Teaches in Twin Cities, MN

From Minneapolis, Minnesota

Plays Bass, and Guitar

About

Instructing guitar students is how John Kerns made his start in music in 1997, freshly graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College. He has instructed beginner, intermediate and advanced guitar and bass students ages 7-67. Utilizing method books from Mel Bay and Hal Leonard gave way to Kerns developing his own original music and guitar-theory methods.

Playing in bands for the past 30 years and working as a band leader for volunteer musicians at church gives Kerns a unique perspective on how musicians learn skills and material. Kerns can quickly grasp a musician’s ability level and diagnose bad habits while prescribing a plan of attack for success.

Beginners learn the basics of strumming, picking technique, note-reading, tablature, and guitar theory in 1st position while enjoying learning common sing along songs. Intermediate students dive into scales, modes, arpeggios, cover songs, in-depth music theory and guitar-theory while learning how to improvise solos and craft phrases. Advanced students learn altered scales, modes, gear and equipment, tapping, songwriting and transcription, but all lessons are tailored to each student and their motivation.

Many of Kerns’ former students advanced to play in bands or college, while some were content strumming for their families. Whatever your desired result is, Kerns will curate a lesson arc designed to help you achieve your goals from entertaining around the campfire to any sized stage.