Guitarworks has become the place of prestige for professionals to teach - as
shown by our continuous addition of top notch instructors.
Never before
has such a program and such a brace of fantastic instructors been assembled.
Guitarworks reputation of superior instruction continues to bring us the best
instructors, looking for the very best facility to practice their art. We
are continually interviewing teacher applicants, and we pick only the best of
the best.
We teach one on one, private lessons customized to take each client in the style
and musical direction they desire. All ages, beginner to pro. Over half our
lesson students are adults!
Guitar of all styles, bass, banjo, mandolin, dobro, piano, voice, recording,
mallets and percussion. Now with Rebecca on board, we add violin, viola and
cello! We have the right time, the right methods and the perfect instructor to
fit your needs. Lesson appointment times are available from as early as 10 am
each weekday, to as late as 9 pm Monday - Friday. Lessons are also
available Saturdays 10 to 6 and Sundays Noon to 6.
Denny
production choreography in major motion pictures. Denny was a professional
child performer in dance and percussion, touring extensively. He began his
professional teaching career in 8th grade and continued teaching through High
School graduation. He then went on to receive education and performance
experience all over the world in the US Army Band during his hitch in the
military (1966-69).
Denny
owned Denny’s Drum Depot in
Denny
Blake
now carries the torch as an instructor of percussion for Guitarworks, too.
Guitarworks
founder and owner Kevin Franklin saw in Denny a unique combination of qualities
that let him know Denny was the man for the job. In fact, Kevin met Denny years
before, when Denny owned his own music store in Connersville, and was often
heard saying “when I find a man like Denny Dixon to head my program”….
praising him as the go-getter we needed.
Denny’s
drive, focus and passion lead he and Kevin to be fast friends from their initial
meeting. Neither of them had any way of knowing that fate would soon bring them
to work together. It is another in a long line of unexplainable blessings that
have been bestowed on Guitarworks over the years.
Denny
has been head of the Guitarworks lesson program for 14 years. As “Principal
Instructor” on our program, Denny handles the scheduling for all our
instructors. His job is to talk to each lesson applicant and discover their
particular area of interest. He’ll ask questions about musical experience and
background, musical preferences and styles each person wishes to pursue. That
info is what influences his recommendation of which Guitarworks instructor a
person should work with, as we have a wide variety of personalities and
specialties among our many instructors. We don’t just slam a new lesson client
into the first convenient opening we see on the schedule. Indeed, Denny’s job
is to be the matchmaker, and get you in with the best person to suit your
personal interests and musical goals.
About half of Guitarworks lesson clients are adults, and Denny interviews them directly, so getting the necessary info is pretty easy. With children, we ask the parents about their child or teen’s likes and dislikes, personality traits, musical preferences, school performance, etc. The more parental input we get, the better Denny can do his job. The psychology of matching a teen, for example, with someone they really think is cool, who can show them exactly what they need to progress and package it into the type and style of music they want to play, is essential to getting them hooked on lessons. As we gain their confidence and trust, often we can open the scope of their musical interests, increase their range of listening, and increase their intellectual pursuit of the instrument. We have many ways we can package the lessons and sculpt the curriculum to each individual, to keep their hands on their instrument the most. And THAT is what will teach them the most music. That matchmaking process is what Denny Dixon does, and why our lesson program has grown to such a huge enrollment. People stay with us, and the results are clearly visible. A large part of that credit belongs to Denny, who does his best to ensure a good start in the client teacher relationship. BACK
Announcing April Barnes Guitarworks Piano and Voice Teacher
April Barnes is an extremely talented lady and a seasoned
professional instructor of voice and piano.
She joined the Guitarworks crew in early 2009.
April
holds a Master of Music Education degree from Jordan School of Music,
April can do it all - from Pop Music to Theatre, Rock performance to Modern
Worship. April Barnes is that the one size fits all, well-rounded talent
with the flair for making hard work and serious musical progress fun and
exciting.
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Meet Rebecca Hoffman - our Violin & Piano Instructor
Rebecca
Hoffman brings 25 years of teaching experience to the Guitarworks
staff, joining us in 2008!
