Shawn Guess - Music Education
About
I offer private instruction in:
Guitar
Bass
Drums
Theory and Composition
Recording Technique
I've been teaching for over 20 years. I have a bachelors degree in music, teach over 100 lessons per month, and own a full service recording studio. I teach all styles of music and my method teaches you HOW to play, not necessarily WHAT to play. I'll make sure you sound like you and not a carbon copy of me.
There is no other educational experience or facility in the area that compares with what I provide. Students learn faster, achieve more, and get a more complete music education than with any other method or instructor. Students can experience playing live with other musicians (drums, bass, and guitar) and recording -- this helps to better address weaknesses in real world situations . . . and it's a lot of fun. Please take a look at my reviews and let's get you started.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I always assess the student's current knowledge, musical goals, and learning style. These help me develop a plan to make sure the individual has the tools to become the musician he or she wants to be while having a lot of fun doing it.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's Degree in music and have taught for over 20 years. I also run a full production recording studio where I produce and engineer for musicians of all styles and skill levels, helping them to perform their best while recording their music.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons require no contracts or agreements and are paid by the month.
How did you get started teaching?
Some of my first memories are of sitting at a drum kit or strumming a guitar. I come from a musical family and have always loved making music, so it was never really a choice to do this type of work -- it's just that I am a musician, it's all I think about and do, and I'm lucky enough to be able to wake up every day and share it with other people.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with 7 year old children to 75 year old retirees, from beginner to touring musician, from aspiring artist to platinum album selling industry veterans. From country pickers to metal shredders to blues men and everything between. But the common thread is the love for music. Every person I've worked with who considers themself a musician has a love for music that cannot be quelled.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I really love every project I'm part of and every student I work with because I learn something from every one. Out-of-towners who do a one-off lesson to those I've taught for 10 years, acoustic demo recordings or full length albums that take 2 years to record. . . they all have something that makes me a better musician and helps me understand other musicians better. And these, in turn, allow me to teach even more effectively.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I think it's rather simple: a great educator has the ability to make you love learning. If you love what you're working on, you can't help but get better if guided properly. A huge misconception is that if a person is a great player, then they are a great teacher. This isn't always the case and the ability to play well must be accompanied by the ability to communicate those skills in an easily comprehensible way.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do I want to get out of my lessons? Simply know your goals and we will make sure you achieve them together.