Renting a Guitar

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When Renting a Guitar Makes Sense

Maybe you’ve toyed with the idea of picking up this iconic instrument, but the hefty price tag of a new guitar has held you back. Renting a guitar might be the perfect solution for you. This is especially true for young students who have never played before. Trying it out first using a rental can make a lot of sense.

Dip Your Toes In

Learning a new instrument is exciting, but it’s also a commitment. Renting a guitar allows you to dive into the world of music without the pressure of the upfront cost. We currently rent guitars for $25 a month so you can explore whether the guitar is the right instrument for you. Maybe you’ll discover a hidden talent, or perhaps you’ll find that your musical journey requires a different type of guitar.

Experiment with Different Styles

One of the coolest things about renting is the ability to try different types of guitars to see what works best for your style of music. Acoustic for those mellow vibes or an electric for rocking out – the options are endless. Also, different guitars play differently, so you can get an idea of what you would like for your musical journey. We do have both electric and acoustic guitars that you can try to see which one fits best.

Renting a Guitar

Electric Guitar

Renting a Guitar

Acoustic Guitar

No Commitment

If you rent a guitar, there’s no pressure to keep going if your circumstances change. The nice thing is if you get busy with work, school, or family, you can return the guitar and come back to it later if you decide.

So, if you’re on the fence about buying a guitar, you can always give renting a shot. It’s affordable, flexible, and a fantastic way to explore your musical potential. Who knows, you might just discover a lifelong passion.

Please contact us if you have any questions about renting a guitar. We currently have both electric and acoustic guitars available.

Fun Adventure

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My Guitar Students: Tiny Tacticians

I’ve always believed that learning should be a fun adventure. But who knew that my humble guitar studio would morph into a battleground of wits and strategy?

Fun Adventure

Chess

Inadvertently, I’ve got a peculiar little ritual going. I teach guitar lessons, which, as you might imagine, involves a lot of strumming, picking, and the occasional frustrated grunt. But here’s the kicker: once the final chord is struck, a phenomenon occurs…my students are irresistibly drawn to the chess board. It’s as if they’ve been holding back their inner grandmaster all this while, and the moment their fingers leave the fretboard, they’re ready to pounce.

I’ve had beginners, barely able to form a C chord, challenge me to a match with the intensity of a seasoned pro. Their eyes, normally focused on fretboards and tuning pegs, are now calculating angles and plotting strategies. It’s fun to see these budding musicians transform into tiny tacticians.

Shared Experiences

I’ve come to realize that the chessboard is more than just a game to them; it’s a break, a challenge, and a chance to connect. I see their competitive spirit, their problem-solving skills, and their ability to laugh at my blunders.

Even though I’ve lost my fair share of games, there’s something incredibly rewarding about watching their faces light up with victory. It’s a small win, but it means the world to them. And in that moment, I’m not just a guitar teacher; I’m a friendly opponent, a mentor, and, dare I say, a bit of a cool dude.

It’s in these shared experiences that I believe the magic of teaching truly happens. It’s not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about creating a positive and enjoyable learning environment. When students feel comfortable and have fun, they’re more engaged and motivated to learn. And who knows, maybe one day one of my guitar students will become a chess grandmaster and a rock star all at once.

To learn more about lessons or if you have any comments about the blogs, please feel free to send us an email.

 

A Gemini Bedtime Story

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A Bedtime Story for Young Musicians by the AI Gemini

The use of AI is pretty fun. This Gemini bedtime story turned out pretty good!

Elias, a young man with a mop of messy brown hair, bounced on the balls of his feet, excitement crackling in the air around him. Sunlight streamed through his bedroom window, painting warm squares on his worn wooden floor. In the center of the room, a worn leather suitcase gaped open, its belly threatening to burst with dreams.

Elias wasn’t packing clothes, not exactly. Nestled amongst the carefully folded maps and crumpled travel brochures was his most prized possession: a guitar. Its wood, a deep mahogany, had been polished smooth by countless hours of practice. The sunlight caught the worn pickguard, making it shimmer like a hidden treasure.

