Montana Music Instructors

Dennis White

Dustin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:03:02 +0000

Dennis moved to Montana from Nashville Tenn. where he worked in the recording Industry for 30 years. First as a player/songwriter, then producer/publisher. In 1999 he founded The Montana Mandolin Society. As Creative Director of MMS he has toured internationally and performed an assortment of music from classical to bluegrass on mandolin, banjo and guitar.

He brings his 40 years of professional music experience to each and every student he teaches.

Beginning to Intermediate students on mandolin, bluegrass & old time banjo, and acoustic guitar.

Songwriting and composition workshops available.

www.montanamando.com

Contact Info:

Phone: (406) 587-7198

Email: lomcco@aol.com

Matt Dickie

Dustin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:48:15 +0000

I aim to teach beginning guitar players in a way that is interesting yet educational. I want to keep my students interested while laying a solid foundation allowing them to become any kind of guitarist they want to be. I teach all ages of students in any style they prefer. I cater all of my lessons to the individual student in order to teach them in a way that is always interesting, educational and fun. I believe boredom to be the main enemy of beginning guitar players. Please feel free to call or email me regarding any questions. Thanks.

Contact Info:

Phone: (406) 579-0483

Email: Matters313@aol.com

Rates: $25/hour lesson

Mike Singer

Dustin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:04:49 +0000

Mike has been playing music for sixteen years and in the Bozeman area since 1999. He has performed with many local-area musicians and played banjo in the Bozeman-based bluegrass band, The Tall Boys.

Specializing in three-finger, Scruggs-style and melodic banjo, Mike approaches the instrument from both traditional and newgrass perspectives.

Mike teaches beginning, intermediate, and advanced banjo, and beginning rock and bluegrass guitar. Lessons are fun, relaxed, and geared towards the interests of the student.

Contact Info:

phone: (406) 599-1880

email: mike.m.singer@gmail.com

Eddie Tsuru

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:00:23 +0000

Eddie has been teaching for over 20 years. Specializes in beginning to advanced bass instruction, improvisation, music theory, composition, and many styles of playing (Jazz, Rock, Funk, R&B, Latin, Salsa, Country, Blues, Hip Hop, Fusion, Folk, Alternative). He also headed the music program at Headwaters Academy for three years from 8/03 to 6/06.

Eddie T is Currently plays with Backburner, The Dave Walker Band, Andrew Gromiller & the Organically Grown, and Poco Loco. He has worked Grammy winner Ron Strikert of Men at Work, two time Grammy nominee Tracy Nelson, Grammy nominee Eric Funk, and recorded as a member of the Minnesota Blues Band which included members of Prince’s horn section.

He has also played on numerous recordings for solo artists, bands, TV, film, radio, jingles, and theatre.

Private Study with Chuck Rainey - studio legend (Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones) and Jeff Castleman - (Duke Ellington, Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Cleo Laine, Michael Jackson).

Other Artist and Projects: Doug MacDonald (Cexton Records), Jim Peluso (Vince Guaraldi), Joey Gian, Christie McCarthy (of San Francisco), Saul Kaye, Julius Obregon, Bob Bray (Miles Davis, Pharaoh Sanders), Eric Kalb (John Schofield, Greyboy All-stars), Deep Banana Horns (Derek Trucks, Govt Mule, Allman Bros), John Bohlinger (Nashville Star TV Show Band leader) , Meagan Mullins (Nashville Artist), Jeni Fleming, Chris Cunningham, Travel Montana (TV and radio Commercial), Mop Heads (TV theme and soundtrack), 11th and Grant Theme, Walking Jim Stoltz, Fossils, Big Caboose, Denny Earnest, and the Glen Johnston Swing Band.

TESTIMONIALS

“The bass player makes a band breathe, Eddie breathes better than anyone I’ve ever played with.”
-Dave Walker (lead singer of Savoy Brown, Fleetwood Mac, and Black Sabbath)

“Eddie T is a tremendous music instructor: he connects well with his students, and he’s a master musician. I highly recommend him”
-Tim McWilliams (31 years in public and private education), Headmaster, Headwaters Academy

“Eddie plays all styles with equal proficiency, is a seasoned and intelligent musician and skilled instructor. That’s why I love to play music with him - he’s the best.”
-Eric Funk (Grammy Nominee, host of 11th & Grant)

CONTACT INFO

Phone: 406-556-7297
Email: eddietbass@hotmail.com
myspace Link: http://www.myspace.com/eddietsuru

Jim Dungan

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:43:27 +0000

My approach to teaching is to help you play the music you want to play by teaching the physical techniques of guitar while exploring the underlying form of music. You will learn your favorite songs, and also gain the tools you need to create your own music.

I have been teaching guitar at Music Villa for over two years, and have taught privately for over 10 years. I graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston where I studied guitar and composition. I play professionally with the Bridger Creek Boys in Bozeman, and have played with numerous country, blues, and rock bands in the past. I teach most styles but I specialize in bluegrass, blues, rock, jazz, country and folk. I am happy to accept all levels and ages.

