Portage Music Lessons at Guitar Center

John Christopher Boyd

Distance: mi

(4) 30 Min:

$108

(4) 60 Min:

$210

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Guitar Center Portage 5800 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI

Happy new day everyone. My name is JC Boyd and I live in Portage Michigan and teach at the amazing Guitar Center on Westnedge Ave. I have students in Voice (singing better), Guitar, Piano, and I’ve also had a few Bass students. I studied Voice at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA and at Western Michigan University. At WMU I rounded myself with Piano and Theory studies. Singing in front of people is something that I’ve been doing since the late 1970’s; a little theatre and a great deal of church singing. The other instruments came along slowly to support the voice, and I was able to start teaching in the middle of the 90’s. I enjoy all kinds of music, but have a thing for 70’s pop and all things Prog. I’m not sure it’s ok to put The Partridge Family, Kansas, and Chicago in the same sentence, but they make me happy. I remember my first guitar song. It was Mary’s Boy Child, and I had to go to an older friend to learn how to transpose. Teaching and playing In front of people are both lifegiving for me. Seeing a face with a genuine look of being moved by my singing is Fetch. Seeing the face of a student that just played an F chord for the first time or nailed that high note with power is also Fetch.

Joey Meyers

Distance: mi

(4) 30 Min:

$108

(4) 60 Min:

$210

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Guitar Center Portage 5800 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI

Hi, my name is Joey! I have 16 years of guitar experience and 10+ years of performance experience. Have performed/recorded with multiple local bands and currently working on a solo project with two EP releases. I'm also a Music Technology Assistant at IU South Bend for live and recorded audio. Currently I'm finishing a Bachelor's of Composition in Music at IU South Bend.

Luis Yzquierdo Velasque

Distance: mi

(4) 30 Min:

$108

(4) 60 Min:

$210

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Guitar Center Portage 5800 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI

My first contact with the guitar was when I was 15 and my parents gave me an electric guitar for my birthday. From that moment, I fell in love with the instrument and dedicated myself to the profession. After high school, I played in various local bands in my country of Peru and was able to participate in many professional recordings; ranging in styles from pop rock, heavy metal, grunge, and alternative rock. Soon after, I had the opportunity to formally study at Master Music Institute in Surco, Peru. After finishing my studies, I began playing live music locally throughout the city and eventually recorded my first professional single. Now, I have almost three years of experience teaching guitar and bass in the United States; teaching any age group with a specialization in rock, metal, pop, classical, grunge, trap, shred, guitar technique, music composition, and music theory. My teaching philosophy is "practice is the key to everything."

Dale Johnson

Distance: mi

(4) 30 Min:

$108

(4) 60 Min:

$210

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Guitar Center Portage 5800 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI

Hi! I picked up the guitar at 14 and learned the hard way - no teachers, no books, just a deep curiosity and the generosity of players who shared what they knew. That spark grew into a lifelong passion for creating the sounds I hear in my head. Once I began formal lessons and studied from instruction books, I discovered that music isn't just about talent - it's about understanding. Learning the structure and language of music opened up a whole new level of freedom and creativity for me. My playing style blends hard rock, blues, and contemporary influences; however, the techniques I teach apply to any genre. My approach is built on a mix of technique, knowledge, and passion, helping each student find their own musical voice. Over the years, I've written and recorded original music, performed with both original and classic rock cover bands, and continue to stay active performing and recording. More than anything, I love helping new guitarists unlock their potential and experience the same excitement that first drew me to the instrument. Guitar is my passion - and I'm here to help you make it yours.

Kevin Bagent

Distance: mi

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Guitar Center Portage 5800 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI

Hello, my name is Kevin, I have been playing guitar for 10+ years. What started out with only wanting to play a couple chords turned into being fluent in scales and music theory. The great thing about the guitar is you never run out of things to learn and improve on. I've been a part of many bands over the years playing genres such as Rock, Blues, Mo Town, and Country. I decided to be an instructor because I want to share my knowledge of music with others and hopefully inspire them to pursue learning musical instruments.

Justin Pfau

Distance: mi

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Guitar Center Portage 5800 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI

I began playing bass at the age of 13, performing in talent shows, church events, and my first band, Canser. We played a mix of original songs and covers from influential bands like Fear, Bad Religion, The Misfits, The Beatles, The Germs, Black Flag, Nirvana, and more. I also have experience with upright bass for school concerts and electric bass in jazz band settings. In 1996, I landed my first recording opportunity and started gigging with a new band in Kalamazoo. Later, I expanded my skills to the 6-string guitar, performing regularly at venues such as Club Soda and other spots throughout Southwest Michigan. I also spent two years playing drums in a band but ultimately remained dedicated to bass as my primary instrument. My musical interests include psych, punk, post-rock, and grunge. Some of my favorite bands are Tool, Nirvana, Black Sabbath, The Wipers, and Alice in Chains. I draw inspiration from bassists like Geezer Butler, Justin Chancellor, and James Jamerson. I've been with Guitar Center since 2025.

Eva Keller

Distance: mi

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Guitar Center Portage 5800 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI

Hi, I’m Eva Keller! I’ve always been someone who loves to learn, create, and help others however I can. I get excited about exploring new ideas and bringing positive energy into everything I do. Over the years, I’ve been part of 18 theater productions—more than half of them musicals—and spent nine years playing instruments, five years singing in choir, and two years leading as a drum major. I’ve also tutored for about seven years, dabbled in object drawing and abstract art, and done plenty of babysitting along the way. I speak fluent English and conversational Spanish, and I really value patience, empathy, and good communication—especially when working with people. I recently graduated from Glen Oaks Community College in 2025 with my Associate in General Education and I’m excited to see where learning and creativity take me next!

Emma Dillenbeck

Distance: mi

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Guitar Center Portage 5800 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI

I’m a dedicated music educator with experience teaching piano, voice, and songwriting to students of all ages. Along with a strong background in communication, organization, and student support, I’ve released two music albums, written multiple singles, and am currently working on books for publication. I’ve also served as a school tutor, mediator, and church singer, helping students grow through restorative practices and creative expression. My goal is to help every student build confidence, develop their skills, and enjoy the process of making music.

Jordan Leer

Distance: mi

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Guitar Center Portage 5800 S. Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI

Has been with Guitar Center since 2025.