Make Great Music

The teacher: John Shapiro

HI! I'M JOHN...

Since 2004, I've been a full-time music instructor and music school owner. I teach adults and kids... beginners, hobby-ists and pro-musicians... out of my professional studio in the West Highlands Neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. I teach in person lessons for fully vaccinated folks and video Zoom lessons for anyone to anywhere in the world.

My teaching style focuses on building self-sufficiency, understanding "the why" behind what we're doing and working through stuck places... Both musically and personally. In recent years, I've expanded my offerings for those interested in a more overt connection between music learning and personal evolution: Transformusical: Evolved Musical Instruction coupled with Transformational Work which includes an online community + online group cohort workshops & self-study courses. And Evolvesing: Evolutionary Singing Lessons where we overtly include the deeper things that emerge for many who want to fully express themselves via singing.

My students regularly comment that: I'm patient, kind and intuitive... I teach in down-to-earth and engaging ways... And they learn more in a shorter time than they ever thought possible. You can read more on the Reviews & Testimonials page.

» MORE ABOUT JOHN

I would definitely recommend Make Great Music to anyone that has ever thought of giving guitar or singing lessons a try. I purchased a guitar for myself for my birthday and just couldn't seem to get the hang of it on my own. Taking lessons with John has given me the foundation I need and at the same time helped to build my confidence in order to sing and play in front of others. John is always encouraging and very patient in his teaching delivery. I am excited to see how this new passion continues to develop thanks to the help of John!

~ Kristen K. - VP Leasing ~

A student, Frank, playing the guitar.

FREE INTRO LESSON

I offer a free, full length, introductory lesson (not a just consultation). So you can see if it's right for you.

I look forward to meeting and working with you at your free intro lesson!

» MORE ABOUT LESSONS & TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

» REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS FROM STUDENTS

» LESSON PRICES, STUDIO LOCATION & TEACHING HOURS

» SCHEDULE A FREE INTRO LESSON

I have never before come so far in such a short time until I took lessons with you. So, thank you very much!

~ Chris L. - Retired Professor ~

Sing & Play. Authentically & Awesomely.

I also teach in person lessons for fully vaccinated folks: singing~voice~vocal , acoustic & electric guitar , piano & keyboard , bass guitar and ukulele

I also teach live video lessons via Zoom: singing~voice~vocal (online/video) , acoustic & electric guitar (online/video) , piano & keyboard (online/video) , bass guitar (online/video) and ukulele (online/video)

And you can learn multiple instruments in any combination at any point in your lessons.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

I also teach workshops and classes in: mindful music (in person & online) , songwriting (in person & online) and home studio recording (online)

LEARN WHAT YOU WANT

Lessons are about you and your musical desires. I offer customized-to-you instruction geared to your individual interests, goals and pace. My intentions are that you feel satisfied, engaged, inspired while understanding the practical reasons behind what we learn and hopefully have some fun along the way.

John has been a huge asset to me. I've appreciated his teaching style. He is flexible and engaging. I have primarily been taking vocal lessons from him and he has found a way to work with me that I can enjoy and that I can take back to my own practice time. I have seen tremendous growth in my ability and more importantly I have received solid guidance on what to listen for in my singing and how to help myself develop on my own. John is a great tool with a focus on giving you the tools to excel.

~ Josh H. - Engineer & Musician ~

LESSONS FOR ALL

Lessons for... (Almost) all ages: Adults to any age (you are seriously never "too old" to learn music) and kids (starting between 5-7 years old). All abilities: never-ever, beginning, intermediate and advanced. And all reasons: just for yourself, just for fun, just curious, hobby-ist, professional vocalist and/or professional musician.

ANY MUSICAL STYLE

Learn (almost) any style you want: Rock, pop, folk ~ acoustic, blues, R&B ~ soul, country, bluegrass, heavy metal, Broadway ~ musical theater, singer-songwriter, alternative, world, jazz, (starter) classical and (almost) any other style you desire.

