David Eames

David picked up the guitar when he moved from his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona in 2001 at the age of 19. Thirteen years and countless hours of practicing, performing and teaching later, David still play at multiple venues in the Kansas City area while teaching from his studio at Guitar Dock in Lenexa, KS, and from his home studio in Raytown, MO. where he offer lessons for all students during the daytime and evening hours. As a guitarist David is motivated primarily by a passion the language of music. Growing up he was influenced by the lush arrangements of classical, jazz, and film scores. Since picking up the guitar he’s been inspired by guitarists from such diverse backgrounds as Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Tuck Andress , Ted Greene, John Mayer, James Taylor,  and Martin Taylor. Today he plays and teaches a variety of different styles, ranging from rock and blues to classical and jazz.

David has also studied classical piano with Karen Kushner, adjunct associate professor of piano at UMKC. Additionally, he studied jazz improvisation and theory with flugelhorn player Stan Kessler,  jazz guitarists Jay Eudaly and Danny Embrey.  With both instruments David seeks to convey greater musical awareness and improvisatory skills to his students. His focus is upon removing barriers to natural progression and establishing an integrated relationship between player and instrument as well as cultivating a finer appreciation of musical subtlety and context.

I have extensive experience with all ages and skill levels. I use a curriculum specifically geared towards the guitar, as opposed to more traditional methods that emphasize note reading and piano pedagogy, my method will teach you music theory as it relates to the neck of the guitar and the music that the student is interested in. I am a fairly laid back teacher; we will go at your pace, but I do expect you to work hard.

With piano I use classical literature to develop technique but emphasize the development of a comprehensive understanding of music theory as applied to the keyboard. This includes but is not limited to studies in pop, rock, jazz and other style of contemporary piano.  

#1) Dedicated music room seating for parents 

#2) Practice/rehearsal room seating for parents 

#3) Amplification provided and music stand. 

#4) Keyboard/Piano for student use

#5) Broadband network, dual camera, file sharing and the latest technology utilized for online lessons.

I specialize in classical and jazz guitar, however I am fluent in most styles, including rock, blues, fingerstyle, and miscellaneous. I teach from Jay EuDaly's "Vertical Truth: Chordal Mechanisms for the Guitar" but I also supplement this with a variety of other curriculum. 

In piano I specialize in classical piano as well as jazz and pop.