Bio:
Mike Claus has been teaching guitar in St. Thomas for 30 years. Throughout that time he has taught many people in this community and if you ask around he's probably taught someone you know who plays. As well as teaching guitar Mike has been playing professionally for almost as long. He has worked as a sideman and bandleader, playing both lead and bass guitar in several different genres. Working as a musician or teacher in a small community requires some flexibility so Mike has tried to develop some facility with as many styles as possible (We've put together some audio so you can hear Mike demonstrate some of the styles he teaches). Aside from his years playing popular styles like rock country and blues he has a Grade 8 certificate for classical guitar from the Royal Conservatory of Music and received his certificate for Advanced Rudiments. Mike has also worked at string and electronic instrument repair but his career has always revolved around music. He enjoys many styles of music and loves hearing about new artists that he may not be familiar with. Drop an email if you hear anything you think is cool.
Teaching Philosophy:
Nobody wants to learn an instrument so that they can play scales or impress their friends with how many chord shapes they've memorized. These things are just a means to an end. That end is being able to make music. I love making music and I love helping other people realize that joy as well through learning to play the guitar. The best way that I have found for motivating people and teaching them skills that they will remember is through the music that they enjoy listening to. Sometimes learning that type of music involves learning a lot of scales or memorizing a lot of chords. Sometimes learning the particular style you enjoy involves playing technical exercises to develop technique and stamina. However making music should always be the objective. With that in mind I try to encourage my students to pick some songs they would like to learn and use them as a goal. It can be a good motivational tool but it keeps us focused on what it's all about: Making music.
Mike's Guitar Lessons 44135 Sparta Line St. Thomas ON N5P 3S8 (519) 671-6699