REAL MUSIC. RIGHT AWAY.

I'll help you immediately play and sing actual music that interests you. And you'll see real improvement right away. All while complimenting your unique musical path with technical and music theory skills that are practical and relevant to you.

In the past when I had other teachers, I was basically paying them money to listen to them play, but John basically breaks it down to my level, a beginners level.

~ Jeremy B. - United States Airforce ~

A student, Chris, singing & playing.

NEVER SUNG, PLAYED OR TAKEN LESSONS?

I regularly teach lessons for never-ever students in a simple, relaxed and straight-forward way that is easy to understand and integrate... Even those who may think they are non-musical and can't hold a tune. My intention is to ease into the process, help reduce any anxiety and build confidence as we go.

THINK YOU CAN'T SING?

Because I've successfully worked with hundreds of students that think they can't sing, I am a firm believer that anyone can learn to sing at any point in their lives. Read the "special note" about this on the Lessons Overview & Teaching Philosophy page.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Are you wanting to give the gift of music lessons? So you get the same deal as students who come in for a free intro lesson, you'll receive 5 lessons for the price of 4. Go to the Gift Certificates page for details.

I had been playing guitar for a while before starting lessons with John. He has helped me take my guitar playing, singing, and song writing to the next level. John has me focus on areas of my music that I would like to improve, but also helps me to identify things I need to work on. I would recommend John to anyone interested in learning how to play the guitar, and also to those looking to improve their playing.

~ Bob D. - Paralegal ~

A student, Chris, singing & playing.

IN A BAND? PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN OR VOCALIST?

I've worked with many artists, bands, songwriters and singers... From full professionals and notably successful to semi-professionals making music as a significant side hustle to serious hobbyists... And helped them improve their vocal abilities, upgrade their musical skills, refine their songwriting & recording, and find & enhance their own unique sound. Find out more on the Lessons Overview & Teaching Philosophy page.

DON'T HAVE A GUITAR?

No problem. You can use one of mine for your intro lesson. And when you come in, I can help you figure out what guitar will work best for budget and needs. Or you can contact me for free guitar buying advice.

QUESTIONS?

Please read the page(s) associated with the instrument(s) you are interested in. I also encourage you to read the Lessons Overview & Teaching Philosophy page and the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page. Or if you have questions that are still not answered or would like to me on the phone first, feel free to contact me. I look forward to talking with you!

I appreciate John's an individualized way of teaching my son music that interests him. John gives correction while remaining positive and encouraging. When my son began lessons he only wanted to play guitar but with encouragement he has begun singing and his confidence has grown to the point he has sung in public multiple times. I have and will continue to recommend John to friends who were looking for music teachers for themselves and their kids.

~ Drew - Parent ~

In Person Lessons

» OVERVIEW & TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

» SINGING LESSONS & VOCAL COACHING

» GUITAR LESSONS: ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC

» PIANO & KEYBOARD LESSONS

» BASS GUITAR LESSONS

» UKULELE LESSONS

Live Online Lessons

» ONLINE ZOOM-SKYPE VIDEO LESSONS OVERVIEW

» VIDEO SINGING LESSONS & VOCAL COACHING

» GUITAR VIDEO LESSONS: ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC

» PIANO & KEYBOARD VIDEO LESSONS

» BASS GUITAR VIDEO LESSONS

» UKULELE VIDEO LESSONS

Workshops & Classes

» MINDFUL MUSIC CLASSES (IN PERSON & ONLINE)

» SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS (IN PERSON & ONLINE)

» HOME STUDIO RECORDING WORKSHOPS (IN PERSON & ONLINE)

Rates & Info

» RATES, LOCATION & HOURS

» GIFT CERTIFICATES

» FAQ

» REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS

» OUR LESSON AGREEMENT

About...

» ABOUT THE STUDENTS

» ABOUT THE TEACHER: JOHN SHAPIRO

» ABOUT THE STUDIO & MUSIC SCHOOL

A student, Leslie.

Songwriting workshop session.