Songwriting with Steve B.

When I was growing up I thought music was like magic and that only special people with super-human powers could play. I would think to myself, "How are they doing that? I would never be able to play music in a million years!" It wasn't until I was 14 I discovered guitar magazines and a method of reading called guitar tablature that I realized anybody can learn guitar! With determination, patience, and practice I learned as many songs and techniques from my heroes (The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin) as I could. I realized there is so much to learn about music that I could learn something new everyday. This still holds true to this day. I keep digging to find that magic place to which music can take you. It is my goal as a musician and a teacher to help other aspiring musicians (YOU!) find their way to the joys of music. After graduating high school my passion for music kept growing and I decided to go to a school to learn more about it. While attending Moorhead State University of Minnesota I went through a speed boost to gaining knowledge about music. The wonderful teachers of MSUM provided me with direction, encouragement, and plenty of opportunities to play through ensembles. I was in Jazz Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Combos, Jazz Big Band, and Commercial Ensembles. My aspirations are to pass along the information torch that I received while attending MSUM to people who are interested and have the desire to make a sound.I am friendly, patient, and fun to work with. I believe music should be exciting and make you feel good. I teach on an individual basis. Everybody learns at different rates and in different ways. My goal is to find the best way to teach you so that you get the most out of our lessons. There are many streams that lead to the big ocean of music so there are many different ways to learn. Whether you want to learn rock, jazz, bluegrass, or folk I am flexible with teaching you what you want to learn while at the same time providing you with little golden nuggets of information to further your skills through music theory, technique exercises, and how to avoid common pit falls. With enough determination, patience, and practice you too can discover the joys of music and be able to express your individuality in a way you never thought possible. It would be an honor to help you find your own path down the road to musical bliss. *** Lesson Details *** I am a laid back person with an easy going approach to teaching. Music is meant to be fun! I teach you what you want to learn. I have had experience with playing rock, jazz, bluegrass, and folk. If you are not sure what you want to learn I'll ask you questions about yourself and your interests to determine the best route to go. Within the first few lessons you will learn how to tune your instrument, how to read tablature (TABS for short), and how to read chord charts. If you are interested in learning theory and how to read music I teach out of the Hal Leonard Guitar Method book series. After the first six months, depending on your level and how much you practice, you will be well on your to playing full songs by your favorite artists, have the ability to jam with other musicians, and understand the basics of your instrument. It is my belief that you get out of music what you put into it. There are no short cuts. All of the masters have one thing in common and that is practice. If you are willing to put in the work I am obliged to give you direction. *** Studio Equipment *** Music stand, amp, instrument cable, picks *** Travel Equipment *** I can provide an amp and picks. I expect the student to provide an instrument, instrument cable (if using an electric instrument), tuner, metronome, notebook (either tab book or regular notebook), *** Specialties *** I play an eclectic blend of rock, jazz, folk, and bluegrass. My method of teaching is based on the individual's level and type of learning.