Brent Vaartstra Guitar Lessons

My teaching approach:

I have taught students of all ages, skill levels, and musical interests. I am interested in helping my students achieve their personal musical goals, while directing them down a path that allows a thorough understanding of the guitar. I focus on technique and fingerboard mastery, but stress the importance of creativity through learning tunes, improvising, and exploring the benefits of different styles of music. I worked as a musician playing gigs and teaching lessons for years and know how to set students up for success.

My influences are:

Wes Montgomery, John Coltrane, Kenny Burrell, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Dream Theater, Rush, Pink Floyd, Peter Bernstein, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Andy Mckee, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Wynton Kelley, Jim Hall, Sonny Rollins...

My guitar lessons take place in:

The teacher's studio or the student's home

Guitar Techniques:

Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Open tuning, Fingerstyle, Vocal Accompaniment, Performance, Improvisation, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing, Guidance In Equipment Selection

Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following:

I start by really getting to know what the students goals are with the instrument in order to assist him/her in the best way possible through the lessons. I also have the student demonstrate what he/she already knows. This helps reveal the students abilities so that I can move from there. I always leave the student with material to work on for the next lesson.

A guitar lesson with me might entail the following:

I like to give assignments that my students can work on throughout the week so that we can monitor progress, and also revisited areas that need more focus. I like to be working on a tune that focuses on the technique the student needs to develop. We will work towards the goals the student has expressed interest in. The actual material we work on depends on the students level and needs, but all basics of the instrument are covered first.

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

Willing to learn and put in the time, open to correction, has a positive attitude!