JAMehan Music. All Styles, All Smiles. Guitar/vocal Lessons
About
I have over 40 years of practicle stage experience playing guitar, singing, fronting bands, and running the business. I have played everything from pirate music to Old English and Irish Folk songs, I've costumed and played at Renaissance fairs, I played in the meet and greet band at the San Diego Zoo, performing island styles, (soca, calypso, afro-cuban, bossa-nova, salsa). Also rock, blues, country, reggae, and whatever was trending at the time. I am currently playing in a Trop Rock band, Tropical Storm, here in Portland. I also have several original bands, and host many jam nights. Of course, the virus has changed live music for now. I first taught guitar for the San Diego Adult School Program back in 1983. Tropical Storm just came out of the studio as the Covitus 19 stay home orders were developing. We decided to give our music away to pay it forward and help in such difficult times. Here's the link to our store, where you can download the cd fo free. https://nwtropicalstorm.com/tropical-storm-store#
I have never lost the spark I first felt when I picked up my Christmas present from my brother, (an old L-50 archtop Gibson), and started playing chords from a Beatles songbook that had the chord diagrams above the words and melody. My best friend came over and told me I sounded like I had been playing for years. I like to show my students things that I wish someone had showed me when I first started out. I believe it will set the student ahead of many other guitarists.It also makes it easier to see those that have the spark, and those that may need extra attention.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I give him or her 3 basic chords to learn. Depending on how quickly they want to learn more, I start my lessons.
I usually start with the picking hand, and make them work the left hand on their own to start. This is to start building the muscles on their hands and arms, but also the brain.
I make sure that wherever the lessons end, the student has a strong sense of self and working towards their own style.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started playing guitar at the age of 12, and within 3 years I was playing professionally.. I am self taught. I don't read individual notes, I read chord charts. I taught 2 years of guitar at San Diego State, for their Adult Class Program.
I have spent most of my life playing and singing professionally. I have many ways to approach the students, depending on what genre of music they are interested in. I believe my enthusiasm is one of my best qualities, along with a humour and non-judgemental or pushy style.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
First lesson usually is a free 1/2 hr. to meet online, so I can feel the temperment and plan direction depending on what musical style the student wants to start with. After that, I'll work out a schedule, starting at50.00 for 45 minutes. The other 15 minutes will entail the care and feeding of the guitar. Changing strings, what kind of strings, etc. Shop talk. What kind of tuner to buy, things like that.
How did you get started teaching?
A friend of mine who was a coordinator on the staff at SDSU thought I'd be a good fit for the adult classes being offered. Over the years I have taught individuals, including my children.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught classes of 25 or more people...and not one had a guitar!!! I usually like teaching students that have already played a year or so, and showed they are ready to put some focus and effort and a little hard work. I have taught teens to older adults. I have taught a few children, but I don't always believe it is the right time, unless they show that spark to learn. I love to teach students that are excited to learn guitar.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Unfortunately, the current global situation does not allow me to get out and about, I have a mother-in-law that's in her late 80's, and very susceptible to the virus. I was just about to go to a reunion of a band that was released internationall. Very dear and old friends, the finest musicians. We ended up Zooming. I enjoyed hosting jam nights around town in Portland before the fall. I'm planning on doing some Stageit shows with my band, The JAMehan Trio.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you know what you want to do. List at least 10 questions to suss out the teacher's tastes. Remember, one of the greatest parts of teaching is learning things all over again through your eyes. Make sure the magic is there.