PIANO

STRINGS

BRASS

PERCUSSION

GUITARS

GUITAR

BASS GUITAR

BANJO

LESSON CENTER INFO

GUITAR

Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a Bass emphasis and Jazz Studies Minor from the University of Northern Iowa where he was in Jazz I for four years, and principal bass in the orchestra. He has taught for several years central and northern Iowa and performed with the Des Moines Big Band, Orquestra Alto Miaz, and the Jack Oatts Quartet.

Rob received his Music Education degree from Kirkwood Community College and additional training from the University of Iowa School of Music. Rob regularly plays the Court Avenue Jazz Jam and with the local group "Final Mix".

Eric has been teaching guitar privately since 1997. He has studied with Greg Brown, 'Taz' Grant, Sharron & Mike Ewell & Dan Trilk. Eric currently plays in 'the Chris Ranallo band' and 'Deputy Diggs'.

HAL THOMPSON:

Hal has played professionaly for over 20 years. He wrote recorded and and produced his own record and is the lead guitarist for the band Toaster. Hal works well with all levels of players and promotes a fun atmosphere in his lessons. Specializing in both lead and rhythm guitar, Hal's expertise is in rock, folk and country. He also teaches songwriting, theory and studio production.

JOE KOURI:

Joe has studied Harmony and Theory, and has much experience playing Jazz, Rock and Country styles. He has written and recorded various types of music and has over 30 years of experience in guitar performance.

DAVE CUNNINGHAM:

Bringing over 20 years experience to the studio, primarily in rock, metal and blues, he is an excellent choice for both beginners and intermmediate players. Dave also teaches advanced theory, soloing, technic building and improvisational skills. His goal is to help develope "guitar players" well balanced musicians.

BRYN OHME:

Bryn studied music at Drake University. He freelances playing bass and keyboards with various bands in the Des Moines and surrounding areas.

RYAN BRAAKSMA:

Although Ryan started on the trumpet, he's been hooked on guitar since the age of 13. Ryan has studied with several prominant local teachers and enjoys playing fold, classical and blues. His real passion however is for rock and metal. Ryan has played with Empyrean and is curently in the Roze Band.

DAVE YAZEL:

Dave holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University. He began his music career with the viola at age eight taking instruction from top players in The Des Moines Symphony for seven years. At fifteen, he applied this background and skill to the guitar and has played for over twenty years. Rock, metal, and blues are his personal focus, but he welcomes the opportunity of teaching other styles. Dave enjoys the challenge of starting beginners in the right direction and helping students that are more advanced with chop building, speed, improvisation, theory, and tasteful playing. He currently plays with the band, 35 South.

ROSS VANDER WERF:

Ross received his B.A. from Central College in Pella (1999). He has played guitar for 20 years, bass for 18 years, and has performed professionally since high school. He began teaching private lessons in college. His education includes theory, jazz theory, and applied composition. Ross’ musical background includes folk, country, blues/R &B, oldies, classic rock, jazz, Latin (esp. Brazilian guitar), hard rock, metal, and alternative. While at Pella High School, Ross was the bassist for the Jazz I ensemble, a group that won two State Championships and also featured future Killers guitarist Dave Keuning. Ross has touring experience with To My Surprise, Wakefield, and The Envy Corps; he is a new member of The Nadas, playing guitar and keyboard. Additionally, Ross sings with local rockers Kentucky Fried Mullet. He is often too busy to eat. “That’s okay,” Ross jokes.

Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a Bass emphasis and Jazz Studies Minor from the University of Northern Iowa where he was in Jazz I for four years, and principal bass in the orchestra. He has taught for several years central and northern Iowa and performed with the Des Moines Big Band, Orquestra Alto Miaz, and the Jack Oatts Quartet.

Jeff, a Des Moines native, began private study on the double bass at the age of ten. After receiving his Bachelor of Music Degree in performance from Drake University, he moved to San Francisco to study at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. While living there, he played with many Bay Area orchestras, including the San Francisco Opera, and taught privately. He also served as associate publisher of Strings Magazine for ten years. Since returning to Des Moines, Jeff has played with the Des Moines Symphony and Mozaiques Chamber Ensemble. He also plays bass in a local rock band, The Wellingtons.

ERIC KENT:

Eric has been teaching guitar privately since 1997. He has studied with Greg Brown, 'Taz' Grant, Sharron & Mike Ewell & Dan Trilk. Eric currently plays in 'the Chris Ranallo band' and 'Deputy Diggs'.

BRYN OHME:

PETER VANDEREIT:

Pete served 24 years in U.S. Army Bands around the world and finished his Army career as the Head of Instrumental Instructions for all Army, Navy, and Marine Corps musicians at the U.S. Armed Forces School of Music. Pete also has many years of professional experience outside his Army career including tours, sessions, gigs, and pit work with The 5th Dimension, Neil Sedaka, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Judy Collins, Joel Gray, Shirley Jones, The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and The Virginia Opera, to name a few.

BANJO

PAUL PERKINS:

Paul received an Associates degree from Des Moines Area Community College and is currently an Education Major at Iowa State University. Paul performs throughout Iowa with Mr. Baber's Neighbors, The Solar String Band and The Paul Perkin's Project. He teaches five-string banjo in the Scruggs, Clawhammer and Melodic styles. As a diligent practicer Paul is consistantly expanding his repertory and learning new techniques to stay current with the growing styles of banjo playing.

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