This wasn’t just any guitar. It was a melody maker, a voice for the stories that swirled in Elias’s head. Every strum, every pluck, was a note in a symphony of wanderlust. The maps weren’t just decorations; they were blueprints for adventure. The red line snaking across continents traced the path of his upcoming world tour.

Elias wasn’t a famous musician yet, but the world was waiting. Every town square, every bustling market, every quiet beach was a potential stage. He’d play for wide-eyed children in bustling city streets, for weary travelers in sun-drenched cafes, for anyone who would listen.

He wasn’t just packing a suitcase; he was packing a heart full of music. He imagined the rhythm of his guitar mingling with the sounds of laughter in a Parisian cafe, the strumming in harmony with the roar of ocean waves on a Hawaiian beach, the melodies weaving through the bustling crowds of a Tokyo marketplace.

With a final excited bounce, Elias zipped up the suitcase. The world was a vast and beautiful song, and he was ready to play his part. He shut his eyes, picturing the faces he’d meet, the stories he’d hear, the melodies he’d create. A soft smile touched his lips as sleep, like a gentle wave, carried him away on a journey of dreams, a prelude to the grand symphony that awaited him on the road.

Feel free to leave us a comment about the AI story.

Audio Recordings

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Helping Students Find Their Voice: Using Audio Recordings for Self-Assessment

As educators, we strive to equip students with the tools they need to excel. In music, a crucial skill is self-awareness – understanding how you sound to others. This is where audio recordings become a game-changer.

The Magic of Self-Hearing

Traditional learning often relies on students receiving feedback from an instructor. While valuable, it can be limited. Recordings give students the opportunity to hear themselves objectively. This can be incredibly insightful, revealing aspects of their delivery they might not have noticed.

Audio Recordings

Jazmin at the Greeley Studio

Rhythm and Pitch

Imagine a student working on a strumming pattern or a lead. Upon playback, they can:

  • Identify rhythmic inconsistencies. Do they rush through certain passages or drag out others? There is also a visual representation of the audio which allows them to see pacing issues.
  • Recognize pitch fluctuations. Are the bends in tune or do they unintentionally over or under shoot the note? Hearing themselves can also help them tweak the solos and help them find and create their own melodic voice.

Beyond the Basics: Overall Delivery

Self-recording goes beyond capturing your performance. It’s a powerful tool for dissecting your playing and taking your skills to the next level.

Here’s what you can listen for:

  • Clarity of notes: Are your notes ringing out clean, or are there any unwanted string noise or fret buzz?
  • Dynamics: Are you using a good range of volume between soft passages and loud accents?
  • Timing: Is your playing tight and in time, or are there any hesitations or rushes?
  • Feeling and expression: Does your playing convey the emotion you’re aiming for?

By listening back to your recordings, you can identify areas for improvement and focus your practice sessions more effectively.

The Power of Google Drive: Accessibility on Demand

By saving recordings directly to the student’s Google Drive folder, they will have access at any time. This allows them to:

  • Compare multiple recordings. They can track their progress over time, observing improvements in areas like soloing or rhythm guitar.
  • Practice outside of class. Students can use the recordings as a reference point for self-practice, allowing them to refine their delivery at their own convenience.
  • Collaborate with peers. Students can share their recordings to get feedback fostering a supportive learning environment.

Unlocking Potential: Audio Recordings as a Learning Tool

By hearing themselves objectively, students can identify areas for improvement and take ownership of their learning journey. This has proven to be an amazing learning tool!

Ready to rock? Sign up for your first guitar, bass, ukulele or drum lesson today!

First Lesson

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Finding the Flow: Rhythm in Teaching

The first lesson with a new student is always really exciting. Getting to know their learning style, gauging their skill level, and figuring out the best path to take them on is a lot of fun.

After several lessons, it can be tempting to throw structure out the window and chase whatever sparks their interest that day. But I’ve discovered that a strong foundation in lesson structure can actually fuel flexibility, leading to a smooth, collaborative learning rhythm.

