Lesson Details
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 7+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- April 1974
My name is Stan. I have been teaching music since 1974. I hold a Bachelor Degree in Music Composition and Theory from Pacific Lutheran University and a Masters Degree in Music Education from Boston University. I have taught through university level and am current Assistant Professor of Music at Pierce College, near Tacoma, Washington. I have been asked to do guest lecturing at Seattle University in the art of Film Score, where I have studied with an Emmy-winning composer.
I love kids (of all ages!) and feel like we truly have fun during our lesson time. Laughter is one of the most important elements in learning. It's crucial to feel totally at ease with your instructor, without fear of an impatient teacher. I have worked with special needs in a variety of contexts and find it amazingly rewarding. If you desire to learn, we will find a way.
I look very forward to hearing from you soon!
Thank you so much!
Experience
Music Instructor; Lecturer; Assistant Professor of Music
Sep 1987 - PresentOver three decades teaching music, including a position on the faculty, with a lectureship at Pacific Lutheran University. Teaching experience includes all styles of guitar, music theory, songwriting, large scale composition, and arranging. Additional instructional abilities include digital and analog recording techniques, digital and analog processing equipment, Sibelius notation software, editor/librarians, and Digital Performer recording software. I am currently an Assistant Professor of Music at Pierce College.
+ Read MoreEducation
Bachelor & Masters Degrees
Sep 1987 - PresentBachelor of Music in Composition & Theory
Sep 1986 - Jan 1989Languages
English
Photos & Videos
26 Reviews
Write a ReviewFamily friendly, great with singles young and old. Stan is the most!!!!
Super fun and easy to understand and very helpful!
I had an amazing experience taking lessons, and it was very easy to learn from his teaching! I have learned so much and feel grateful to have had Stan as my instructor.
Stan is the best teacher,i wish i could select all subjects, he helped me with everything. If you want to learn guitar or even more,choose Stan.
I picked up my bass guitar after years of it sitting in the case. I was blessed to find Stan. Stan isn't by the book music instructor. Stan creates a lesson plan according to the students desires and needs. Stan is very patient and loves to teach. Not only is Stan my instructor I consider a great friend.
Never give up on the dream. If you can dream it you can play it
I would highly recommend Mr. Stanley Williams for any style of guitar playing. He has a wealth of knowledge and can help anyone learn at any skill level. A+ instructor!
Learning the classical guitar under Stan has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience. He covers the technical, theoretical and interpretive aspects of musicianship. He gives the student the freedom to explore their musical interests, where ever they may lead. He inspires the student to develop to their full ability, regardless of talent level.
+ Read MoreI began taking my lessons from Stan when I was 14 years old and ended when I graduated from HS. I'm 41 now, and more so than ever can I see the genuine quality of teaching Stan gave to me during those 4 years.
After entering the Navy at 18, I was able to immediately see the difference between other guitarists and myself. Some guitar players I encountered may have understood "the how" aspect of doing something, but didn't understand "the why" aspect of it.
Today, when I teach my students, I follow suit with Stan's methods as he did with me and I take great joy in unlocking the mystery for other guitar players who are technically advanced, but lacking the understanding in the same way Stan Williams did for me all those years ago.
My only regret was not having the discipline and maturity in those early years to truly draw from Stan in a manner which would have added to my understanding to an even greater depth.
Teaching is an art, and Stan is da Vinci.
Stan is not only knowledgable, but personable and patient. I really enjoyed my lessons, and who knows....as time permits I may return! If you're looking for a great guitar teacher, he's your guy!
Stan always encouraged me even when I was beginning and obviously not very good. This allowed me to just have fun playing and now I lead worship at my church. I highly recommend Stan!
Great teacher and encouraged.....taught me and grandsons !!
My son went to lessons with Stan for years. He is now an adult that loves to pick up his guitar and play by himself or with friends. Stan gave him a breat foundation and love for music.
Patient, kind, caring, meticulous, well-educated, funny. If you want guitar lessons, this is the teacher you want.
Stan is an excellent teacher with nearly unbelievable patience, and a gift for teaching.
A great guy and fun instructor. Worth the funds!
Stan is a wonderful teacher for all ages! He was my instructor as a child to my teenage years, and my dad has also taken lessons with him as well. THE BEST!
The saying that you can't teach an old dog new tricks has been proven false with Stan as an instructor. My primary music background was with the trombone in my early years. Several years ago I purchased a nice Martin and needed some one to teach me how to hold, play and read the music. A short time later, I could play scales and then chords. It was fun to play duets with him from music of the 60's and 70's. Stan has the patience of a saint and made the instruction fun. Thank you Stan.
+ Read MoreHave done several recording sessions with Stan and had awesome experiences both times. He is fun to work with and has the knowledge and experience to make you sound the best!! He was honest during my sessions and very flexible with my schedule. Would recommend him to anyone.
+ Read MoreStan is the best guitar teacher in the Puget Sound. I would recommend him to anyone wanting to learn how to play guitar. Beginner to Expert level, Stan can show you any style of music.
Stanley is a gifted musician and teacher. He took me from knowing a few simple chords to composing and recording my original music. He teaches with joy and empowers every learner. As an elementary teacher, I have referred many students to Stan. Young and old blossom under his unique and effective teaching methods. One becomes motivated to be the best musician possible just to see him smile with pride at your accomplishment.
+ Read MoreStan is an excellent teacher for all skill levels! Anyone looking to learn or improve their skills at any age needs to at least meet Stan before looking elsewhere.
Very knowledgeable and friendly. Explains things in a way that makes them easy to remember. Flexible lessons that puts focus on what you want to learn.
Stan is simply the best guitar and music teacher around. Not only can he successfully instruct any skill level, his methods are adaptable and easy to understand. With his solid background in composition, years of evolving his methods, and absolute mastery of every aspect of technique, theory, song writing, and engineering, he is always the best choice. If he has an opening, take it. You won't regret it.
+ Read MoreWe have had the privilege of having Stan teach our 15 year old daughter for close to 2 years now and could not be happier with the experience. There are too many great things to list so I will just say you will not be disappointed with his teaching manner and the learning experience he offers. My daughter has come so far with her playing, music understanding, and has gained so much confidence in her playing.
Highly recommend Stan for lessons!
Stan is a wonderful teacher! He helped broaden my understanding of music theory and helped me refine my technique. In addition to this, he's got a sweet studio set up and will help you record and master any music you want to put out there. I highly recommend him!
+ Read MoreStan is incredibly patient to put up with me. A great teacher. 1 on 1 sure beats the Internet.