Jes Raymond

 I really try to meet my students where they need me. Everyone learns differently, and so teachers figure out how to adapt concepts and techniques to serve the student and their goals. I aim to make lessons fun, accessible, and challenging enough to get on that growing edge. 

I know that good, focused, deep practice will take you anywhere you want to go. My primary goal as a teacher is to help you DEVELOP and DEEPEN your practice so that you can use your instrument to express your artistry at any level. For ADULT students this is usually a combination of technique and theory that is determined by the students musical interests and experience. With CHILDREN I am more focused on laying a foundation of fun, enthusiasm for practice, and solid fundamental skills.

I am trained classically and in folk traditions, and I draw from both. I  believe strongly in learning by ear and approaching music as a language. (We can all talk before we can read!) I also utilize written music and tab, and I can help you make the most of these tools.

I am equally enthusiastic about teaching singing to beginners, intermediate and advanced students. I focus on safely building ease and strength in the voice including advanced techniques such as healthy belting, and conversational phrasing. I work one on one, and also coach duets and small groups: working on  their growth as individual  artists and the music they are able to make collectively. 

I teach heart centered songwriting as a balance between creativity and craft.

I teach beginning through early advanced flatpicking guitar, helping students establish solid fundamental technique, accompany themselves singing, learn to play in groups, and learn to improvise solos. 

I teach beginning through intermediate clawhammer banjo- again teaching good foundation techniques to get you playing the music you are hoping to play.