Andy John

Guitar Lessons and Harmonica Lessons

My musical debut occurred in first grade when I learned how to play “Sailor’s Song” on the autoharp with my father. He also taught me how to play melodies from the Von Trappe family songbook on the recorder. In fourth grade I began taking piano lessons and in fifth grade played clarinet in the school band. In seventh grade I switched from clarinet to bassoon. At the same time I started taking guitar lessons. Throughout high school I played in the orchestra and was in the marching band my senior year and joined the stage band. After high school I went to the University of Tennessee to study forestry but changed my major to Studio Music and Jazz and received a BA in 1994. I have been teaching and performing ever since, playing a variety of instruments in a variety of settings. I have toured and recorded two CDs with my jazz trio Klarcnova (http://www.myspace.com/klarcnova) which has been together since 1998. I also recorded a CD and toured with Ruby Slippers. I travel to the largest cities in Eastern Canada to perform with The Lithuanian Empire (www.thelithuanianempire.com) and currently play around Asheville with Bandana Klezmer (http://www.bandanaklezmer.com/) and Carolina Rex (www.carolinarex.com). Check out his website and blog at www.anjomusic.com.

LESSONS WITH ANDY

He enjoys the challenge of teaching students of all ages.

For his youngest guitar students he usually teaches slide guitar to acquaint the player with general coordination and rhythm. This allows them to sing and play at an age that they would not be able to playing in the traditional manner. For his older beginning students the lessons consist of reading from a method book and learning chords to simple songs. For the more advanced students he focuses more on theory and improvisation; first by learning songs that the student is familiar with (including the solo) and then improvising on related songs. Harmonica lessons also include technique, reading, theory, and improvisation.

I teach a variety of skills to my students. Everyone who takes lessons with me can be sure of getting a well rounded education. I believe learning to read music is essential to understanding music and communicating with musicians but I also believe that reading music is not the same thing as playing music. I cover the basic tools of music making: chords and harmony, scales, theory, and proper technique. All my students are encouraged to bring in music from their own collections to learn. Although I teach many styles, I concentrate mostly on jazz, blues, rock, and country.

Testimonials

“Andy is such a great teacher. Our son is only 7 years and Andy is very talented at keeping it fun and entertaining for him. Andy is very pleasant to be around and we are really enjoying him as his teacher.”

Alice

Teaches:

Guitar, Harmonica

Ages: 7 and up