Rebecca's
orchestral skills are very broad, and she will accept students for viola and
cello as well as violin and piano. Whether you are looking for an instructor for
your school age players who want to achieve first-chair in their band or
orchestra programs, or you're an adult hobbyist or performer looking to further
your playing skills and repertoire, Rebecca Hoffman can take you there,
increasing your skill and fun with your instrument.
Rebecca holds a BA degree in Music from University of Cincinnati Conservatory of
Music, and a BA in English and Biblical Studies from
Rebecca is now filling times Monday
through Friday.
Call us now to schedule your weekly
appointment time. BACK
Announcing
Jessica Gelinas Guitarworks
New Voice and Piano Teacher
We’re thrilled to announce Jessica Gelinas as our new instructor of Voice and Piano. Jessica has taught for the past 5 years, and has performed as vocalist and accompanist in collegiate choirs, church choirs, operas and the Indiana Jazz Festival. Currently, Jessica is completing her B.S in Music Technology with a double major in Biology.
Jessica
is a delightful individual who can work with people of all skill levels and
musical tastes. She is currently filling 2 weekdays and Saturday schedules.
Jessica has the drive and energy, the personality and versatility we were
seeking in a vocal coach and piano instructor and Guitarworks is proud to have
her on board. Contact us now to schedule your appointment time with Jessica
Gelinas! BACK
We
are glad to announce the addition of Steve Simon to the Guitarworks teaching
force.
Steve
Simon
is
not a new face on the south side. He's been known for years in guitar circles as
a first rate performer and stellar instructor. Steve has performed tirelessly
all over the state for 20 years. He holds a BS in Music from
Steve has 15 years of professional teaching experience, and now he brings his
versatile talent to the Guitarworks' team! He's a great rock and pop player,
versed in many styles of electric and acoustic techniques. He's the kind of
player and personality we look for! Steve is someone you'll really like, he's
able to communicate the theory behind the music and can package the stuff you
need to know to advance into the kind of music you want to play.
Steve is now
filling appointment times Monday through Thursday.
Call us now
to schedule your weekly appointment time.
Paul
Schafer is a welcomed addition as our new instructor of Brass and Woodwind
instruments.
Paul Schafer brings to Guitarworks 20 years of
experience as a private instructor, school music director and professional
performer.
Paul has a Bachelor of Science degree from
He is currently band director at
We needed someone who can do it all - from school band, orchestral music and
contest preparation, to pop and theater music, from rock and blues performance
to modern worship music. Paul Schafer is that the one size fits all,
multi-instrumental talent we needed! Parents make serious investments in brass
and woodwind instruments. Yet
many young players don’t stick with it. The truth is, many Junior High and
High School players get bored with the school curriculum, the song selections
they are forced to play, their band who are working with so many kids at once,
or they feel limited by the pace of the rest of the band.
He
teaches all brass and woodwind instruments, and knows how to make hard work and
serious musical progress fun and exciting. Keep your excitement level high and
progress moving forward by supplementing the school program with private,
one-on-one instruction with Paul Schafer!
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John
Gray
is
a highly talented multi-instrumentalist. Like so many of Guitarworks
instructors, John became enamored with music at an early age. He began studying
guitar 
as
a young boy, and never looked back. He began playing drums in Junior High, and
studied percussion through High School and into college.
John
studied first at
John
Gray joined the Guitarworks lesson team in February, 2004. Guitarworks built a
special studio for John, where he teaches drumset and snare/drumline techniques.
He also teaches Mallets, and has a marimba in his studio - so he is a very
versatile percussionist!
On top of all that, John has many piano and guitar and bass students.
John
has the musical flexibility to teach all these instruments, and the engaging
personality that keeps his clients coming back.
He continues to perform with many top level performers in the central
John and his wife Elizabeth have a young son, Nathaniel, age 3.
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Eddie Henry started studying music at age 12 at Guitarworks! In fact, Eddie’s first instructor had been a student of Guitarworks owner Kevin Franklin years before. Eddie’s passion for teaching and creating music is infectious, and he developed that passion, and started his lifelong love of guitar in the Guitarworks lesson system.
Eddie’s
father was the Principal
at Perry
Meridian High School, and was looking for the best possible musical
education for his son.
We were proud, and Ed’s father is glad today, that he chose Guitarworks so
long ago. 
Eddie Henry has now been studying guitar and music theory and performing for 24 years. Eddie is a also graduate of the Venn School of Luthiery (the art of guitar building), is an accomplished acoustic and electric performer.
