JandBstudio

J and B Studio

Jeff Myers

Guitar Lessons and vocal lessons for all types and ages

260-484-1664

[email protected]

2110 Dodge Ave.

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

1. What do I wear? ...and other studio tips and logistics.

2. How much does it cost - do I need a second mortgage?

3. Do you have to practice - or can I be a star through Osmosis and meditation?

4. I just want to impress my girlfriend/boyfriend and do I have to read the music too?

5. So who is Jeff Myers and what is JandB Studio? Why does Jeff think he is better than my brother who plays a mean Guitar Hero?

Chapter #1- What do I wear? ...and other studio tips and logistics.

JandB Studio is located at 2110 Dodge Ave in the quiet neighborhood where my wife and I have lived since 1986. The room used was formerly the practice room for The Answer Band and will be furnished with a seating area for parents or guardians. I encourage them to sit in on the lessons. Parental involvement has been proven beneficial time and time again for children’s development in any area of education. Yes-Fine Arts including music are important in education and can effectively reinforce or even heighten development in other areas, especially math.

If your child uses his/her knowledge from guitar and switches to another instrument my feelings won’t be hurt. Many talented kids play a variety of instruments as they develop. The lessons will be a half hour long and I will constantly evaluate the student in their strengths and weakness, likes and dislikes to accomplish their goals and hopefully beyond what they thought possible. If you have multiple children and want to sit in on the lessons, I just ask that the other children don’t distract your student. This is his/her time and probably your money so you and the student want to get the most out of the experience. I have children and have been where you are, so I understand. It’s a tricky situation with multiple children and if we work together it can be a win-win situation. Remember if a parent is at the lesson, it is like getting two lessons for the price of one. The more you learn and remember the more you can help your child. Hey, maybe you can get good enough to moonlight as a musician and pay for more lessons!

In case you were worried you don’t have to wear dresses and ties. Dress casually and maybe layer in the winter because everyone seems to have different opinions on what is hot/cold or just right. I will have something on hand like pretzels and water, but if you are running from children’s events you are always welcome to bring food into the studio. So if you need to bring in your Wendy’s, Subway, it is OK. Just dispose of your trash in the appropriate garbage or recycling can. We do have a restroom down the hall if you need to use the facilities or to wash off after a quick meal.

As a parent you are always welcome to ask questions as the lesson progresses. You or the student can also call me at 484-1664 at any time between 9am and 5pm on Thursday and Friday or between 9am and 3pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (lesson days).

Parking: You can park in our driveway next to the side door or there is another spot behind our garage. We share our driveway with our next door neighbor so we try to make sure there is a path for them and my wife to get in and out. After you park just go in the side door and come downstairs. If it is before your time I have chairs outside the studio and pretzels and water to hold you over.

Chapter #2- How much does it cost - do I need a second mortgage?

My is at $20.00 per half hour. I have checked around and find this price very reasonable. I have an advantage having the lessons in my own studio, because obviously I don’t have to rent out my own studio; however, the space is dedicated and not used for other purposes (like for an air hockey or pool table my son would like). I don’t ask for the money in advance as some studios do, but a second lesson without money may be cause for a wait listed person to take your spot. I do expect to hear from you at least one week in advance if there is an extracurricular school or other conflict. You need to manage your time and anticipate homework – that is not a valid excuse and you will be charged for the lesson if missed. Both of our time is valuable. With adequate notice, I can attempt to rearrange or fill your spot. Of course I do understand there is the possibility of waking up the day of your lesson feeling sick.

Chapter 3: Do you have to practice - or can I be a star through osmosis and meditation?

Jeff does have bad news for you if you want to become the best guitar player ever by blinking your eyes and hoping as hard as you can. Not going to happen! He’s always looked at becoming a good musician as a series of walls to break down. The walls aren’t brick but just skills that once learned bring a fantastic “This is Cool” or “I can’t believe I’m doing this” feeling. At first your fingers may hurt a little and you may feel like you are getting nowhere, but if you stick with it and practice getting through the first wall is a wonderful feeling. The cool thing about it is that even if someday to Jeff’s sorrow you decide to switch to a different instrument or passion you can transfer your determination and passion to other instruments or skills you want to learn.

Chapter 4: I just want to impress my girlfriend/boyfriend and do I have to read the music too?

Jeff will cater your lesson to the style, speed and goals in which you pick.

Jeff can prepare you for reading music, playing by ear, playing chords, learning scales, music theory, relationships in the music business, starting a band and can give you some pointers on singing with your guitar if needed. (He was a vocal education major at Ball State University)

The preferred and most complete way to learn is to do all the above at a rate comfortable for you, but he will work with you in what makes guitar fun to you as an individual.

Chapter #5- So who is Jeff Myers and what is JandB Studio? Why does Jeff think he is better than my brother who plays a mean Guitar Hero?

Jeff Myers has been involved in music and in teaching for a very long time. Jeff started playing guitar at the age of 7. He joined his first band in middle school. They were called Action and Reaction and played mainly Beatles and Beach Boy tunes. In high school Jeff joined the well known regional country band Joe Taylor & the RedBirds. He moonlighted with a few friends in a heavy metal band called RELEASE who played original material along with a few cover tunes. At this time Jeff got to play with renowned local drummer Phil Henschen who has played with City Lights for a number of years. After graduating from North Side High School, Jeff went to Ball State University where he received a Music Education Area K-12 degree. He also minored in classical guitar.

After returning home to Fort Wayne in 1984 he was asked to join a local band called Headwind and played lead guitar and sang until 1994. During this time he also began leading music for St. Jude Church Bible School and continues today. He also began playing guitar sing-alongs with the young children at Bunche Montessori. Initially it was for his daughters classrooms and later for his sons pre-school/kindergarten class. The eldest daughter is now minoring in jazz piano at Depauw University and the middle child is majoring in classical flute performance at the University of Minnesota.

In 1994 Jeff and another band mate Mike Snyder started the band called The Answer Band. Mike died of cancer a year later and the band continued in his name until the end of 2008 when Jeff retired from performing and began teaching guitar lessons to wonderful students like you.

Jeff continues to help at St. Jude’s with special events such as the May crowning, Blessing of the Animals , Confirmation and others when available. Actually there is more...for the past 4 or 5 years he has led the music for the Youth masses at St. Jude as well as taught guitar classes at Bunche/Towles Schools for 4th, 5th & 6th grade classes for the last 10 years. Because of all these commitments he hasn’t been able to answer yes to the question always posed to him...Do you give guitar lessons? Due to retiring from the band and the two oldest children off to college, the answer since 2008 is YES!

I am known as "The Music Man" around the parish and area. I love teaching about the joy of music.