Grand Rapids Guitar Lessons - Guitar Students at the West Michigan Guitar School

Student Spotlight

Joe "Little Edge" Heemstra: 'Doug Heemstra said his son's passion for guitar has taught him "about hard work, perseverance and teamwork." As parents, the Heemstras are excited about seeing the young guitarist "experience the joy of making music with other people. Music is something we hope he will enjoy his whole life and use as a way to express himself."

In addition to practicing with the Thompsons, Heemstra takes guitar and music theory lessons with Grand Rapids instructor Paul Kleff' --from The Grand Rapids Press, 6/19/2011

I have been playing guitar for about 8 years now but Paul really got me into it when I started to take lessons from him. He really got me into playing it for fun and helped me be able to focus on playing for hours every day. One of the greatest improvements that Paul has helped me with is building my speed and my technique while being able to keep it in beat. Paul always keeps each guitar lesson fun and interesting, they are always different and push me to my full potential. Paul does a really good job of showing you how a song works and how you can add your own solos to it. Paul is doing everything he can for me so I can reach all my musical goals. --Matt Kraker (Electric Guitar--Rock/Metal/Shred)

I had been playing the guitar for a year and a half before I took lessons with Paul. I watched
numerous YouTube videos, and taught myself a few chords and strumming patterns through practice, but I lacked technique and knowledge of how to get better. After 3 half-hour lessons with Paul, I was using bar chords and even starting to learn solos. My playing abilities improved
tremendously and I always felt comfortable when working with Paul. He planned the lessons based on my specific needs, and every minute was spent improving my skills. I am a much better and more confident guitar player and performer due to Paul's teaching, I will never go to anyone else! --Ashley Fleener—Acoustic Guitar, Singer/Songwriter

After a few years of fumbling around with internet tabs and self taught technique I grew tired of frequently hitting walls with my playing styles and ability. Since starting guitar lessons with Paul I have found that he has given me a great structure to continuously grow in speed and style without cramping my creative process or changing the way I like to jam. Not only have I become a better musician, I have become a better band mate. Paul’s lessons went straight from his studio into my band and our music by giving me more tools to use and more confidence to try things outside the box. The past few months with Paul have been some of the most fruitful musically that I have had since beginning guitar. For anyone looking to expand their abilities, Paul is your man. --Ryan Charles (Electric Guitar--Rock and Metal)

What I like most about Paul’s lessons is that he definitely knows what he is talking about. He has had years of experience and plays a ton of almost impossible songs perfectly. The thing that has helped me the most with the lessons is when I would try and teach my self how to play songs off the internet I wouldn’t know how to set up my fingers the correct way. Paul also taught me the number one thing that will help anyone who plays guitar, is that with your left hand you want to put the least amount of pressure, but still get the sound. That is how all of the professional rock stars fly up and down the neck. He’s taught me a bunch of Van Halen’s techniques. He basically knows all of their songs, so if you want to be the next Eddie Van Halen, Paul is definitely the guy for you! --Kyler Malstrom (Electric Guitar--Rock)

Your guitar lessons have helped me become a better guitarist. They have given me a lot of self confidence. I like taking lessons from you because you have a lot of patience. You make learning the guitar fun and you let me pick out songs I like. My goal is to eventually play faster and to get a better sound. Thank you for your guidance. --Arie Antonakis (Acoustic Guitar--Classic Rock)

I have been practicing guitar seriously for over six years. Through those years I had made significant progress, but there were some roadblocks I felt that I was unable to surpass. When I began lessons with Paul, he immediately began to show me how to overcome those roadblocks. He taught me how to take the practice techniques I had learned and organize them into strategies which I then used to master the licks I had been trying to play for years.

Paul is a wealth of knowledge, and I always enjoy hearing his perspective. He has been of great value to me, both as a guitar teacher and a coach. I would highly recommend his lessons to anyone looking to take their playing to the next level. --Daniel Cruzan (Electric Guitar--Symphonic Rock/Metal)

I have been playing guitar for about 6 months. I always have a fantastic time at my lesson because Paul makes learning a lot of fun. Sometimes I think a song will be hard, but he shows me how it's easier than I thought. And sometimes he makes up funny ways to help me remember how to do things. I look forward each week to getting better and better. I want to be a famous guitarist one day like Taylor Swift. --Nadia Mahaffey (Acoustic Guitar)

I began taking guitar lessons with Paul in November of 2007. At the time I had only been playing about two years. I had taken lessons from another instructor prior to hooking up with Paul but I felt that my previous instruction was very limited in range of playing. Since I was still unsure of what direction I wanted to head I felt I needed someone that could help me explore the different styles of guitar playing. I was also looking for a good balance of theory, academics and improvisation in my lessons. Paul has given me a great balance between learning “why”, “how” and just doing something because it sounds good. I started out on acoustic guitar but picked up a Fender Stratocaster just 6 months ago and am now playing it on a regular basis. Paul has been a great help with both instruments. I have said I will keep learning until it isn’t fun and Paul keeps it fun and exciting each week. I always look forward to what’s next. --Mike Holcomb (Electric and Acoustic Guitar--Classic Rock/Worship)

Paul got me started playing songs and music I like really fast. The most helpful things I’ve learned so far are chords and how to use them to play and write songs. One of my goals is to record a CD. -- Clare Crumback (Acoustic Guitar)

Thanks so much, Paul! Thanks for all you do for Clare. She absolutely loves the guitar because of you. -- Andrea Crumback

Become the guitar player you want to be with Grand Rapids guitar lessons at the West Michigan Guitar School. Get a free, introductory guitar lesson and learn how you can get started on the path of guitar success today!

Paul Kleff, Owner/Instructor
616.293.2114
Learn how to play the guitar with Guitar lessons in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Private and group lessons for the entire west Michigan area including Rockford, Ada, Walker, Kentwood, East Grand Rapids, Jenison, Wyoming, Cedar Springs, Grandville and beyond.