Learning how to sing properly takes work. For those of us, who sing in bands, churches, choirs, and teach, we can forget how important proper breathing exercises matter. Singing and voice lessons can help you reach your musical goals. Some topics I cover in my private voice lessons are: 1. Singing the vowels. A E I O U. Singing them in a major or minor scale, will help you understand how words sound and feel when we sing them. 2. Learning how to breathe properly when singing a song....
Lesson tips
I was asked this question from the mom of a possible student. She was wondering if her 6 year old son was too young to start guitar lessons. In my opinion, children can start learning and understanding music as early as 5 months old. One of my friends is the director of Music Together / Colombia Ridge here in the Camas/ Washougal WA area. We've had quite a few conversations about early musical development in pre schoolers. She and Music Together believe that there is music inside all of us,...
I am asked by a lot of beginning banjo students which book to purchase. I recommend Alred's Teach Yourself to play Banjo.. But choose me as your banjo teacher. It's very easy to comprehend and I like the way the book is laid out. It talks about bluegrass, claw hammer, and frailing in a way that is easy for the beginning student to understand Taking banjo lessons is fun. and for some people, it's actually easier than starting guitar lessons. The chords are often one or two finger,...
Thinking about starting guitar lessons this fall? I have a few openings here in Camas and Vancouver, Wa Above are four of my electric guitars that I teach from. Each has a distinct tone and feel. Let me offer an opinion about each: Fender Telecaster with a B bender. Yes, the B string bends a whole step high, when you pull down on the stap lock. It simulates the sound of a pedal steel guitar. This Fender is an American made Nashville: the three pickups configuration of a Strat, but...
Taking guitar lessons can be fun and challenging. It helps to have a good guitar to learn with. Above is a picture of my Tayor T5 electric / acoustic guitar. It's known as a hybrid guitar. It has the ability to sound like an acoustic guitar. With a switch of a knob, you have four different pick up selections to choose from. Neck, bridge, Gretsch and Fender Strat tone. Teaching guitar, I have discovered that it is important to find a guitar that is easy to play and stays in tune. When...
Here in Vancouver Wa, we have a lot of good teachers who teach electric guitar, with private lessons. Playing electric guitar, is way different than playing acoustic guitar, for more than the oblivious reasons. Playing an electric guitar has the same similar characteristics like acoustic guitar: you have to be able to play chords, know music theory, be able to finger pick, and know your scales. Playing an electric guitar involves using a amplifier, pedals for effects, and...
Acoustic guitar lessons Vancouver Wa Acoustic guitar playing is a great thing to learn. Taylor guitars are easy to play, have great sound and low action. I use a lot of teaching material from Alfred's music company. Lesson tips: Learn to play open position chords Learn various strumming patterns. Find a acoustic guitar that stays in tune. There are some great "used" acoustic guitars to be found on the web. Take your time, and choose a guitar that you like. Body shape, color,...
Summertime is a great time of year to work on playing your acoustic guitar, with acoustic guitar lessons in Vancouver, Wa. Whether its a Taylor, Gibson or Martin guitar, everyone can benefit from private professional guitar lessons. Practicing tips: Practice at least 15 min a day... Not just noodling, but actual music. Guitar chords, open scales, finger picking. And choose a few songs, that will challenge you to grow as a guitar player. I offer private music lessons ( including...
Mandolin has become popular again with all ages. Here in Vancouver, WA, we have a strong bluegrass music scene, along with roots/ Americana music. Mandolin fits right in, tone wise and has a rich musical tradition. Learning to play a mandolin can seem hard. But if you have a patient teacher ( like myself ) use a good music instruction book, and take time to practice, you will learn quickly. Open position mandolin chords ( also known as two finger chords) are easy to learn. I encourage my...
It doesn't matter how young or old you are, all of us can benefit from music lessons. Here in Vancouver, WA, I offer private instruction for guitar, banjo, mandolin, voice and keyboards. I have two locations that I teach from: Mondays at Heritage Church Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays at Parkside Church, east of downtown Camas, WA I use a variety of music books, IPad for learning, and we have lessons in a safe and secure location. Guitar lessons are important, in being able to reach...