1^st lesson free

Carsten

Rate R974
Response 1h
Students
Number of students Carsten has accompanied since joining Superprof
50+
Number of students Carsten has accompanied since joining Superprof

R974/h

1^st lesson free

Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric guitar
Bass guitar
Ukulele

Experienced tutor in Guitar in Grand Rapids, Carsten offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric guitar
Bass guitar
Ukulele

Lesson location

- online

About Carsten

My approach to teaching is based giving students the skills they need to make music a part of their life and not just something they do alone in their house. I teach every student how to play with other people, improvise and make their own music from the first lesson. I primarily teach Bluegrass, Celtic, Folk and Country but I also incorporate some Classical and Jazz for students who are interested. I also offer opportunities to play with other people through jams and ensembles with people of similar skill levels. This is a newer part of what I do but I am very excited about the future of this as it will help my students put the skills they learn in lessons into practice on a regular basis.

Making music is deeply personal and there is far more than one way of doing it "right". I place a heavy emphasise on theory and technique in my lessons but also explain the reasons for everything in detail. I encourage my students to be thoughtful about how they approach music but not to think about anything in terms of rules because there will always be exceptions. I encourage most of my students to learn to read music but I also help them develop their ears and intuitive sense for music because relying on one or the other exclusively limits your ability to express yourself and learn new music.

I have experience working with students of all skill levels and ages. I generally don't take students younger than 7 as string instruments are pretty difficult for younger kids to play but I am willing to make exceptions on a case by case basis. Music is a lifelong journey for those who choose it. No matter where you are or when you start, my mission is to help every student find the right path towards their goals.

I have been teaching and performing music full time in West Michigan since I graduated from the Hope College Music and Recording Arts program in 2017. I have always been a multi-instrumentalist at heart and feel at home on a wide range on string instruments. Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo and Bass are my main instruments but I have experience on others as well.

I became a musician because I find more joy in the act of playing music itself than in anything else. Sharing that joy with students and igniting a passion for music in them is what drives me every day.

I got my first teaching job responding to a request for teachers a local studio sent to Hope College. I didn't think I would like teaching at first but fell in love with it the first year. I later moved to Grand Rapids and started teaching at local music schools before branching out on my own.

I have a composite degree in Music and Recording Arts from Hope College and have studied under a number of amazing teachers including Nate Roberts, Steve Talaga and Joel Mabus.

About the lesson

For a complete beginner, we start with the basics of technique, playing individual notes and reading tableture. I transition to reading notes later on as the first step is getting people really playing their instrument. I add chords and improvisation/scales in fairly quickly depending on the student but in my experience learning how to play melodies is most accessible starting point.

For students with experience it really depends on the student but usually I try to build off of what they already know and fill in any knowledge gaps before helping them figure out and world towards some good long term goals.

I have worked with students from ages 4 to 75 and every experience level from total beginner to performing musician.

What I have always looked for in a teacher is someone who is excited to share what they know, invests in their students personally and is deeply knowledgable about the specific things I am interested in learning.

My first show back with the Grand Industrial String band at Scorpion Hearts Club was incredible.

A few things worth thinking about before reaching out
How do you see music fitting into your everyday life?

How much time are you willing/able to devote to it?

What draws you to music?

Are you willing to stick with learning music even if it doesn't come easily at first?

Rates

Rate

R974

Package rates

5h: R4870
10h: R9740

free lesson

The free first lesson with Carsten allows you to get to know the tutor and discuss your needs and expectations.

online

R974/h

Details

$60 for hour lessons

$35 for 30 min lessons

Experienced tutor in Guitar in Grand Rapids, Carsten offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

Lesson location

About Carsten

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Package rates

free lesson

online

Details

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Experienced tutor in Guitar in Grand Rapids, Carsten offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

Lesson location

About Carsten

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Package rates

free lesson

online

Details

Similar Guitar tutor profiles

Tarryn

Anele

Keenan

Jean-Marc

Rafif

Tamryn

Nick

Waldo

Armin

Adebayo

Yahyã

Marvin

Benice

Roz

Paul

Gene

Leigh

Sydney-James

Lorenzo

Andrea

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