been teaching guitar lessons for over 6 years in various settings, with different methods, and I've found that this approach yields the best results and satisfaction from my students. With that said, I hope to hear from you all soon! *** Travel Equipment *** I can provide a music stand, tuner, amp, and picks. The student will need their own guitar and any additional material they want to bring to the lesson. *** Specialties *** Rock and Jazz