First Lesson

Rowans First Lesson on Bass

Structure

Here’s how this structured flexibility creates a winning combination:

  1. Consistency Builds Confidence:

Students thrive on routine. Knowing what to expect from a lesson – a warm-up, a review, some new material, practice exercises, and a wrap-up – provides a sense of security. They can approach each session feeling comfortable, ready to dive right in. This consistency frees up mental space, allowing them to focus on the actual learning instead of worrying about what’s coming next.

  1. Structure Empowers Exploration:

A solid structure is like a sturdy bridge. It gives you a safe platform to venture off on side paths based on your student’s interests. Did a particular concept spark a question? Great! Take the time to explore it together. Perhaps a student wants to try a new approach to a problem. Even better! Use this as a learning opportunity, while still ensuring you eventually circle back to the original plan.

  1. Flexibility Leads to Engagement:

Teaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all profession. Each student is unique, and their interests can steer a lesson in unexpected directions. By having a flexible structure, it’s easy to adapt to their curiosities, turning them into teachable moments. This creates a dynamic learning environment where students feel heard and engaged, fostering a love for the subject matter.

Planning the First Lesson

So, how do I actually implement this?

  • Planning the Framework: Starting with broad learning goals, I can then break them down into smaller, achievable objectives for each lesson.
  • Leave Room for Deviations: Adjusting my plan based on your student’s needs. There may be times when a detour is exactly what’s needed to solidify understanding.
  • Always Circle Back: If I veer off course, then it’s important to eventually return to the original objective, tying the exploration back to the core learning goal of the lesson.

The ideal lesson structure is one that fosters a rhythm – a predictable flow that feels both comfortable and dynamic. It’s a framework that empowers the student to explore, learn, and grow together, one enriching session at a time.

For more information on guitar, bass, ukulele, or drum lessons, please contact us. 

Online Lessons

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Online Lessons: Story’s Musical Journey

Story, now 12, had started learning to play guitar when she was 7. The guitar had become an instrument she really started to excel at. But when her family relocated, starting over with a new teacher was definitely a possibility.

This is why I am so glad online lessons were invented. Connecting virtually meant the transition to a new city would have one less concern for them. And of course, I was very happy that I could still teach her. Even though there are some draw backs, having a consistent lesson format can help tremendously when learning a new instrument.

Online Lessons

Story taking online guitar lessons

The Privilege to Teach Story

For me, it’s been a privilege to witness her progress unfold. Seeing her confidence grow as she tackles new chords and melodies is just as rewarding online as it was in person. Technology allows me to tailor lessons to her specific needs, demonstrating techniques and still providing immediate feedback.

The flexibility of online lessons has also been a bonus. With the occasional scheduling conflict, online sessions allow us to easily adjust the time without disrupting Story’s practice routine. This consistency is crucial, especially for young musicians where regular practice is key to developing skills and maintaining motivation.

Story’s dedication to her instrument is truly inspiring. Despite the physical distance, her enthusiasm for learning shines through the screen each week. She actively participates, asks questions, and eagerly shares her musical discoveries. It’s a testament to the power of online learning that a strong student-teacher bond can be maintained even in a virtual space.

So, if you’re hesitant about online lessons for yourself or your child, take Story’s experience as an example. Technology has revolutionized learning, offering accessibility and flexibility without compromising quality. With the right platform and a dedicated teacher, online lessons can be just as enriching and rewarding as traditional in-person instruction.

If you are interested in taking online lessons, please contact us.

Drum Lessons

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A Peek Inside My Drum Lesson Setup

Have you ever dreamt of laying down killer beats on the drums? Well, buckle up because I’m about to give you a sneak peek into the world of my drum lessons, a place where technique meets fun and progress is guaranteed!

What Happens During Drum Lessons

Each lesson kicks off with a fresh lick – a new drumming technique that injects a dose of excitement and keeps the learning curve constantly climbing. We then dive into a tight, 4-bar rhythm pattern, a fundamental building block for any aspiring kit drummer. These short bursts are a fantastic way to solidify the new technique while building a solid foundation in essential grooves.

