Guitar & Bass Lessons
TEACHING METHOD
Landon has more than 20 years of teaching experience and offers lessons in acoustic or electric guitar, ukulele, or bass guitar in styles ranging from jazz to blues, classical, slack-key, rock, pop, latin music, country, acoustic fingerstyle, improvisation, music theory, and other styles and topics. His students have ranged in age from 5 to 85. Age 6 and above is the recommended age for starting lessons. Some students are professional musicians looking to expand their range, some want help to play in their school or church bands, but most are starting from little or no experience.
Landon offers a proven modern step by step approach that steadily builds students’ confidence and skill level and students will have the opportunity but are not required to perform in recitals. Some students as they progress will choose to focus on rock, classical, jazz, country, folk, improvisation, or other style. Landon’s lessons follow the students’ interests as they evolve while grounding them in the basics of technique, rhythm, scales, harmony, and ear-training. The goals of his method are first, to get students playing songs that they enjoy as quickly as possible so that practicing at home is enjoyable and fun. Students choose their own songs if they prefer and have access to a large collection of digital sheet music and study materials when they are enrolled in lessons. If the requested song isn’t in the collection, we use the multimedia station in the studio to transcribe and create a custom music chart. Landon’s teaching is patient, positive and encouraging. It is also student centered, and geared towards helping students to achieve their goals. Students will eventually learn to read tablature (tabs), rhythms, counting time, scales, arpeggios, harmony and the theory to meet their needs. Learning to read music notation is recommended, but not required.
Whether you are studying classical, rock, jazz or acoustic fingerstyle, all of these styles require proficiency in rhythm, listening, and a strong, efficient technique and that is why Landon’s approach centers around mastering these fundamental aspects of ear training and playing an instrument. Students will leave the lessons with the confidence and skill set they need to choose their own direction in music and study and create music independently for the rest of their lives.
Student Reviews
Mitchell Donahou
I took lessons from Landon for about a half of a year every week. He is very knowledgeable and is well versed in his music knowledge including music theory. No matter what songs I brought to Landon he always knew how to teach me and learn the song him self in a very proficient manner.
Danielle Wilcock
My son Hunter (age 9) took lessons with Landon over the last year. During our first lesson Landon assisted us with choosing a guitar that was the right body size for Hunter. I was able to sit in on the first few lessons with them so I understood what Hunter needed to practice. Landon's directions for practicing were very clear and easy to follow. Hunter showed improvement weekly when he practiced 15 minutes per day.
Melissa Kurpinski
I have been taking weekly lesson with Landon for 15 months and I can't begin to tell you how fun, challenging and creative the lessons are. I had never picked up a bass before this and now I'm on my third bass book and creating bass lines. Dream come true.
Lavonda Nakamoto
My son has been taking guitar lessons from Landon for the past six years. My son's skills have improved and he is able to play some impressive pieces thanks to Landon. Landon is teaching him both the acoustic guitar and electric guitar. He is very patient and supportive. My son enjoys the lessons because of the supportive experience and I think Landon has helped him build a love for the guitar that will stay with him for life.
Barry Edwards
Three months in, learning what I could not teach myself, from an accomplished, patient, encouraging and gifted teacher. Really enjoying this experience!
Reese Tsubota
Mr. Landon is a great guitar teacher. I have been taking lessons from him for quite a while now and I can tell you that I have learned a ton. Unlike most teachers, who will traditonaly force music on to you, he wants you to learn what you are interested in. All in all, very good teacher with lots of musical knowledge to back it up.
Jay Koseki
One of the most qualified as well as fun and creative guitar teachers in Hawaii. He's got experience from all over the world. I've taken guitar lessons from many teachers but Landon is one of my favorites. His approach has always been creative and I've learned so much in such a short amount of time. He can teach both adults and kids and seems to be able to connect with anyone. He's always been encouraging while pushing me to do even more. After studying with Landon it opened up a whole new world for me. You need to contact this guy if you want guitar lessons and your on Oahu.
Melanie Maier
Taking as little as eight electric guitar lessons from Landon Mattox has taught me a lot. Landon is a great teacher that takes his time to teach you as much as he can at a pace that is comfortable for you. Landon also teaches fun songs to learn with and if you take the initiative to practice and learn, it will take you a long way. Also, Landon has great methods to improve your overall guitar playing experience. He makes lessons and learning the guitar very enjoyable and I would definitely recommend taking lessons from him.
