Book a lesson…. Teachers are excited to get you on their schedule… Bio’s and sign up info below…
Email Elijah to book a lesson: elijahbruss@gmail.com
“Elijah Russ is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, & producer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Elijah began performing and touring professionally at the age of 15. After attending Grand Rapids Community College for classical guitar and recording technology, Elijah began teaching and touring nationally. In 2018, Elijah moved full-time back to Grand Rapids to begin his solo career. Elijah plays guitar, piano/keyboards, bass, drums, alto saxophone, ukulele, mandolin, and produces his own music in Logic Pro X. Elijah specializes in rock guitar, but is fluent in the styles of blues, country, jazz, Latin, Middle Eastern, folk, & more. In his free time, Elijah enjoys hiking in national parks and spending time by waterfalls and in hot springs.”
Email/call Nathan Dill for lessons:
(231)855-7393
Nate Dill is a Multi-Instrumentalist from Muskegon, MI who specializes in guitar and piano while also teaching bass, ukulele, theory, drums and voice. Dill graduated from Muskegon Community College in 2019 with an associates degree in Music Performance and has played all over the midwest since 2016 in bands such as: Skyking, Matt Williams and Jude Lolley & The Flux. He is currently performing as a solo artist and writing original music that contains progressive metal, classical and jazz influence.
@natedillmusic on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube
https://www.facebook.com/natedillmusic
https://www.instagram.com/natedillmusic/
https://youtube.com/channel/UCjoVJcewiVd-JqlRMdFouvg
Email brandon to book Drum lessons: brandonpratt0917@gmail.com
Brandon Pratt is a performing musician, student at Grand Rapids Community College, and private instructor for about 5 years now. Since 10 years of age, he has loved the idea of trying to better himself behind the kit. Brandon grew up playing in the church and taking part in jazz band and marching band at Spring Lake Public Schools while studying with Scott Pellegrom. Brandon is currently playing with a variety of groups such as the In The Blue Jazz Ensemble, The PHD’s Jazz Trio, and Squatch, a progressive rock group, previously from the east side of the state. Brandon is always looking for ways to get out and perform, even if it’s busking with some friends in downtown Grand Haven or sitting in for a jazz session with The New Standard at The Grand Oyster Bar. Brandon attends Grand Rapids Community College and studies Recording technology and music performance.
Email Vince to book a lesson: vhmusiclessons@gmail.com
Specializing in all styles of Acoustic & Electric Blues Guitar, from Mississippi Delta slide styles
to classic Chicago & Modern Blues, Funk, Rock, Reggae, R&B, Country, and Folk.
Additional instruction on Bass, Native American & Japanese Flutes, Djembe, Songwriting,
Vocal Conditioning, and beginner Blues Harmonica.
In his 30 year music career, Vincent has taught over 400 students, from beginners to working
professionals alike. His “holistic” approach begins with building solid rhythmic skills, while
simplifying the science of music theory, and guiding students towards discovering their
personal expression through improvisational exercises based on two core principles:
“It all begins with rhythm”, and “You've gotta hear it and feel it before you can play it.”
Vincent started his first rock band in junior high, and was playing in local clubs before he
graduated high school. After studying music in college, he began a blues journey that took
him from playing street corners in Memphis to jam sessions in Chicago, while building a
career as a solo blues guitarist on the Midwestern festival/club circuit.
In 2011, his band The Vincent Hayes Project, received highest honors from the Blues
Foundation in Memphis, TN with a prestigious Blues Music Award Nomination for their CD,
“Reclamation”, recorded with Grammy winning producer/engineer Glenn Brown (Billy Strings,
Kid Rock) on the original Neve 8068 console from Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL, which
along with their followup, “The Grind” (produced/engineered by Bill Chrysler) also received
multiple WYCE Jammie Awards, and airplay on hundreds of FM stations worldwide, as well
as Sirius/XM. He's headlined numerous blues festivals, co-headlined shows with Buddy Guy,
Joanne Shaw Taylor, and Johnny Lang, and in 2013 his band was personally invited to open
for BB King at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. He's additionally shared the stage
with The Steve Miller Band, Joe Bonamassa, Nick Moss, Tommy Castro, Donald Kinsey (Bob
Marley & the Wailers), Larry McCray, and more.