Picking Songs

Some students arrive with a specific song in mind, a tune they’re burning to master on the drums. That’s awesome! We’ll assess the difficulty level of the song and, if it’s a good fit for their current skillset, we can jump right in and start learning it within the first few lessons. It’s all about keeping things engaging and letting the music be the fuel that propels their drumming journey.

For students who haven’t chosen a song yet, no worries! I’ve got a curated library of popular and fun tunes ready to explore. This way, they can discover new music while honing their drumming skills.

But here’s the secret weapon that sets my lessons apart: a dedicated 27″ monitor! Ditch the tiny notation books – we embrace clarity and comfort. This big screen makes reading drum sheet music a breeze, helping students grasp timing concepts and navigate complex rhythms with ease.

The fun doesn’t stop there. My teaching software is a true game-changer. Imagine this: you’re struggling with a tricky passage in a song. No problem! We can slow it down without altering the pitch, allowing you to master the technique before gradually increasing the speed. This “speed training” approach is a favorite among my students, as it empowers them to conquer those challenging sections with confidence.

Drum Lessons

Brae on Drums

Conquering Challenges

Speaking of conquering challenges, let me tell you about Brae, one of my amazing students. When she first started, reading notes seemed like an insurmountable obstacle. Fast forward to today, and Brae is confidently navigating drum sheets, translating those symbols on the page into driving beats and infectious grooves. It’s truly inspiring to witness her progress!

The best part? Brae’s enthusiasm for drumming is contagious. She recently doubled her lesson time from a half-hour to a full hour, and even then, we often find ourselves wanting more! This is the magic of drumming – it becomes an addiction, a creative outlet that fuels your passion and ignites a fire within.

If you are interested in trying out drum lessons, we offer a unique blend of focused technique, engaging repertoire, and cutting-edge technology, all in a fun and supportive environment.

Consistent Practice

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The Magic of Consistent Practice: From Beginner to Guitar Hero

We’ve all seen those epic guitar solos that leave us speechless. Fingers flying across the fretboard, complex melodies weaving magic in the air – it seems like these guitarists are channeling pure sorcery. But the truth is far less mystical and far more attainable: consistent practice is the real secret weapon. Just ask Christopher, a student who tackled the notoriously difficult solo in Judas Priest’s “The Sentinel” through sheer perseverance.

Imagine the satisfaction Christopher felt nailing that solo. It wasn’t a stroke of luck or sudden talent explosion. It was the culmination of countless hours spent diligently practicing, dissecting each note, and building the muscle memory to execute it flawlessly. This is the power of consistent practice – it transforms the impossible into the impressive.

Consistent Practice with Anything

Think about learning any skill. Whether it’s baking a perfect souffle, mastering a new language, or even becoming a coding whiz, the initial steps are often the most daunting. We stumble, make mistakes, and feel discouraged. But with consistent practice, those fumbles transform into fluid movements. The brain strengthens the neural pathways associated with the skill, making it more automatic and less effortful.

Consistent Practice

Christopher

Let’s break it down further. Consistent practice isn’t about cramming hours on end in a single go. It’s about dedicating focused time regularly. Think of it like watering a plant. Short, regular bursts of focused practice are far more effective than sporadic marathon sessions. This allows your brain to absorb information, process it, and then solidify those connections through consistent repetition.

Here’s the beauty of consistent practice: it applies to every facet of life. Whether you’re aiming to improve your public speaking skills, become a more patient parent, or simply learn a new recipe, consistent effort is the key to progress.

There will be days when motivation dips. Life throws curveballs, and practice sessions might fall by the

wayside. Don’t beat yourself up! The key is to get back on track as soon as possible. Remember, even a short practice session is better than none. Consistency is about the long game, not about a perfect track record.

