John organizes student recitals, where each student has an opportunity to perform on-stage accompanied by a full band. John also teaches music theory, which he studied with his teachers and at the University of Iowa. For students who want to play and sing, John draws on his twelve years of vocal training to provide guidance and encouragement. Whether the guitarist is beginning, intermediate, or advanced, John tailors lessons to their specific needs and purpose. He starts beginners with a method book and simple chords, then moves quickly to songs the students want to learn. He plays with students from the first lesson so they develop rhythm skills and confidence. John uses a hands-on, student-centered approach to teaching. Many professional musicians have studied guitar with John. He teaches all levels, acoustic and electric.
He has taught almost every style–folk, rock, blues, country, R & B, and jazz. John began teaching over forty years ago as a high school student in Mason City, Iowa. John Lake, one of Iowa City’s most admired and innovative guitarists, is also one of eastern Iowa’s most experienced teachers.
