I teach fingerstyle guitar,
music theory, jazz and
music concepts/philosophy. I focus on my specialty, jazz, covering
blues and folk with some instruction in country, bluegrass, classical,
pop and rock guitar. I also teach skills/concepts of leading church and
small group worship with guitar and of playing as a member of a worship
team.
My Teaching Background
It's been my privilege to teach countless students for over 35
years. I
am the "senior" guitar teacher at Uptown Music in Keizer, Oregon,
having enjoyed a teaching relationship with the store for 20 years. A
number of the current and past guitar teachers at Uptown Music were
originally my students who have gone on to become excellent teachers
themselves.
I also teach at Cadenza Academy, a wonderful, full service,
state of the art,
music lesson studio in southeast Portland, Oregon, founded and run by
two of my former students. With 40 years playing and 35
years teaching experienceI offer a vast perspective of playing and
performing
experiences to share with my students.
My
Teaching Philosophy
I practice what I
call "prescriptive teaching". The purpose is to determine your
interests, background and learning style and and build lessons that
provide you with the tools and guidance to become the musician you want
to be. I constantly remind my students that I can't, magically, turn
someone into a guitarist in 1/2 to 1 hour a week but I do provide the
tools and guidance for them to turn themselves into the musician they
are destined to be. I love introducing youngsters to the joy of making
music, and helping adults realize that lifelong dream of making music.
Availabiltiy
I teach beginning to advanced students 1/2 hour
sessions per week /four lessons per month. I will take advanced
students and professional musicians for longer lesson sessions, as
need, and skill, demonstrates and will do consultations for
professional musicians desiring to hone their skills and supplement
their knowledge.
Testimony
"Being a music teacher myself, I have
really appreciated what Doc Fleetwood has to offer. He's a teacher of
teachers and highly skilled on the guitar. I have learned so much from
him the last 3 years. He never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge
and expertise and goes out of his way to help his students. You can
tell that he loves to teach and it has been fun playing some of his
arrangements and original compositions. I have also enjoyed watching
and listening to him as he plays in a professional Jazz Trio. (They
have produced several excellent CD recordings). I am happy and honored
to recommend Doc Fleetwood."
Darrell Robertson,
Piano and Guitar Teacher, Guitar Instructor at Chemeketa Community
College
"I
have been meeting with Doc Fleetwood for about six years now. I have
enjoyed every moment of his instruction on the guitar. Doc uses a
unique approach to teaching in which he makes complex ideas easy to
grasp. As result of this type of teaching, music theory has become
simple and easy for me to apply to my music. I believe that music
theory is of no use if it becomes a distant entity to playing music.
Music theory should serve as a tool to take an individuals creativity
to another level. I have truly seen this take place over the years
under the instruction of Doc Fleetwood. I have greatly enjoyed my time
with Doc and would recommend his teaching approach to anyone who wishes
to take their guitar playing further. As a result of his instruction
and encouragement, I myself am now teaching and seeing others expand in
their musical potential."
Ben Schott,
Music Pastor and Guitar Teacher
For
information about lessons with
Doc Fleetwood:
http://www.learningmusician.com/docfleetwood
A unique
blend of light jazz, standards and classic
instrumentals
bringing three lifetimes of
great musical experience into one enticing
sound