Lessons

EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC

www.earlychildhoodmusic.net

We have a life-changing program that works! Music research shows that children who are involved in preschool piano lessons with singing have greater brain function that lasts their entire lifetime.

And that is just the beginning. Music lessons also help develop the characteristics that you want developed in your child. Characteristics like social skills and perseverance. One of the greatest benefits is academic enhancement, especially in the three areas that contribute to healthy lifestyles: reading, math and science. Reasoning skills, being able to think through a problem and solve it, engineering skills and even college entrance exam scores are affected by preschool piano lessons. Visit our site for more info…

PRENATAL MUSIC

www.prenatalmusic.net

As soon as your baby has ears to hear, around 16 weeks gestation, Surrounding sounds, songs, voices and your heartbeat begin to stimulate neural connections in your baby’s prenatal brain. That enhancement lasts for the rest of your child’s life. Visit our site for more info…

There’s more! By forming prenatal memories, music also provides comfort and reassurance as your baby faces the most stressful time of a human being’s life–the birthing process and the first few days of their life. Visit our site for more info…

Private Instruction

Classes are usually 30 minute sessions meeting once per week in studios located on our second floor.  Times and rates are set by the individual instructors.

Piano Instructors

“Jim’s Piano Stylings”

Jim Parker (256-783-2796)

In addition to the traditional classical teaching method, Jim also offers an alternative lesson program for students desiring to learn something other than classical music.  “Pop Style Piano Playing Made Easy” gives everyone the opportunity to learn timeless hits from the Great American Songbook, hymns, country music and show tunes from Broadway and the movies.

Jim has over 30 years of teaching experience and welcomes everyone from ages 8 to 108 to get in on the fun of making music and playing songs that you enjoy.  Jim can also be reached at the store at 256-880-1234.

Marilyn WolfeMarilyn Wolfe (256-880-1234)

Marilyn has been teaching piano and organ for 51 years.  She teaches children 7 years and older to adults.

 

 

 

 

John MillerJohn Miller

 

 

 

 

Guitar: Acoustic & Electric

Jeff BeasleyJeff Beasley holds B.A. degrees in Music and Classical Guitar, is a prolific educator, top columnist, popular workshop and clinic instructor, and writes the highly popular “Lethal Guitar” column for Premier Guitar magazine. Jeff has worked with some of the biggest names in shred guitar, he tours nationally and is a senior faculty member with the National Guitar Workshop. Jeff records instructional videos for Truefire, where his videos are always in the top sellers. Jeff has appeared in Guitarist Network magazine, Guitar For The Practicng Musician, Guitar Player, Music For The World, Music and Arts, Musicians Hotline, and Premier Guitar magazines. Jeff has 32 years experience in studio, teaching and performance, his debut CD “Tiebreaker” showcases his awesome guitar skills. Tiebreaker includes special guests Atma Anur (Jason Becker, Tony MacAlpine) and Doug Doppler (Favored Nations, Joe Satriani). Jeff is endorsed by Dean Guitars, Sierra Guitars, THD Amplifiers, Dimarzio Pickups, D’Addario Strings, In Tune Guitar Picks and Keeley Effects. CONTACT: Hundley Batts Management Group, ATTN: Hundley Batts Jr. @ 256-348-7682.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

“Wow! Neoclassical mayhem…Jeff radiates confidence in his notes and fierce technical ability, yet can also show restraint”-Guitarist Network magazine

“Jeff Beasley’s material is very impressive…fantastic guitarist.”-Guitar for the Practicing Musician

“I have known Jeff for a while and have jammed with him on several occasions.  He is not only an amazing guitarist, but a great instructor as well.”-Michael Angelo Batio

“Killer chops, great melody and song diversity”-Rusty Cooley

“Great dynamics, great flow, excellent attack on the strings”-Ron Thal (Guns ‘n’ Roses)

“An American virtuoso”-Music for the World magazine

“Jeff Beasley is a fantastic, well rounded guitarist, with a great feel and a great melodic sense.  He incorporates everything…from bluesy fills, to shred, to sweeping arpeggios.  All within strong, structured, melodic arrangements”-Mike Orlando

“Jeff is an extremely talented teacher and guitarist.  He always exudes the most professional integrity in everything that he does.  He is an extremely popular teacher for the National Guitar Workshop who consistently gets great reviews from his students.  I would highly recommend Jeff as a guitarist or teacher.”-Tom Dempsey, Director of Music, National Guitar Workshop

“Jeff is highly professional, very organized and knows how to present musical concepts in an extremely effective manner.  Terrific to work with and a great player to boot!”-Brad Wendkos, Founder, Trufire

www.guitarsource3.com

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Jeff GloverJeff Glover

In addition to teaching, Jeff is renown for his skill at repairing guitars.  He’s also our expert on Martin guitars.