Eddie joined the Guitarworks teaching staff in January 2005. He teaches both guitar and bass to all ages and levels. Eddie has a talent for discovering each student’s musical interests. He uses the client’s input to tailor a program unique for each individual – showing you skills you need to acquire that fit into the kind of music you wish to pursue.
Eddie can design a personalized lesson program work for you, too. He is anxious to work with you and develop your love about your instrument. He’ll help you grow, and take you in the direction of your personal interest. Eddie can make the guitar sing for you. BACK
Gary
Checkeye is
the definition of a truly SUCCESSFUL professional musician. Gary has not taken
home a dime outside of music for 35 years.
He
began his full time performance career at age 18, has been married to his lovely
wife Jodi for
31 years, has raised 3 fine sons and put them through college with a bass
guitar in his hands. And everyone who knows him says Gary’s the nicest
man they’ve ever met.
Gary is known by all the pro musicians in Indiana, and everyone who meets Gary Checkeye respects him and holds him in highest regard. Gary has played with a who’s-who of local, regional, and national talents. He’s that “in the pocket” bassist everyone seeks. His technical proficiency is amazing, but he’s the one who knows when and where to apply, and not over-apply his bass skills. His improvisational chops and tasteful style of play, his personality, charm, work ethic and positive attitude are the reasons he’s been able to remain a full time pro player, supporting his family as a professional musician and making so many musical friends over the years.
Gary has studied bass all his life. But when Gary came to the Guitarworks lesson program as a student, to study with (then) long time Guitarworks bass instructor Steve Wolf, it changed his view, his playing style and his approach to the instrument. Gary will tell you that he is living proof - even seasoned veteran players can benefit greatly by studying with a professional instructor, like the pros on the Guitarworks lesson team.
Gary himself joined the Guitarworks teaching team in 1992 - he has been an instructor with us for 18 years!
Gary teaches 5 days a week, both bass and guitar, and enjoys working with people of all ages and musical styles. He’s just as happy to teach a grade school child as a teenager, a beginning adult student, or a lifelong, accomplished professional like himself. Talk to us about guitar or bass lessons with Gary Checkeye, the consummate professional. BACK
Zach
Wooton began
his musical studies at a young age, working with his father, Doug Wooton, a
Center Grove school teacher, and private
guitar instructor. Zach is versed in a broad spectrum of music in genres - blues
and rock, jazz, progressive fusion and folk. He has written and arranged
pieces for school related recitals and performed in multiple group and solo acts
in the
Zach
is a second generation instructor, and has been teaching professionally in the
Dan
began his music career at age 9, studying under his father. He joined his
first band as a bass guitarist at age 15 and never looked back.
Interesting note: that first band, called the Smokin’ Jokers, was with school
chum and future Guitarworks Guitar Tech extraordinaire Deric Rush! (See the
service page of our website for more on Deric!)
Over the years Dan has toured the U.S. with a wide variety of bands from rock, country, and blues. He still plays professionally for various bands in the Indianapolis area, while teaching for us full time.
Dan Hunt is a graduate of Vincennes University, and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Arts & Humanities from Ball State University. Dan and his wife Liz have two children, Megan, age 9, and Ethan, age 6. BACK
Paul
Brown has
been teaching professionally since 1990, after more than a decade of continuous
performance with local and touring bands. He has worked as a guitar
technician, in Professional Audio installation, and managed Indy’s
Music House on 
Like
so many of Guitarworks best instructors, Paul began his love for guitar as an
early age. He studied with local guitar instructors, and became a favored pupil
with a noticeable developing talent. This in turn gained the attention of the
music store’s managers, and lead to his first hiring as a professional
instructor. Paul’s aptitude led him to a career in music, as if it was meant
to be.
Paul
has so much applied music experience – read: STAGE TIME. He knows
first hand how to organize a player’s skills into a performance marketable
talent - how to become a valuable player that serious performers will want to
work with, and how to further the stylistic arsenal of advanced players. Many
highly advanced players and long time weekend level performers have told me how
much they benefited once they began studies with Paul Brown. He can do the same
for you.
