Kevin Carlson Guitar Lessons

My teaching approach:

I teach guitar for kids new to music lessons - specializing in ages 5 - 12 with a parent. I have mostly fingerstyle students but pickstyle folks are more than welcome. I teach the nationally known Childbloom program and am familiar with all methods by the major publishers. I encourage a variety of learning paths and some performing via recitals, state guitar exams, and ensemble festivals. I enjoy working with students on archtop electric, classical, steel string and electric bass. I am a member of MMTA (MN Music Teachers), MN Guitar Society, and Guitar Foundation of America,

My influences are:

Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Classical composers and performers, Steve Morse, Johnny Smith, Ted Greene, Hank Garland, Lenny Breau - in no particular order : )

My guitar lessons take place in:

The teacher's studio

Guitar Lessons with me take place in the following areas:

Paramount Theater, St. Cloud, MN

Guitar Techniques:

Lead guitar, Fingerstyle, Vocal Accompaniment, Performance, Reading Music, Music Theory

Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following:

I'd have the student play a bit and discuss their goals and direction. If they are new, I'd set them on an initial curriculum path, explain my schedule and expectations, and hopefully we'd play together too.

A guitar lesson with me might entail the following:

We might warm up on a familiar exercise, piece or sight reading. Method book work could follow along with a special project chosen by the student. Listening, ear training, music theory skills or Chord playing / building via games and other goal orientated activities could occur. Ensemble playing is also a common part of any lesson or class.

The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following:

One that asks questions, prepares reasonably and behaves as though their goals and mine for them are an exciting part of the process.