Students may choose lessons times that are 30, 45, or 60 minutes long per week. All lessons are conducted via Skype or Google Chat. In addition to the video chat, Dr. Salmon emails pdfs of all lesson materials discussed as well as mp3 examples and play-a-longs.
Dr. Salmon has over fifteen years of experience teaching private guitar lessons and at the following collegiate institutions:
Shawn Salmon has also presented at the 2010 International Guitar Festival and at the 2010 College Music Society National Conference.
Dr. Salmon offers lessons to fit every variety of skill level and interest.
Shawn's instruction has been crucial in my understanding of how the notes on the page or in my head translate to the guitar neck. I had been playing guitar long before I met Shawn, but once I studied under him, his direction gave me a clear path to merge my musical knowledge with solid guitar technique. Shawn's lessons with me were always focused yet relaxed so it made learning chill and open ended, and I think that's why many of the things I learned from him stick with me to this day. I think that continuation of knowledge is key in setting Shawn Salmon apart from the rest.
- Sean Ashcraft (former guitar and jazz ensemble student at Ball State University)
Taking lessons with Shawn has completely changed my overall understanding of music and has been the single biggest influence on me.
- Josh Lockwood (former guitar student at Ball State University)
I studied jazz guitar for 3 semesters with Shawn Salmon and performed in ensembles under his direction. He broadened and refined my interpretation of Jazz through a combination of his own musical insight and by challenging me to immerse myself in and derive a more personal and mature perspective of the art form. In an ensemble setting he imparts a sense of role and placement in a collective sound. In private lessons he builds stylistic individuality reinforced by a well-rooted understanding of the Jazz idiom. He combines patience and empathy with clear direction and personal experience to pave a clear path for better musicianship and individual expression. I not only learned more from Shawn Salmon, but he's left me with the tools to continue improving.
- William Smith (former guitar and jazz combo student at Ball State University)
When Shawn came to DePauw, he took up the responsibility of resurrecting our university's jazz big band. It was amazing the amount of difference his teaching and leadership made. After just one semester's worth of work with the students, the jazz ensemble was transformed into one of the most popular school of music ensembles, getting hired for gigs outside the University and attracting high profile guest artists such as Jackie Allen and Brent Wallarab. I would definitely recommend Shawn to teach any kind of course in jazz playing.
- Seth Tsui (former jazz ensemble student at DePauw University)
As a former student of Shawn Salmon's, I experienced a vast knowledge within the realm of Jazz in every applicable way. The coarse covered every type within the genre with history given to widen each perspective. I walked away having obtained specific key facts necessary for a Jazz enthusiast and also a strong foundation for the beginner.
- Natalie McKnight (former student at Kennedy-King College)