Paul
accepts clients from beginner to pro, from all walks of life and all levels of
playing skill. He’s a great man to work with, and he teaches several days a
week. Talk to us about lessons with Paul Brown. When it comes to guitar
instruction, he’s a true professional.
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Like
so many Guitarworks instructors, Joe Means is a very active
performer. Joe has held the beat for many top performers, and has been Indy’s
first call recording session drummer for
years.
He spent 11 years behind Gene Deer & the Groove Merchants, recorded 2
CDs with Jess Richmond and then founded Southern Draw, a rippin’ new country
act that dominated the Indy scene. He drummed with
Joe Means has developed an excellent teaching program, and has been an
instructor with Guitarworks for the past 12 years! He works with drummers
of all walks; from absolute beginners to performing artists.
Very recently, we held the JOE MEANS’ DRUM CLINIC here on the
Guitarworks stage. Joe put on a fascinating workshop, with an emphasis on the
roots and history of Rock drumming. Joe spent a lot of time on the origin of
rock and demonstrating the major differences and subtle nuances between various
styles. He performed a library of different shuffles - the
Joe Means is a true professional in every sense of the word.
He is currently accepting students Monday through Saturday.
Contact us for more info on drum lessons with Joe Means, and to schedule
your standing weekly lesson time. You
will learn A LOT, and have a lot of fun. Let Joe Means develop a program for
you, and put your drumming skills in high gear!
We
are thrilled to announce the addition of Adam
Scarzo to
the Guitarworks lesson staff. Adam is a seasoned professional with all the right
stuff to join the Guitarworks
crew.
Adam
has 12 years of professional teaching experience, teaching guitar and many other
stringed instruments. He has worked with students from all walks of life - kids
and teens, adults and seniors, and people of all skill levels and musical
tastes. Adam holds a 2 year degree from Berklee College of Music, and has
additional studies at Indiana
Adam’s music experience includes musical director for professional theatre, extensive studio recording and arranging, and performing with many award winning bands.
Guitarworks
has become the place of prestige for professionals to teach - as shown by our
continuous addition of top notch instructors. Guitarworks reputation of
superior instruction continues to bring us the best instructors, looking for the
very best facility to practice their art. It is precisely this that has brought
us together with Adam Scarzo, and we welcome him to the Guitarworks Team!
BACK
Jeff
Kunkel
holds
a Masters of Music in Theory and Composition from 
received
the “Arion Society Award” for excellence in music. Jeff Kunkel has extensive
Professional Recording Studio Experience, and writes for Keyboard magazine.
Jeff
has been teaching since 1976, and has held between 70 and 100 weekly students on
his roster for much of that time. He has performed and recorded with many
nationally known musicians, and is fluent in every style of popular, classical
and religious music. In addition to his outstanding keyboard skills, Jeff
teaches woodwinds (saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe and bassoon), in both
classical and jazz styles, plus improvisation, music theory, and composition.
Jeff
is the father of two boys, ages 11 and 12, and is a delightful person who deeply
loves music and conveying music to others. He is equally at home teaching
adults, teens and children, and works with people of all skill levels.
Now Jeff brings his formidable skills to the Guitarworks lesson program, and we are glad to welcome him aboard the Guitarworks lesson team. He is now booking students of all ages, beginner to pro! BACK
Meet Mark Schuster - Violin, Viola and Cello Instructor
Mark
has all the right stuff to enhance the musical range of the Guitarworks lesson
staff. Mark’s orchestral skills are very broad, and he will accept students of
all walks and skill levels, adults and children, beginner to pro.
Whether
you are looking for an instructor for your school age players who want to
achieve first-chair in their band or orchestra programs, or you're an adult
hobbyist or performer looking to further your playing skills and repertoire,
Mark Schuster can take you there, increasing your skill and fun with your
instrument.
Mark is now filling times Monday, Friday and weekends.
Call us now to schedule your weekly appointment time.
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Meet Matt Hudson - Guitar Instructor
Matt
Hudson
has
been playing guitar since he was just a child – constantly.
Matt’s
studied classical guitar for six years with Petar Jankovic (Coordinator
for the Guitar Department at
Matt
Hudson has been on the Guitarworks teaching staff since 2003. He cites many
diverse musical influences, from Randy Rhoads to John Williams to Andre Segovia.
He is in his studio 6 days a week, and enjoys working with people of all ages
and skill levels.
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