Jonathan Watson
About
Hi! I'm Jon, a guitarist and bassist that specializes in rock music with over 15 years of experience and 10 years of music production.
Teaching Style
I believe it's important to set a goal that aligns with the student's interest and to strive to achieve that goal through creative and unique practices. Understanding what the student wants and expects from the lessons will allow me to teach to the best of my abilities, while keeping the lessons light and fun. I always treat the first meeting as an introduction to better understand each other and what the main goal is from the lessons. From there, I will carve out a plan to build exercises and lessons to suit their own course of learning what exactly what they want. While they are practicing the instrument and music theory, they will make tremendeous progress each week that builds towards their goal.
Curriculum
Lessons are tailored to each student's goals while keeping in mind of their interests. A mix of music theory, playing techniques, ear training, live performance advice, and much more will peak interest while keeping the lessons enjoyable. Most of my lessons come from someone who wants to learn and perform a piece, so most of my lessons are marked for a two month period on how they would achieve their goals. A curriculum could look like:
1st week: Practices for your instrument
2nd week: Theory and why it makes sense for your goal
3rd week: Practicing the basics
4th week: Improving on the basics
5th week: Going over a selected music
6th week: Theory for the selected music
7th week: Practicing the selected music
8th week: Performing the selected music and beyond
Credentials & Affiliations
I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music with a concentration in Music Technology from Indiana University in 2025, where I gained a deep understanding of music production and running live shows/concerts. While taking classical guitar lessons, I've also taught traditional guitar on the side in between classes on campus. Additionally, I earned an Associate's Degree in Communications from University of Phoenix in 2016.
Since 2024, I've also taught guitar and bass at the university where I held multiple students with lessons given once per week. Seeing the progress from those who have never held a guitar, to those wanting to learn better chord progressions, has been more fulfilling than any work that I have done at the time.
I am also the bassist in a surf-punk band "Leather Phase" with a debut released in 2017. While performing in the midwest area and releasing singles, we are in the middle of recording new material and hoping to have the new album out by Christmas. Aside from being in a "rock" band, I've also just started an indie-rock band where I play the acoustic guitar and sing. With 6+ members, we've been considered as a "super group" in the local community. Band name comming to you soon!
