Lessons

Alan Morrison

has been playing the guitar and bass for over 40 years and teaching lessons throughout those years. "The guitar, and music in general, has been a great source of enjoyment for me. My goal is to help my students learn the guitar so they can enjoy the many benefits of playing an instrument. I believe in starting out with the basics, such as reading music and learning where the notes and chords are on the guitar. From there we can go to more advanced things, like learning specific songs, or improvisation."

Alan has played in various bands since the age of 16 and enjoys many different musical styles. He is currently lead guitarist for the band Identity Crisis, a 12 piece classic rock band.

He teaches guitar, bass, ukulele, and mandolin.

"Alan's the most amazing guitar, bass, ukulele, and mandolin instructor in the Quad Cities. I have 2 sons that have taken lessons from him. My older son learned to play guitar. My youngest son can play guitar, bass, ukulele, and mandolin. He is kind, caring, and patient. We are blessed to call him our friend as well." - Marilyn M.

"AM Guitar Works has changed us to be a musical family! We bought our first guitars here and they were so helpful in matching great instruments with our playing goals (of course since then I have gotten in the habit of buying more!).
I am middle-aged and never played an instrument before. In this last year Alan taught me to read and play music that I enjoy. He takes the music I like and breaks it down so that I can learn to play it. He even got me writing my own acoustic songs. He is also working with two of my children. My nine-year old daughter is playing cords already on her acoustic and my older son stays interested in his electric. Alan knows how to teach to all levels of learning and playing styles. I cannot believe how far we have come in a short time!!! Thank you so much!!!" - Duane

Rebecca Casad

has been a music lover for her entire life, studying piano, percussion, ukulele, and voice. The singer/songwriter has been involved in multiple state honor choirs, musical theatre performances, classical and church choirs, and is currently found around the Quad Cities performing her original songs on the ukulele. She was able to produce, write and release her debut album Memoirs in 2018 and has been continuing to write music.

Rebecca is experienced in musical theatre, classical, contemporary, pop, and rock singing theory and performance, as well as being particularly passionate about teaching ukulele in many styles.

She offers ukulele and voice lessons.

"Rebecca is pure talent and we are so thankful she can teach and develop our daughters' musical abilities. Rebecca is not only a talented musician, she is an amazing teacher and role model. Our daughters have grown so much in their journey with music." - Tiffany M.

"I have been taking lessons with Rebecca since June and she is hands down the most encouraging, talented, and patient teacher! She is very thorough, she knows her stuff, and she meets you on your level and gives honest, yet gentle feedback on your skills. She gives tons of great tips and instructions on how to improve, and she genuinely focuses on shaping you into the best musician you can be instead of letting you focus on what you can’t do yet. Someday I’ll get there!" - Julia

Ben Durbin

began playing guitar at 13, with his first public performance at age 14 with his instructor's band.

"After hearing my first Hendrix and SRV albums, I was obsessed with the blues and jazz. In college, I studied jazz guitar and all things Django Rheinhardt. I have been in numerous bands and projects playing shows in southeast Iowa for the last 23 years. During the last 10 years, teaching guitar and coaching youth soccer have been the most rewarding experiences. I have been blessed with opportunities to continue teaching and mentoring privately and through The River Music Experience Kidstock Program. The Quad Cities has welcomed us with open arms and we are proud to call this our home."

He offers guitar and ukulele lessons.

“I have been playing ukulele and guitar for several years, but I hit a point where my progression really stopped. Ben has done a great job of designing my instruction around my needs! I am already seeing a breakthrough and starting to do a little freestyle. So many music teachers have their rigid way of teaching that probably works well for most people but being able to tailor the instruction to your student is a gift few possess! Thank you AM Guitar Works! (If I worked more and played guitar less, I would probably be a richer man, but what kind of life would that be?)” - Lenny W.

"Ben is a talented musician who is accomplished in many styles of guitar playing. He's a kind and patient instructor who can help a guitar student at any level. I have enjoyed my lessons with him." - John K.

Katelyn Skillett

has been playing guitar for 6 years and has sung for over 13. She is working on her bachelor's degree in Music Education at Saint Ambrose University. She also leads worship at Coram Deo Bible Church. Katelyn loves worship music, but has fun playing around with different genres. She also loves songwriting and collaborating with others.

Katelyn teaches guitar, ukulele, voice and piano.

"I am so happy to have Ellie as an instructor for my kiddo." - Anna M.

“Sophia loved her first ukulele lesson with Ellie. Thank you!” – Anna M.

Nick Morrison

comes from a musical family and has been around music all his life. He has played drums and percussion since grade school and has been playing guitar since high school. Nick also has a background in piano and voice. He graduated from Wartburg with a bachelor's degree in Music and went on to get his certification in Music Therapy.

For several years, he was employed by a retirement community as a Board-Certified Music Therapist, working with older adults and helping them improve their quality of life through music. He also taught private music lessons in the Cedar Falls, IA area.

"I'm really excited to be back in the QC area teaching music lessons at AM Guitar Works."

Nick teaches piano, drums, guitar, ukulele, and voice.

"Nick gives our boys individualized attention to each of their strengths. He is patient and kind. We are so grateful to have him sharing his love of music in our lives!" - Brenda R.

“I highly recommend Nick for guitar and drums! He has been amazing for my son to work with and learn from. We are going to miss Nick here in Cedar Falls, but so excited for their family to be together.” – Liz B.

Zinnia Manning

has been singing for 13 years. She is a Vocal/Instrumental Music Education Major at St. Ambrose University. She is a former member of the Illinois All-State Chorus. She also had the privilege of being a part of Wesleyan University's Collegiate Choir which took home several awards from the Voce Magna International Choral Competition in Zilina, Slovakia.

Zinnia sings a variety of repertoire including opera, musical theatre, and classical music. She had 3 plus years experience teaching private lessons in Joliet, IL prior to moving to the Quad Cities.

She teaches voice, ukulele, and beginning guitar.

"Our daughter is loving learning guitar with Zinnia" - Jennifer S.

Cooper SChou

has a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Performance from the University of North Texas. He is a versatile multi-instrumentalist. He is a performing musician in the bands Far Out 283, The Textures, and Fair Warning. He also fills in with many other bands as well as acoustic duos and trios.

“I grew up around music, watching my dad play. I love performing and that’s what I get to do on a regular basis. I also enjoy teaching others to play.”

Cooper teaches guitar, drums, piano, bass and ukulele.

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