GRAMMY® Nominated Music Educator Mike Overly: Guitar And Bass Lessons
About
GRAMMY® Nominated Music Educator Mike Overly easily combines the worlds of deeply-rooted academic study with a well-textured performance resume. His unmatched perspective on fretboard education has something for everyone. He presents a fascinating and revolutionary clarification of traditional guitar and bass methods which provide many valuable and illuminating insights designed to simplify the learning process by solving the inherent problems of modern musical notation as they are applied to the fretboard.
To learn more about Mike, his company and his products, visit: http://www.12tonemusic.com.com/, http://www.guitartruth.com/ and http://www.guitartruth.com/
I enjoy the feeling of satisfaction I get from knowing that I have helped my students achieve their music, guitar and bass goals. In the same way that I have been and continue to be helped by competent and capable guitarists and bassists of all styles from Jazz to Rock to Country and Classical.
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?
Because my lessons are tailored to the specific goals of the student, each lesson has its differences. However, a typical guitar lesson might entail the following: on your first lesson goals are set, this would include songs you would like to learn and play, as well as any technical and theoretical problems you would like to overcome. Next comes the development of an individualized plan on how to achieve those goals. The student then leaves with a clear understanding of specific tasks and a focused practice plan to prepare for the next lesson. It's important to remember that all lessons are presented with great clarity and simplicity so that the student stays engaged by having fun as they progress.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1985, with a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory, Composition and guitar. I was indrcted into Pi Kappa Lambda - National Music Honor Society, and Phi Kappa Phi - National Academic Honor Society at that time
I have studied guitar with many, including Joe Pass and Howard Roberts. I have also recorded with Tommy Boyce and Carol King among others. I performed in the movie Tunnel Vision with Chevy Chase and John Candy.
I currently write for Guitar Digest Magazine and travel regularly, performing and presenting workshops, seminars and clinics across America.
I am a member of NAfMA: National Association for Music Education, RPMDA: Retail Print Music Dealers Association and MTNA: Music Teachers National Association. His my methods and products are taught around the world.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Fees are paid in advance monthly on or before the first lesson of the month. $100.00 for a 4-week month and $125.00 for a 5-week month. All lessons are 30 minutes of private instruction and meet once a week at the same time. No make-ups or credits will be given unless expressly agreed upon by the instructor before the missed lesson. Any lesson canceled by the instructor will be rescheduled.
There are no lessons on the following holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
How did you get started teaching?
Long before my first guitar, I was already on the path of music. I conducted the first grade chorus, and then spent the next seven years performing and competing in vocal contests, concerts, recordings, stage productions and churches. I was that kid who couldn't play little league because he had to go to choir practice. Oh well, I'm glad now!
I got my first guitar at thirteen and started taking lessons. I studied hard and within two years began teaching at the local music store. Throughout high school I played in many bands and covered everything from the Beatles to Wes Montgomery. One night, when I was fourteen, George Benson let me play his guitar and jam with Jack McDuff. Memories like that stay with you a lifetime!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught just about every type of student, from the amateur hobbyist to the serious professional player, as well as any music enthusiast who wants to come along for the ride.
So, if you want to learn more about: guitar technique and techniques, how to play lead and rhythm guitar, explore open tunings, fingerstyle, slide guitar, vocal accompaniment, performance and jamming skills, improvisation, reading staff notation and TAB, music and guitar theory, scale and arpeggio exercises, song writing, recording and production or guidance in equipment selection... don't hesitate to contact me. [email protected]
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The qualities I look for in an ideal student includes the following: Being the one who wants to learn and practice, play and have fun.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The prospective student should honestly assess their strengths and weaknesses.