Vincent continues to perform as a solo artist and with his band. His recordings can be heard
on WYCE-FM, Grand Rapids, “Bluesville” on Sirius/XM, and every weekend on the “Friday &
Saturday Night Blues” program on WGVU-FM, Grand Rapids.
Website: vincenthayes.com
Pandora: The Vincent Hayes Project Radio
Youtube: Multiple sound/video clips available by searching “Vincent Hayes Blues”
Contact Rich at richbeelen.com or 616-283-4173
Richard Beelen
As a long time West Michigan music scene veteran, Rich continues as a Freelance Bassist, Recording Artist, Music Director/Arranger and Bass Instructor. Watching students learn and grow as a musician has always been a passion of Rich’s.
If you are looking to gain knowledge about playing bass in a band and want to learn more about bass technique, music theory, ear training, sight reading, improvising or alternate time signatures, consider Bass lessons here at Guitar Haven from Rich Beelen.
Bob Zanfardino (PianoBob)
Email Piano Bob to set up a lesson: pianobobny@gmail.com
I provide private, one on one piano lessons. 20+ years experience. All Levels. All styles of music. My approach to teaching piano begins and ends with the philosophy that the student should enjoy the process. My intent is to pass along my love for the piano as well as instilling the benefits of discipline and sense of accomplishment derived from performing a piece of music from beginning to end. Many times I create custom sheet music for my students, catering to their level of playing and their taste in music.
I've been a working musician based on Long Island, NY for the past 37 years. I'm a founding member of The Touch, one of the most successful cover bands to come out of NY over the last 40 years and recently moved to Spring Lake, MI.
https://www.youtube.com/user/Falen62/playlists
https://www.facebook.com/pianobob62
https://www.youtube.com/TheTouch1984/videos
Contact Kass Kaat for Ukulele lessons ~
email: thebittertender@gmail.com
Kass Kaat is a beginner ukulele instructor, hailing from Pentwater, MI. She has extensive history
working with children, and is experienced in caregiving, lesson planning, behavioral therapy,
medical procedures, and hospitality. In her free time, Kass enjoys spending time at the lake,
kayaking, and making beautiful meals for friends and family.
Kass’ interests have always lied in the arts. She believes there is substantial value in expression
through art, regardless of skill level. Kass enjoys making learning fun and accessible for
everyone, and strives to create a supportive and joyful environment for her students with
games, activities and plenty of sing-along songs. While rooted in engagement and authentic
expression, her lessons demonstrate the importance of goal setting, good playing habits, and
discipline: all vital traits for aspiring musicians to learn.
Contact Kass to schedule a lesson today!
Email Bob to set up a lesson: bob@supersavings.com
Hello ~ My name is Bob Lievense. I am a drummer and guitar player, not both at the same time. I have been in numerous bands in West Michigan. They include "IN EFFECT”, “The US Band, *(a Pat Benatar tribute band'), Eddie and the Breakers, and currently "The Sessions" in which I play guitar.
In the past, I played drums for many years including the other forementioned bands. From learning rhythms for school band to learning how to play in some sort of band whether it be Church, rocking with friends or a serious endeavor forming a band, I am a very seasoned musician with experience to back it. A few of my former bands were the warm up acts for "The Guess Who", Dave Mason, Blue Oyster Cult and others.
Being surrounded with music all my life, I took to other instruments as well. Since the drums aren't the most melodic instrument and more of an accompanying rhythmic instrument, I started playing guitar which brought out a new me.
I have ten years under my belt playing guitar professionally. Let me show you how to make playing easier than you'd think. I am not going to throw a bunch of theory at you. Let's learn some chords and start playing…… but, of course, we’ll need to learn the basics. I am here to share my experience with you.
Let me be of assistance to you or your child in progressing down the road to music enhancement.
Contact Bob to set up a lesson: