Music Instruction

My private guitar lessons can be likened to Paul's tent making. This is one of the ways that we support ourselves financially, yet for me personally it is also a ministry. A majority of the teaching pedagogy is centered around bringing students into a knowledge of how to play various genres of Christian music on the guitar. My goal is to get the student playing songs as soon as possible. I want the learning process to be enjoyable in the midst of the discipline that is required to advance skill levels. If a student has a particular song that they would like to learn, I can teach it to them. My desire is to root the melodies and lyrics of Christian music into the hearts of the young and old alike, so that the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ will have a lasting and life changing effect in their lives.

"Today I am thankful for Mark Tanner. This man was a big catalyst that led me where I am now in terms of experience. He was the first person to teach me how to play, and I probably wouldn't have started out as good without him as my teacher. He was always so patient and so calm, and he would always give the proper motivations to me and the other students. He could always tell whenever you weren't doing stuff right or putting in enough time.

This man always brings commitment and heart to his lessons and he is so respectful. In the beginning it was so hard for me to learn, but he never gives up on you. He works hard to bring your gift out of you. There's not much to say other than he is a kind, faithful man, and a great instructor. I'll always remember you in the future Mark."

-Isaac Fogle

Mark's experience includes:

• Adjunct Instructor, Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa IA.
• Worship Instructor, Ottumwa Christian School
• Guest Instructor, Steinig School, Bassersdorf Switzerland
• Guest Instructor, Christliche Schule, Bern Switzerland