Objective:

My goal as an instructor is to work with you in learning the fundamentals of Guitar playing and musicianship, as well as help you to gain a greater understanding of principles of music theory, Guitar techniques (i.e., finger picking, strumming patterns, etc.), music styles (i.e., Rock, Pop, Jazz, etc.) and to learn music that is of interest to the student. I will also act as a mentor and work to stretch you into achieving the potential that I see in you as a musician. Above all, I want you to have fun.

Purpose:

It is important to think of the reasons you want to learn to play the Guitar.  Understanding your purpose will help us to set goals and focus your studies.  You will progress much faster as a student with clear goals and your purpose in mind.

Curriculum: 

This curriculum is based on my experience as a teacher, my experience as a student, what I have learned from other players, and what I have learned from current musical literature.  It is designed to provide a full musical education that focuses on all the important areas of musicianship and guitar playing.

Method-You will learn how to read music and you will develop a good technique. Beginning and intermediate students will learn from this book and other handouts depending on the focus of the student. Advanced students will learn from other books and handouts.

Theory- You will learn the fundamentals of general music theory.  This knowledge will be applicable to any of the musical instruments.

Your Tunes- These are songs you choose to learn.  They provide an opportunity to apply all that you are learning about reading music, technique, and theory.  At the same time you are learning your favorite songs, we will take some time with each song to write out a transcription.  The transcription gives further opportunity for application of what you are learning.  They also provide opportunities to develop a good musical ear.

My Tunes- These are songs I choose for you to learn.  We will work with them the same as we do with Your Tunes.  We will work with My Tunes occasionally to expose and introduce you to different styles of music.

Listening- I expect you to spend some real time each day really listening to music.  Try to distinguish different parts and instruments.  Listen to the songs your learning.  Listen to your favorite artists and what makes them sound good.  Listening to different styles and types of music will balance your education.

History- We will study some of the history of the guitar, namely: how it came about, different types of guitars, and important guitar players who have made significant contributions to guitar playing today.

Materials:

Acoustic/Electric Guitar- (You do not need to bring an amplifier). 

Folder or Binder- For the many handouts we will use apart from this book in each lesson. 

Music Manuscript Paper- It is best in a spiral bound notebook; they are available in tablature as well.

Tape Player/CD Player- For listening to what you are learning.

Metronome- To practice with every exercise or song that we will be learning.

Guitar/Bass Tuner- Inexpensive models are available at your local music store.

About Your Teacher

References:

Dr. Don Keipp: Adjunct Associate Professor of Music/Jazz/Percussion at Weber State University. Dr. Thomas Root:  Adjunct Associate Professor of Music/Band at Weber State University.

Biography:  My musical training began at around the age of eight.  I began formal piano lessons from a local teacher in my neighborhood for three years to follow. In 1990 I then had a great interest in percussion and began drum lessons with Doug Allred (Professional Percussionist) for about 10 months and then switch teachers to Ken Culmone (Prof. Percussionist). Around the same time I began to show an interest for the Upright (Contra or Double) Bass in 1992. I began to learn to play at the age of 12 in the elementary orchestra. I continued with the Upright Bass in the orchestra all through Jr. High. I was then introduced to Jazz in 1994 and began to play the electric bass in the Jr. High Jazz Band. 

From my bass playing experience I started growing a greater desire to learn the guitar, applying the similar method and theory experience I had learned from the bass guitar. I continued learning different styles of Guitar and Bass through the Davis High Jazz Band learning different methods of Funk, Blues, Jazz, Latin, Rock, and many more.  I began playing in many musicals (Crazy for You, Musical Reviews and others) and rock bands all through High School, recording with different studio jobs on occasion. In 1999 I began to play with my brother Jake White who is a Professional Acoustic Guitarist who has recorded 5 albums (4 on which I’ve recorded on) as well as the EFY Album 2000. After Graduation 99’ that same year I began to play in the Jazz Ensemble on scholarship at Weber State University1999-2000.

I left Utah in 2000 to serve a voluntary religious service mission for the LDS church in Venezuela.  Upon return in August of 2002 I began again at Weber State University playing the Upright, Electric, and Fretless basses in the Jazz Ensemble. I now perform professionally with many groups across the Wasatch Front which include Jazz Groups, Rock Groups, Studio Gigs, and Musicals of some which are; Footloose (2003), Les Miserables (2004), The Secret Garden (2005), Beauty and the Beast (2005) and other musicals.  

Policies:  

Lesson Time: Lessons will be held once a week and usually will take between 25-35 minutes.  Please come as close as possible to your set time-slot.  Usually I have students after and before each time slot.  Please be respectful of their time.  

Payment: Tuition Policy- Lessons will usually be $80 each month (four lessons = four weeks; some months are five weeks = $100). This breaks down to $20 a lesson, which includes handouts.  (* Most music teachers have this same “tuition policy” for their payment method; meaning that their billing policies are similar to how tuition is paid at school: tuition is paid first and when absent, the student will miss what the teacher has prepared for them with no refund in tuition.  Thank you for you understanding and cooperation in this matter).

Please make full payment at the beginning lesson of the month ($80 on student’s arrival).  Please plan to attend all four lessons (sometimes five) during the month.  If I receive a cancellation 24 hours in advance, we will reschedule for another day within the month. Please do not plan on crediting the next month if you miss a lesson.  I expect the same payment each month.

Cancellations:  

For students who are not able to attend the lesson, please call my cell phone and give me notice 24 hours before your lesson. If I have been informed 24 hours beforehand about a student’s absence, I will provide a make-up lesson at some point within the month, rather that just receiving payment for one less lesson for the following month.  If I have not heard from the student 24 hours before their scheduled lesson time, they may not reschedule that missed lesson; and the student will be expected to pay for the missed lesson without a make up or refund. I have to pay a substantial rent to teach in a convenient studio and have many students with little time to make up all missed lessons. When you miss a lesson I still have to pay rent for that time. 

For Vacations and other times when a student must miss a lesson, please try to give me two-three days notice (and I will do the same). For extended vacations please call and we will make arrangements to reserve your time slot while you are away.

I appreciate your cooperation with these policies; I enjoy teaching guitar and watching people excel at this wonderful instrument.  Please feel free to call, or e-mail me if you have any questions about anything.  After reviewing these policies, please fill out the information below and return the bottom portion of this form. Thank You!