ABOUT KATHLYN

Hi! I'm Kathy.

It turns out there are a lot of musicians named Kathy, so when creating my website, I decided to go with my full name, Kathlyn. You can call me Kathy or Kathlyn—I like them both!

My Teaching Style

I love teaching guitar, watching students grow as musicians, and seeing the joy on their faces when they achieve something new. My aim as a teacher is to provide a solid music education in a fun and supportive environment while focusing on the style of music each student wants to learn. I’ve taught students from ages 7 through adult in a variety of styles, including rock, grunge, classical, funk, improvisation, and heavy metal. Lessons generally follow this structure:

• A warm/up technique exercise.

• A review of material from the previous week.

• If there is new material, it is introduced at the end of the lesson.

• I provide each student with notes on what to practice for that week.

Songs are selected based on the student's primary style, goals, and ability level. All students gain a solid music education, and each student's lessons are tailored to meet their individual goals and interests. Students are always working on at least one song that they have requested or that aligns with their genre and skill level.

Through tailored lessons that are fun and engaging for all ages, students not only become better musicians, but also gain valuable life skills such as improved self-confidence and the ability to overcome challenges. It is a privilege to help guide others to express themselves creatively through music, and it's a skill anyone can enjoy throughout their lifetime, whether they are 5 or 95.

My Musical Journey

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Both of my parents are pianists, and I started formal piano lessons at age five. In fifth grade, I began playing the clarinet and at age 12, I discovered what would become my lifelong passion—the guitar. I am a graduate of Musicians Institute/Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) in Hollywood, CA. Before attending GIT, I studied music at the University of New Mexico my freshman year and spent summers studying guitar at the National Guitar Workshop in Claremont, CA.

Other Random Facts

I have also worked in tech and am a homeschooling mom. I have a B.A. from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design and an M.S. from the University of Denver.

Instruction and Inspiration

I have studied classical, flamenco, rock, hard rock, blues, and jazz guitar.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some highly accomplished and truly inspiring musicians, including:

To learn more about lessons, scheduling, or getting started, contact me or visit the Kathlyn Music homepage for more information.