 

 

 

kris_hoffmanKris Hoffman (256-656-6948)

Influenced early on by Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, Derek Taylor, George Lynch and Shawn Lane, Kris has 22 years playing, teaching and recording experience to offer. Kris has received a thumbs up from such distinguished players as Bruce Bouillet {Racer X}, Derek Taylor {Shrapnel recording artist}, Brett Stine {Haji’s Kitchen}, Scott Stine {Shrapnel recording artist}, Ron Jarzombeck {Spastic Ink}, Theodore Ziras and Mike Varney {Shrapnel Records CEO}.  He enjoys making the lessons fun for the students, showing them the stuff they want to learn, as well as what they need to learn along the way.  He specializes in Alternate Picking, Sweep Picking, Advanced Legato Phrasing, Modal Theory, Intervallic Concepts and Music Theory in general.  He covers everything from lead to rhythm, sight reading, soloing, technique, blues and much more.  He teaches all ages and levels, from beginner to advanced.   All are welcome to come learn.

 

PrestonB001Preston Black (256-683-9012)

Preston’s passion has been playing guitar for over 14 years and he has been teaching lessons professionally for over 8 years.  Preston has learned and studied many styles of music from Rock to Country, Classical to Jazz, and everything in between..  Preston has won a number of guitar contests sponsored by several different radio stations in Huntsville, AL.  Most recently, he earned first place in a YouTube EMG and Zakk Wylde sponsored “Shred Challenge” competing against many great guitarists from all over the globe.  Preston has played live in several different venues for a variety of audiences and has shredded on stage with many well known guitarists such as Mark Tremonti of Alterbridge.  Preston’s most recent project is his debut solo album to be released soon.

 

 

Lessons include:

  • Basic Chords
  • Strumming Patterns
  • Rhythm Guitar Playing
  • Music Theory
  • Improvisation
  • Soloing
  • Songwriting
  • Sight Reading
  • Creativity
  • Ear Training
  • Guitar Practicing Strategies
  • and more!

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player wanting to perfect your skills, Preston can help you expand your musical talent with top notch instruction.  Preston offers private lessons for those who range in age from 6 1/2 years to 120 years and is available everyday of the week except Sundays.

 

 

Frank Thurman
Frank Thurman has over 30 years experience as a professional musician. He was manager
of the Decatur, Alabama AB Stephens Music store for many years and has appeared with
artists as diverse as Percy Sledge (When a Man Loves a Woman–A number #1 U.S.
hit and international hit, Take Time to Know Her), The Platters (Only You, The Great
Pretender), Lee Roy Parnell (What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am, Tender Moment-
both No.2 U.S. hits), The Drifters (Save the Last Dance For Me, This Magic Moment),
Jack Pearson (Allman Brothers) as well as anchoring various local and regional favorites.
Among these is the “Flashback Showband” who are members of the Alabama Music
Hall of Fame. Frank has also spent many years as a studio and recording musician in
Cactus, Wishbone, Birdland and Duck Tape Studios (owned by legendary producer
Johnny Sandlin whose credits include The Allman Brothers, Widespread Panic, Delbert
McClinton and many others). His influences run the gamut from jazz to country, rock,
pop and classical and include artists from Mozart to the Beatles, Green Day to Eric
Clapton, Les Paul to Led Zeppelin and Django Reinhardt to Chet Atkins and Hank
Williams, SRV to Z.Z.Top and just about anywhere in between!
Frank has had many students who are practicing professional musicians. One of Frank’s
long time music theory students, Andy Branton, recently graduated from high school
with over $401,000.00 in scholarships and will be attending Frank’s Alma Mater, the
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, this fall to pursue music courses among his other
classes. Frank is currently producing a recording project with the band Highway Five at
his studio.
Frank is a multi-instrumentalist that specializes in teaching Music Theory while giving
instructions in:
Guitar Slide Guitar Lap Steel Bass Keyboards (Synthesizers and Portables)
Mandolin Octave Mandolin Soprano, Concert, Tenor, and Baritone Ukelele and even
Cigar Box Guitar!
The styles of music Frank teaches are Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country, R&B and
Delta Blues.
Among the lessons taught for beginners are subjects such as: What kind of guitar
(keyboard, bass, mandolin, etc) do I need for what I want to do? How is my instrument
tuned? Learning basic chords and melodies so we can play songs! The Western Scale
and how it is the basic key for playing all the music we all love—-Rock, Country,
Christian, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, R&B, etc. but most of all—Having Fun Making Music!!
Among the lessons taught for Intermediate and Advanced String Instrument Students are
subjects such as: Chord Voicing, Chord Melody, Chord Substitution, Rhythm Playing
Styles, Fingerstyle Techniques, String Bending Intonation, Building Solos, Comping
Behind a Soloist, Learning to Read Music as most of these apply to all instruments.
Beginning lessons for portable keyboard students are subjects such as: How does my One
Finger Play Work? Can I do Two Finger Play? Which sounds are the most realistic to
you? What is MIDI? How does it work? Basic chords and basic melody lines—Let’s Play
Music!!!
Synth students need a different kind of focus—Synths are usually programmable—unlike
portable keyboards where all of the sounds are preset and cannot be changed . Synths
may have functions like pitch bend, sequencer, and arpeggiaton that are not usually
available on portable keyboards. The MIDI function is usually way more powerful
and useable on most synths—Hint: Pros you see in concert are most likely playing or
programming thru MIDI!
Subject lessons for slide guitar and lap steel students would include such subjects as:
Slide Guitar and Lap Steel Techniques, Right Hand Damping, Intonation, Types of Slides
or Bars and Their Effect on Tone, etc.
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or active musician I welcome hearing from you
if I can be of any assistance to your musical future.
Frank can be reached at franksguitarlessons@gmail.com or 256-227-2892. If there is no
answer on the phone, please leave a message as I’m probably in a lesson. I will return
your call as soon as possible. Thanks!

Drums & Percussion

Darryl HoldenDarryl Holden

I have been playing drums and bass guitar for over 30 years.  I began playing drums around the age of 14 and eventually landed a job working at Fame Recording Studio in Muscle Shoals, AL.  I have worked with artists such as Ronnie Milsap, Percy Sledge, Tom Wopat (from the Dukes of Hazzard), Darryl Worley, David Hungate (Toto), Duncan Cameron (Sawyer Brown), Lenny LeBlanc, Jim Sills (Shenandoah), and many more.  I am currently playing drums at The Rock Family Worship Center and offer drum and bass lessons to anyone ages 7 and up, from beginner to professional.

 

bryan_williamsBryan Williams web site:  www.bdrums.com

Bryan’s teaching style focuses on what the individual is interested in learning.  He stresses the fundamentals of drumming, playing rudiments, reading and training your ears to play what you are hearing.  Bryan breaks down and analyzes specific techniques which can be developed to help each person reach their drumming goals.  He has students from ages 5 to 55.  Beginners, intermediate and advanced players are encouraged to study and take your drumming to the next level.  Call 256-348-2598 or email bdrums@msn.com to schedule a lesson.

About Bryan:

  • Bryan started playing drums and taking drum lessons at age 10 and played drums in local events by age 14.
  • Played snare drum and percussion in Middle School Band, performed in the Jazz Band at Grissom High School in Huntsville, AL graduating in ’76.
  • Studied Music Theory, drum set and percussion at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, performing locally with rock, soul, rhythm & blues and Top 40 bands, ’77-’79.
  • Toured the US playing drums and singing Rock, Top 40 Dance and show bands in Las Vegas, Chicago, Houston and Seattle, ’80-’86.
  • Moved to Los Angeles, CA and studied drums and the music business, performing original rock,  jazz, blues and the new wave music.  Played at The Troubadour, The Whiskey and other venues in the L.A. area, ’87-’89.
  • Studied snare drum and percussion with Fred Hinger at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL, ’90-’92.
  • Studied drums with Dr. Arthur Wesley, University of Alabama A&M, played in the UAH Jazz Band and the A&M Percussion Ensemble, ’90-’92.
  • Attended Musician’s Institute – Percussion Institute of Technology in Hollywood, CA studying Latin, Jazz, Rock, Big Band and Funky Dance Music, ’93-’94.
  • Started teaching drums and percussion in ’95.
  • Currently, Bryan plays drums with several local groups.  He continues to develop his skills by studying drum set, hand percussion, electronic drums, song writing, recording, producing and teaching music.

Bryan Williams has been playing drums for 35 years and teaching drums for 16 years.  His teaching style and drumming history covers the following techniques:

School Band Studies (Beginning through Advanced)

  • Learn how to read music or improve your existing reading skills.
  • Rudiments, Wrist-Hand-Fingers Techniques, Music Theory, being Musical Drummer.
  • Drum Line Cadencies (Snare, Quints, Bass Drum).
  • Mallet Percussion (Bells, Timpani, Mallet Keyboard Studies).
  • Auxiliary and Hand Percussion (Triangle, Tambourine, Cymbals, Shakers, Congas, Dejembe, Bongos).

Drum Set Studies

  • Focus on techniques to improve your individual skill level and knowledge of the drum set.
  • Learn how to play with a metronome, click track, CD’s, drum machine, sequences and your favorite songs.
  • Study different drum styles (Rock, Jazz, Dance, Pop, Gospel, Country, Swing, Soul, R&B, Latin, Reggae and others).
  • Improve your listening skills, work your ears and recognize groupings so you can learn new drum beats.
  • Work on your double bass chops (Doubles, Singles, Odd Groupings and Current Double Bass Beats).
  • Make music with electronic drums – understand how to play, program and create new sounds with electronic drums.
  • Produce a better sound by understanding how striking the drum, tuning, balance and electronics influence your sound.

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