For current group classes click here
SKYPE and video lessons available for those outside of Austin.
I teach all ages and experience levels. Beginners to pros. Young children to senior citizens. Are you wanting to learn your favorite song on guitar or ukulele? Are you a bass player looking for more music theory knowledge? Are you interested in learning ear training, rhythm guitar, soloing, writing song charts, improving vocal performance, crafting effective songs, playing in an ensemble, choosing and using gear appropriately? I'm very committed to helping build a thriving ukulele community in Austin and offer private and small group instruction in the uke. My ukulele curriculum includes the Ukulele in the Classroom series by Canadian ukulele pioneers James Hill and Chalmers Doane. Those are some examples of my teaching range. Let me devise a course of action and study that will get you where you want to go, and beyond! I strive to put together the most complete and thorough package to best guide every student I teach. For those that fall outside of my breadth of teaching expertise or teaching style, I have a great list of other phenomenal music teachers in Austin, TX.
What you will find at my teaching studio: Mac Book Pro and a large monitor to enhance student viewing of educational videos; iPad equipped with many great apps to enhance the learning experience; a vast array of acoustic and electric instruments and amps ranging from classic vintage gear to modern handmade pieces; a deep library of books, magazines, dvds that will highlight various aspects of the musical path; longleaf pine hardwood floors; studio grade acoustic sound baffles; high definition video camera for capturing student performances, skype lessons and making personalized lesson videos; ultra high quality Asterope instrument cables; a diverse range of effects and pedals; Blackswan hand and foot percussion instruments; and printer/scanner to copy instructional materials. A friendly, comfortable waiting room with free wireless internet is provided for parents and students. Professionalism, presence and patience are the standards of my business and I bring them to all interactions. My rates are reflective of my teaching credentials, decades of experience as a successful musician and the high quality of tools I provide.
Lesson scope includes: guitar, vocals, ukulele, bass, songwriting, performance, music theory, music business mentoring, touring and gear consultation. All my teaching is student-based, which means YOU determine what you want from the lessons. I simply guide and accompany you on this journey and help make sure you get there.
As of December 2009, I am now a certified Elementary Educator in the State of Texas. I have training and experience working with children and I understand how to reach youngsters in a healthy, positive, fun and efficient manner. My skills and knowledge as a classroom teacher translate well into music lessons for you or your child. I also have certification in ESL (English as a Second Language). This enables me to communicate and instruct non-native English speaking students and their parents in an informed and effective way.
I offer a free lesson for each new student referral.
For more information and to design a personalized plan for your lessons, please email:
kevin@kevincarroll.net
or call me at: 512.739.5946
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MY PHILOSOPHY and APPROACH
As a teacher I focus on pointing each student toward the music they want to create or recreate. Typical styles would include Country and Western, Rock, Folk, Jazz, Blues, Soul, R&B, Reggae and many others. I'll work with each student to break down the components of what they'd like to learn and develop a fun and rewarding practice regimen. Music theory is also something I enjoy introducing to students, as it can be a means to understanding and experiencing the vast possibilities of expression on the guitar. I offer both individual and group lessons depending on the need of the student. I've spent many years playing guitar and I want to share what I've learned and apply it to what you want to achieve musically. I also tend to learn a great deal from my students during the creative interaction of teaching. My journey as a player and performer can be found here. I strive to build creative, vital and authentic relationships with each of my students, as, I find this to be the foundation for a powerful learning experience.
As a player, songwriter and teacher I’m interested in exploring options and making informed, creative and organic choices. I’m as interested in what isn’t played and why as in what is played. I’m an avid listener of many styles of music and focus on the role of the guitar in serving the song and integrating into an ensemble music approach. I have a huge appreciation of the trust placed in me as a teacher and seek to honor it thoroughly in the most respectful and helpful manner possible. As a teacher I’m very dedicated to helping students discover and develop their own authentic “voice” on the instrument. I particularly enjoy working with songwriters in a closer investigation of the guitar as it relates to composition in an effort to maximize the options of expression available to an artist. To me space truly is the final frontier and I am constantly challenging myself to find new ways to provide space in both my music and the music of those with whom I play. I like to look at it as sonic feng shui.
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Credentials:
EC-4 Generalist Teaching Certificate in the State of Texas
ESL (English as a Second-Language) Certificate in the State of Texas
Completion of Huston-Tillotson's Alternative Teaching Certification Program
B.A. in Communication from Boise State University
Over 20 years experience teaching music professionally.
30 year experience playing guitar.
Over 20 years experience playing music and touring professionally.
Over 15 years of experience as a music producer.
I've played on national television shows such as Austin City Limits, On the Verge, Nashville Star, Studio 330 Sessions and have been in numerous music videos.
Have appeared on over a dozen albums as a guitarist, including major label and independent releases.
Over the years I've had the pleasure of playing with an amazing host of musicians including the Flatlanders, Robyn Ludwick, Bruce and Charlie Robison, Alejandro Escovedo, Will and Charlie Sexton, Frosty, Ian MacLagan, Jimmy LaFave, Ricky Skaggs, Leann Atherton, Rich Brotherton, David Grissom, Curtis Stigers, Chuck Prophet and many others. Each experience has added to the depth and richness of my musical journey.