Practicing

Here are some tips to cultivate consistent practice in your own life:

  • Set realistic goals: Don’t overwhelm yourself by aiming for mastery overnight. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate each milestone, and use them to fuel your motivation.
  • Find a practice method that works for you: Experiment with different techniques to find what keeps you engaged. Maybe it’s practicing with a metronome, joining an online community, or simply finding a quiet corner with your instrument.
  • Make it fun! Learning shouldn’t feel like a chore. Integrate elements that you enjoy into your practice sessions. Play along to your favorite songs, jam with friends, or even reward yourself for reaching milestones.

So, the next time you witness a jaw-dropping guitar solo or marvel at someone’s seemingly effortless mastery of a skill, remember – it’s a testament to the power of consistent practice. It’s the dedication, the focus, and the sheer grit of putting in the work, day after day. And that’s something we can all achieve, one consistent step at a time. The journey to becoming your own personal hero begins with consistent practice. Check out more videos of students here.

Exploring Different Instruments

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Heidy’s Double Threat: Why Drums Can Supercharge Your Guitar Skills

Heidy’s journey from guitar strings to drum skins is a perfect example of how exploring different instruments enriches your overall musicianship. Not only will she develop a deeper appreciation for rhythm, but she’ll also gain a newfound confidence in her guitar playing.

Exploring Different Instruments

Heidy is now playing guitar and drums!

Exploring Different Instruments Develops Musicianship

Drums are the heart of any rhythmic section. They lay down the foundation, the driving force that pulls the entire song together. By learning the language of drums, you gain a deeper understanding of rhythm itself. Concepts like backbeats, those steady on-the-beat hits that create the pulse, become second nature. You’ll instinctively feel the groove, that rhythmic pocket where the guitar and drums interlock seamlessly.

Heidy’s strumming will take on a whole new life. Learning basic drum fills and how they interact with the backbeat will translate beautifully to her guitar playing. She’ll understand how to accentuate certain beats, create tension and release, and ultimately make her guitar parts groove with a whole new confidence.

But the magic of drums goes beyond the core beats. Offbeats, those notes played between the main accents, become a playground for exploration. Syncopation, the deliberate placement of notes off the main beat, adds excitement and rhythmic depth. By learning how drums utilize these techniques, Heidy will develop a richer understanding of rhythm as a whole. She’ll be able to experiment with syncopated guitar riffs and adding accents that make her playing more dynamic and engaging.

Final Thoughts

It’s so nice to be able to provide a platform for students to expand their musical horizons, one beat at a time. So, whether you started with guitar or bass and have your sights set on the drums, remember – the most important thing is the joy of creating music!

I encourage students who are curious about another instrument to give it a try. At the very least, they will see what it’s like from another musical perspective. But ultimately, they may discover how much fun learning other instruments can be.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.

Restart Guitar Lessons

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My Door Is Always Open: Welcoming Back Students

This week, I had the most incredible surprise! One of my former students, Christina, wanted to restart guitar lessons. It’s always exciting when past students reach out to pick things back up. It’s a testament to how much fun making music is and it apparently doesn’t fade even after time away.

Restart Guitar Lessons

Christina Returns to Guitar Lessons

Forming Connections

I really think that teaching is just as much about forming connections as it is passing along information. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of reconnecting with students who took a hiatus, sometimes for decades! I’ve seen them come back as parents, bringing their own children to discover the magic of music. Others have returned after building successful careers, seeking a creative outlet or that familiar comfort music provides.

Sometimes life throws curveballs that put those connections on hold. Maybe work gets demanding, or a new family takes center stage. Whatever the reason, it’s so amazing when those students want to start back up again.

Never Too Late to Restart Guitar Lessons

It’s a beautiful reminder that learning is a lifelong journey. There’s no such thing as a “too late” when it comes to music. Whether you put your instrument down for a year or twenty, picking it back up is always so rewarding.

Here in my studio, the door is always open to anyone who is interested in learning music! But more importantly, there’s an open invitation to come back, no matter how much time has passed. We can pick up where we left off, or start fresh depending on your goals.

Whether you need a refresher, a supportive environment to tackle a new challenge, or simply a friendly face to chat with about your progress, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Here’s to the power of lifelong learning, and to the connections that make it all the more rewarding!