Schedule A Lesson Online

CONTACT INFO

Phone: (406) 209-0496
Email: jim@bridgercreekboys.com

Kyle Brenner

admin — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:24:06 +0000

I have played guitar and cello professionally for 30 years and have enjoyed teaching both for 15 years. Conveniently located in a Music Villa studio, I teach all levels and ages with a student-oriented approach, specializing in rock and blues for rhythm and lead guitar, songwriting, and improvisation, with a focus on ear-training. My cello students follow a classical approach which includes scales, etudes, duets, solo pieces, and music theory, but which also includes contemporary music from the Beatles to Star Wars. I love music and I love to teach it. Call me or e-mail me to find out more!

Schedule A Lesson Online

Contact Info:

Email: HaCow@aol.com
Phone: 406-222-5566

Britt Smith

admin — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:16:26 +0000

Britt teaches guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass, and piano to all levels and ages over 7. He teaches most styles, specializing in swing and bluegrass on guitar, fiddle, mandolin and bass: classical, blues, and folk on piano, and other styles on guitar and bass such as folk, rock, reggae, and blues. Britt began teaching at the Music Villa July of 2008. From 1996 to 2008 Britt taught in northern California and performed in many bands and concerts. From 1980 1995 he lived in Missoula and performed in many bands on guitar, bass, and mandolin. He has done recording work on several CD’s and also enjoys repairing and setting up violins. He has won many contests in California for flatpicking guitar and mandolin, and placed well on fiddle also. Now teaching at the Music Villa and some private residences.

Contact Info:

Contact: Britt Smith
Contact Phone: (406) 451-2718

Ann Tappan

admin — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:15:10 +0000

I have been teaching Classical piano, Improvisation, Jazz, Blues, Theory and Composition for many years and am dedicated to spreading my love for music to students of all ages and experience. I also coach voice students, vocalists who want to learn to accompany themselves on piano and any instrumentalists who are interested in jazz and pop.

My aim is to encourage those who appreciate and want to learn about music by guiding with insight, joy and thoughtfulness. I can tailor a program of study and practice that can help a student achieve many small goals, overlapping into a long curve of progress.

I currently am teaching at Music Villa in Bozeman and at home in Manhattan.

CONTACT INFO

Phone: (406) 539-1986
Website: www.anntappan.com
Email: atappan@bresnan.net

Michael A. Parsons

admin — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:11:05 +0000

Michael A. Parsons has been playing music for more than 40 years and teaching for more than 30 years. He teaches fiddle, mandolin, five string banjo (three finger and clawhammer style), bass (fiddle & guitar), flat top guitar and beginning dobro.

Specializing in bluegrass/old time music but all styles are covered for beginners.

He emphasizes reading music/tablature, knowing music theory in order to understand what makes it (all instruments) work.

He has been located in Music Villa since 2002.

Contact Info:

Contact: Michael A. Parsons
Contact Phone: (406) 587-4761

Josh Heins

admin — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:52:51 +0000

Guitar Lessons
(406) 539-4581
$24/ 30 minute Lesson
$45/ Hour Lesson
4-30 minute Lessons for $80

I have been playing guitar for 20 years and have been playing professionally for the last 9 years, currently with the band Ten Foot Tall and 80 Proof. Specializing in Country, Rock, Blues, Bluegrass and Metal, I offer beginner to advanced intermediate lessons. I maintain a fun atmosphere in lessons and aim to keep learning the guitar fun by getting students playing the music they like to listen to.

Schedule A Lesson Online

Contact Info:

Contact: Josh Heins
Contact Phone: (406) 539-4581

Denny Earnest

admin — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:53:54 +0000

Denny Earnest has been on the teaching staff at Music Villa the longest since 2002 when studio’s were built downstairs. Teaching Beginning “intro” guitar Blues, Folk, Classic Rock, soloing music theory, and Dobro and slide. He says about teaching “I love it because my students expose me to so many kids of music, stuff that I wouldn’t chose myself, but after a listen I go that’s not to bad” Which helps him in his other job “Writing music for TV & Film, and Commercials.

He’s currently writing for Boosey & Hawkes of London, Denny’s their “Go to Guy” for all things Acoustic. Google “Denny Earnest Delta Blues” and hear a sampling of his latest release on Abaco Records UK. A new “Americana CD is due out Feb. 1st 2009.

Denny like students to bring in material to work on say an IPod, CD, he’ll transcribe the chord changes, writing Tab right on the spot. He’s comfortable with all ages, electric or Acoustic, the only style he doesn’t teach is Metal. He’s even known to be a Vocal coach, not so much in a classical sense, but singing along and having fun.

Lessons are generally $25 a lesson, but if you sign up for 4-8 lessons he’ll offer a break on that price.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IxX5S6ounE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0ZeNMzMNrs

Schedule A Lesson Online

Contact Info:

Contact: Denny Earnest
Phone: (406) 222-6384
Cell: (406) 223-4894
Website: www.dennyearnest.com