Houston Bass Guitar Lessons

signed curriculum and written lesson plans.

*** Lesson Details ***
Fun lessons based on your personal favorite songs and music. You'll be exposed to and learn different styles of popular music. After a few months and a personal commitment to practice, students will have a thorough understanding of the musical instrument they are studying and how to sight read.

s now without a single complaint. At this point in my musical career, the majority of my experience and attitude has come from being "in the field". I've played South By South West, Austin City Limits, Westheimer Block Party, opened up for bands like the Misfits and the Shins, shared the stage with bands like The Wallflowers, Minus the Bear, and Echo and the Bunnymen, and been on tour and lived the whole life more often than not!
YOU can be an active musician. If you have the passion and desire. The first step though, is learning your instrument. Learning an instrument is something that stays with you for the rest of your life. It's an unfaltering companion that can benefit you in so many ways. I like to toss out the strict "teacher/student" regiment and create a laid back, fun, easy going atmosphere. I want to be buds and SHARE music with each other and introduce you into this world that I have grown to love so so much. There is nothing more rewarding. I promise. So let's get started!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very laid back. Your progress is directly linked to you. I will give it my all to teach you and help you, but if you don't practice or soak it in, that's on you! I hate having a tense, seminar type lesson atmosphere. Lessons with me will be easy going and relaxed. I don't want to have to put on a sweater vest and wag my finger as a I scold you. That's just not me.
However, I DO expect you to get things done. Why waste your time with lessons if you're not going to take them seriously on any level? The curriculum will be totally personalized for YOU. After all, not everybody likes the same music and style. The first lesson or two will be getting a handle on exactly what YOU want to learn and what YOU want out of it. Finding out your favorite bands/artists, guitar players, bass players, etc. There's nothing worse than being taught something you have no desire for, but having it drilled into your head week after week! So whether that be blues, folk, metal, whatever, that's the first step. With that information I'll begin constructing and laying out the rest of your lesson plan.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Although I assume you have an instrument of your own (if not I recommend getting one, it sort of helps), if you're looking to just try things out at first I have more than a few extra that I'd be happy to let you use. My teaching studio doubles as a recording studio as well. This means 2 things: if ever you would like to record some of your music you know where to go! And also, I have the means to record the entire lesson if you'd like. You'll need to supply the blank CD(s) of course. It's not a requirement to record the lesson, just an option! Basically, I have everything you could ever possibly need for music lessons here. So you're set.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitars, amps, etc. anything that would be needed I've got!

*** Specialties ***
I am versed in blues, rock, metal, folk, hardcore, acoustic-finger-style and various other acoustic styles, and more. Through teaching and experience as a working musician I have mastered most genres and styles. When sitting at home jamming in my free time, I probably most frequently find myself playing acoustic finger-style, blues, folk, or hardcore, but love and appreciate most styles. So, bring it on!

such as Vans Warped Tour, South By Southwest and the Halifax Pop Explosion.I've been the opening act for Carolyn Wonderland, Maria Taylor, Tsunami Bomb, Tilly and the Wall, Basia Bulat, Rise Against, Strike Anywhere. Anathallo, Cursive, Milton Hopkins, and Pony Up.

When I have free time I volunteer with the Houston Chapter of Girls Rock Camp to help teach girls empowerment through songwriting and music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I began teaching as an afterschool job when I was 16. I was homeschooled, so I feel that the experience taught me that everyone learns differently and that there is not just one standardized method to playing music.

My teaching style varies with each student, but the one constant is my ability to make each and every client I encounter completely fall in LOVE with music. It's my super power.

Lesson plans are tailored for your specific needs and to help you achieve your musical goals and aspirations at your desired pace. I enjoy my students and making music with them.

Here is an overview of the lessons that I provide.

Guitar:
Finger Picking, Song Writing, Rhythm, Lead, Scales,Modes & Ear Training.

Songwriting and composition: Learn techniques, how to brain storm and plot your musical story line. This class pairs great with vocal lessons or guitar lessons.

Bass:
Scales, Rhythm, Beginner and Advanced song structure, Ear Training

Ukulele :
Technique, Intro to Chords, Ear Training, Strumming patterns - Ukulele is one of my favorite classes to teach. You simply can not help but smile when playing this instrument!

Vocals :
Breathing techniques, Scales, Harmonizing

UP the sax ANYTIME with CONFIDENCE &… JUST PLAY beautifully! My sax lessons are custom-tailored to your learning style. I teach music rudiments & playing jazz .

I enjoy teaching both children & adults of any age. 2 out of 3 students i have worked with, just over the past 3 months, now play in their school/ church bands with great commendations (see reviews). I am also teaching a 56 year old beginner currently.

I understand the challenges upcoming sax players face- momentum, applying music basics, developing clean tone, maintaining rhythm, improvisation - most of which I have MASTERED. So I believe we can work together & help you play familiar tunes within 2-3 weeks. Relax & enjoy your play. Hire me & let's jam!

*** Lesson Details ***
-Customized for each student's specific needs & learning style
-Created a refined curriculum & drafted new learning materials. Students get COMPLIMENTARY copies to take home for practice.

***Online classes***
Computer, good internet, FaceTime/ Skype

** Studio equipment **
Alto- & Soprano saxophones; JODY JAZZ Mouthpieces; Reeds (Vandoren, RicoPlastiCover, Legere); Rovner Ligatures;
Vandoren MP cushions- you get COMPLIMENTARY cushions too :-)

*** Specialties ***
Jazz; Smooth jazz; Classical; Gospel; Contemporary; Funk; Afro-Cuban

ll facets of music can be addressed, including music theory, tempo and rhythm, improvisation and soloing, grooves, ear training and any other techniques needing to be developed.

Study into specific genres is also an option, including jazz, funk, soul, R&B, reggae, latin, rock, pop, metal, etc.

Another major focus in lessons is helping each student develop their own "voice" in their playing. This is the most rewarding part of being a musician, as learning how to develop your playing to channel your own mental, physical and emotional feelings and ideas leads to great self discovery, self confidence and awareness. It is also a great stress reliever and can be very therapeutic!

Lessons with Jonathan are highly engaging and educational, but they are also fun! Jonathan creates a lesson plan unique to each student's needs and skills to ensure maximum results and progression inside of a comfortable and fun atmosphere! All the educational material means nothing if you aren't finding the enjoyment and fun in the lesson to actually practice and learn the material outside of it! Jonathan approaches lessons with a professional and laid-back demeanor looking to keep a smile and interest on the student's face from the beginning of the lesson to the end!

Studio Gear:
TC Electronic BG250 12' Combo Amp
Fender USA Modified Jazz Bass
(Above 2 items are also used for travel lessons)

Acoustic 15' Combo Bass Amp
Ernie Ball Sterling 5 string Bass

Korg Krome 61 Keyboard
Behringer 12' speaker