MUSICIANS OFFERING LESSONS AT SPRUCE TREE

Private lessons are offered here in Guitar, Mandolin, Violin & Fiddle, Banjo and Mountain Dulcimer. Styles can include Jazz, Swing, Classical, Blues, Bluegrass, Old Time, Celtic, Folk as well as a Brazilian Choro and African guitar styles--just depending on the skills and eclectic interests of the instructors here. Ear training and music reading skills are offered as well. All of the instructors here are well versed in teaching beginners as well as advanced players. (We see lots of adult beginners here, so don't be shy.)

We're pleased to have the following instructors associated with our shop. They all have extensive experience as working musicians and as teachers. They are not employees of Spruce Tree Music, however, we assist in referrals.

Contact instructors directly to discuss your musical interests and schedule. Feel free to call Spruce Tree Music if you would like suggestions as to which instructor might best suit your goals.

• Dave Fallow - Guitar and Mandolin

  Dave plays a wide variety of styles including swing, blues, bluegrass, Celtic and folk. His versatility has made him a well-established fixture on the acoustic music scene, playing with established and impromptu groups alike. He has studied with Roger Brotherhood and Mike Dowling. Dave is also well-known locally for leading birding trips. Dave can be reached at 243-1019 or Email: dfallow@yahoo.com
  

• Mary Gaines - Guitar

  Mary teaches beginning and intermediate level guitar with an emphasis on popular and jazz chord systems, as well as ear training and music theory. She has 20 years of performing experience on guitar, cello and electric bass, spanning many musical styles and diverse ensembles. She has recorded on several national releases and has done extensive studio recording work. Mary currently performs with The Stellanovas as well as with The Bob Westfall Band, and is also reknown for performing with The Common Faces and The Moon Gypsies. Mary can be reached at 608-436-4790 or Email: moonmary77@charter.net
  

• Julie Luther - Old-Time Banjo and Mountain Dulcimer

  Julie plays clawhammer / frailing style banjo for old-time dances as well as for song accompaniment. She has performed throughout the Midwest, has played fiddle and guitar for New England contra dances, and has worked extensively as an Artist in Resident for a number of state arts councils. Julie can be reached at Spruce Tree Music, 255-2254.

• Jon Peik - Bluegrass Banjo

  Jon emphasizes traditional bluegrass banjo styles in his teaching. He performs with two bands, traditional bluegrass group The Nob Hill Boys and contemporary bluegrass with Above the Town. In the mid-80s, Jon was a student of Spruce Tree Music teacher Dale Reichert. Jon can be reached at 414-491-1367 or Email: jrpeik@yahoo.com
  

• Sean Gartlan - Guitar

  Sean teaches a variety of styles on guitar, primarily blues, folk, rock, reggae and bluegrass/old-time country. His teaching approach is grounded in music theory with emphasis on ear training, and is suited to beginner and more advanced students alike. He has learned from and collaborated with musicians of several nationalities and has over thirteen years of experience as a performer. Sean can be reached at 347-5657 or Email: seangartlan@gmail.com
  

• Chris Wagoner - Violin, Fiddle and Mandolin

  Chris teaches a wide range of styles covering jazz, blues, classical, bluegrass and country as well as the fundamentals of Irish and old-time fiddling. He also emphasizes ear training and music reading skills. Chris currently performs with The Stellanovas as well as with The Bob Westfall Band. Chris has been involved with many high-profile bands in the area. He was an original member of the string jazz band Harmonious Wail, as well as a cornerstone of The Common Faces as well as The Moon Gypsies. Chris studied classical violin at UW. His musical versatility has led him to work extensively as a studio musician Chris can be contacted at 834-2122 or Email: studiostrings@charter.net
  

• Grant Ziolkowski - Mandolin

  Grant specializes in bluegrass (fiddle tunes and vocal accompaniment), Celtic and "newgrass" improvisational styles, as well as traditional Brazilian choro music. He emphasizes the importance of sound technique and musicality on mandolin as the base to becoming a good player, no matter what the style may be. Grant has recorded with several groups in the Milwaukee area, has studied mandolin in Spain, in Chicago with swing master Don Stiernberg, and attended workshops with David Grisman, Mike Marshall and Chris Thile while attending the 2005 Mandolin Symposium. Grant can be reached at 770-5968 or Email: rubin_wilson@hotmail.com