Lessons are available for guitar, bass, ukulele, mandolin, drums, and keyboard. The certified instructors at Music Manor have something to offer anyone from beginners to experienced players. Our instructors offer a wide range of musical styles.
Lesson prices are $25 every half hour. Payments are expected on the day of the lesson, and can be made with cash or check (checks should be written directly to the instructor) or card. We DO NOT require you to purchase a block of lessons in order to start, nor do we require any other additional fees.
Please choose from the list of instructors below and contact them directly to schedule lessons today! You can also purchase lessons as a gift with Music Manor Gift Certificates!
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS:
DOUG FRITCH
Instruments: Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin
Styles Taught: Rock, Blues, Jazz, Fusion, Funk, Pop, Worship, Acoustic, Country, Bluegrass, Classical
Years Teaching: 35+
Educational Credentials: Musicians Institute, Guitar Institute Of Technology, Hollywood, CA; Honors Student, Lansing Community College
Coming to Music Manor in 1994, Doug has been teaching all levels of guitar and bass. A local professional, Doug has a heavy amount of experience playing with several bands, solo performances, and at all kinds of events. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, Doug has the skills to help you advance. He teaches harmony, theory, music reading, ear training, songwriting, and both lead and rhythm. Doug welcomes students of all ages as well. He tailors each lesson program around the individual player to fit interests and needs. Get started, or continue your education on your instrument with Doug. He has the experience, and patience to inspire your playing to reach the next level.
Contact: (517) 285-6569
CURT NAPIER
Instruments: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Mandolin, Lap Steel, Dobro, Banjo, Ukulele, Keyboard
Styles Taught: Rock, Blues, Country, and more
Years Teaching: 20+
Educational Credentials: Musicians Institute, Guitar Institute of Technology, Hollywood, CA
Curt began playing music at 7 years old, and has enjoyed playing every day since. He’s a graduate of the Musicians Institute, which prepared him to approach every musical situation with pride and confidence. While in college, he interned at a promotion company working with up-and-coming artists and their relationship to record labels (Artists & Repertoire). Upon graduation from MI, Curt began studio work creating music for radio and television, teaching private lessons, and conducting after school music education programs for the Leslie, Okemos, and Grand Ledge Public School Systems. He has written, recorded, and played original music with local bands as well. Any given weekend, he can be found playing in cover bands in the Lansing, Jackson, and surrounding areas.
Curt believes that music lessons should be fun, as well as educational. He is comfortable working with students of any age or level of experience from complete beginner to advanced.
Availability: Saturday
Contact: (517) 604-0741
DEREK HOULE
Instruments: Drums and Percussion
Styles Taught: Rock, Metal, Progressive Rock/Metal, Blues, Country, and Jazz
Years Teaching: 17
Derek has taught a variety of ages and skill levels, teaching children as young as five-years-old all the way to retired adult seniors. He has taught hundreds of students and given thousands of lessons over the years. Some highly credible percussionists he has studied with include jazz drummer legend Randy Gillespie (Michigan State Jazz Drumming Instructor), and Rob J. Moore (current percussionist for the United States Army Band). There have also been many clinics, camps, and seminars that he has attended over his lifetime, which have all contributed to his knowledge and experience as a drummer. Derek has been in a variety of bands over the years in various genres, and has had the opportunity to open for famous acts including Lamb of God, Opeth, Nile, and many others.
Derek absolutely loves drumming, not just as a hobby, but as a career. It is his priority to help students improve significantly with their skills, becoming the best they can be while having fun in the process. Teaching and helping students become better drummers/musicians is his passion, and to see them grow and progress is what makes being a teacher so rewarding.
Contact: (517) 402-4269 www.derekhoule.com
JEFF SHOUP
Instruments: Drum set, Rudimental drumming
Styles Taught: Jazz, Rock, Blues, Pop, Funk
Years Teaching: 14
Educational Credentials:
Master of Music, Jazz Studies, Michigan State University, 2014
American Music Studies faculty member at Hope College, Holland, MI, 2017-2022
Jeff Shoup began performing semi-professionally in 1993 and turned his lifelong love of music and drumming into a career in the 2000’s. He is well-known locally as the host of the popular Jazz Tuesdays music series, a weekly event at Moriarty’s Pub in downtown Lansing. He has worked regularly with a who’s who of local musicians including Jim Alfredson, Randy Napoleon, members of Soulstice and the Root Doctor band, Steve “Frog” Forgey, Mike Skory, and jam bands Hell in a Bucket and Planet Express. Career highlights include performances with the world renowned, multi-genre guitarist Fareed Haque, and a short tour with the late, great blues guitarist Smokin’ Joe Kubek.
Jeff earned a Masters degree in Jazz Studies from the College of Music at Michigan State University, and has been mentored by master jazz drummer Randy “Uncle G” Gelispie for more than 15 years. While at MSU he also studied hand technique and rudimental drumming with MSU Drumline coach Jon Weber.
Jeff’s drumming and teaching philosophy is “Be a Musician first, and a Drummer second.” He helps students achieve the goal of being an effective band member by developing an excellent grasp of drumming and musical fundamentals, and strong listening skills.
Jeff holds endorsements with Zildjian cymbals, Canopus drums, Vic Firth sticks and brushes, and Ahead Armor cases and bags.
Contact: (517) 420-7960, jeffplaysdrums@gmail.com
