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

John has helped me learn my way around the fretboard. I had been playing for two years before I started with John, and in three short months I have increased my knowledge exponetially. John has teaching materials and pratice audio well prepared in advance of the lesson. John is patient and explains concepts thoroughly and in a manner that is easy to understand.

~ Joe B. - Real Estate Agent ~

The studio, looking southeast.

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

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 ~

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.

I have a great time working with John. I feel like things are explained to me at my level and if I don't understand he tries another angle. I am very happy with my lessons.

~ Brandi T. - Police Officer ~

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.

I have been taking singing lessons with John for about a year. I was very uncomfortable with my singing voice and John created a safe place for me to try new things and has gently challenged me to achieve my goals. What he also brings to the experience is a focus on the whole person as opposed to just technique. Singing is more about who I am "being" and what I am feeling than it is the skill of producing sound. John is capable of engaging his students on this level and, at least for me, this has made a huge difference in my own development. I highly recommend him as a teacher.

~ Kim B. - Human Resources ~

A family guitar lesson.

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.

Before I started taking lessons from John I was terrified to sing and thought I had the worst voice ever. John taught me what it takes to sing with confidence. He is an incredible teacher, he is very driven to make his students better, and is literally a musical genius. John did not try to change my voice, his lessons gave me the tools to refine my own style and make my voice the best it can be. I am playing gigs on a regular basis and performing as the lead singer. I have had numerous people say I have a beautiful voice, I never thought that I would ever hear that. I literally owe every bit of it to John, he's the best, and an amazing teacher!

~ Kevin L. - Fireman ~

A student, Mark, singing.

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 have loved to sing ever since I was a little girl but somehow as we grow older our insecurities come forward and we convince ourselves of our inability to live out our passions. I feel fortunate to have been able to work with John on my singing! Although it took until my 40's to rediscover this passion area, I was able to get myself on a stage to sing in front of 300 people after a few months of lessons. Not only does John have a gift of music, he has a gift of working with individuals to break down the mental barriers of carrying out our dreams. Thanks John!

~ Jennifer B. - Human Resources ~

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

The studio, looking northwest.

A student, Frank, playing the guitar.