Rick Mareske Jazz Guitar Lessons
About
Over the years I have studied with the best teachers Kansas City has to offer; Studying applied jazz theory for guitar with John Elliot stands out as the most significant. John taught some of the best jazz players in Kansas City. As a pianist he taught jazz theory to anyone but usually on piano. He was able to teach guitarists on their instrument because he took the time to figure out how to voice the instrument. Anyway, using his method it becomes easy to figure out chord melodies while keeping a good flow to the chords. I basically use John's method with some other technique thrown in. If you work hard, in a few years you can become a decent jazz guitarist using this method.
I've also studied classical guitar with Doug Niedt at UMKC, jazz guitar with Danny Embrey, and music composition with Jeffery Ruckman.
I love giving people the tools so they can express themselves on their instrument. The world is a better place when more people play music.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to spend time in the beginning figuring out what you want to learn. Then to the best of my abilities I'll try to assist. That being said, my strengths are as a jazz guitarist. If you want to learn Chicago Blues or rock 'n roll you should find another teacher.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied with John Elliot (a Kansas City icon in the jazz world) and learned a lot about how to harmonize a melody and voice chords. I learned some great left hand technique from Doug Niedt, the classical guitarist instructor at UMKC. I studied composition with Jeffery Ruckman. I studied jazz guitar with Danny Embrey. Most recently I have been studying Gypsy jazz on my own,
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$15 for a half hour
$25 for an hour
How did you get started teaching?
I've taught guitar for many years. I started teaching classes through Communiversity at UMKC. It's a community ed program.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with people 6 years to 70.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Figure out what kind of music you're interested in and find a teacher that can match your interests. Guitar styles vary incredibly and so does the technique used to play. There's finger style, flat picking, finger picks, Gypsy picking. Each one of these techniques can take years to master.