The Bohemian Guitar Player Mission

At the Haslett Guitar Academy, we are dedicated to educating and encouraging the development of aspiring young musicians. We believe that guitar/music lessons encourage self esteem, improve attitude and hopefully allow for our students to focus on honing their skills instead of walking a more destructive path. Research has shown that children who are actively involved in music (who play or sing it regularly): effects positive changes psychologically, physically, cognitively and with social functioning such as:

• Do better in reading

• Learn coordination, goal-setting, concentration, and cooperation

• Are more likely to do better in math and science because music helps build reasoning skills and cognitive development, which are important to both

• Promotes wellness, relieves stress, expresses feelings, kids get along better with their peers and have higher self-esteem

• Are more likely to go to college and test higher on verbal and math portions of SAT tests.

Choosing to learn to play will become one of the best decisions you'll ever make and the rewards will last a lifetime whether you play for fun or choose to have a career in the music industry. (Students interested in the music industry or gear, are invited to visit our links page for helpful information.)

*PARENTS should encourage their kids to practice in a positive way. Suggest a time at home for kids that will work for all concerned. Practice should be ½ hour per day for younger students, 9 to 12years, and 1 hour per day for older, 13 and above at least 5 days a week. The more advanced the student becomes, the longer they should practice. (After 37 years of playing, I still practice 2 hours per day at least 6 days a week.) Playing guitar is a very sophisticated mental/physical process, and like all sports, takes practice and focus. When they feel they are making progress from week to week, they get naturally excited. This excitement is the fuel to keep studying the lessons and practice their guitar playing and success will come that much sooner.

It is not a good idea to use guitar lessons as punishment for low grades, etc. Music lessons are an educational/therapeutic tool, not a video game you can take away. Interruption of lessons can set a student back and discourage what you have invested from the start.

We enjoy giving our students opportunities to show off what they can do by performing live for family and friends, with our own HGA "house" band, made up of instructors and other advanced students periodically through out the year. (Not mandatory)

 My entire program is dedicated to my students & my goal of not only teaching guitar but putting an emphasize on "live" performance.  It is also as important to learn "how" to act in a band setting. A band is a group effort. It teaches how to work with others and in turn builds self esteem and confidence. 

With emphasis on "group effort",   a band is not just about one person!

One of my biggest enjoyments is watching the student’s faces when they play with the band for the first time.  Finally they are not just in a cubicle in a lesson but in a band situation with other musicians playing the songs they have learned. They light up as soon as they hear the first drum beat.  On show day, they are all smiles, excited and motivated. The shows, not recitals mind you, are public performances & inspire them to work harder at playing. You never forget your first gig!

 If you surf around our photo gallery or students events pages, you will find that above all, we have FUN!

For more information, please visit our lessons page. If you have any questions, please contact us.