What Types of Lessons are Available?
Big Dude’s Music City offers private instruction for vocals, guitar, bass, and drums. We offer lessons for all types of players; beginner, intermediate, professional, or just for fun. The type of lesson you receive will depend upon your interests, your level, and your willingness to learn. We find that the more you put into your lessons, the more you will get out of them.
What is Included?
Each lesson is 30 minutes in length.
They are private lessons given in our lesson studios here at our store.
Rates
Lessons start at $25 per half-hour, and up. See the individual teacher’s profile for pricing information.
Meet the Instructors
John White / Guitar
Dustin Mott / Drums & Percussion
Dustin Mott has a bachelor’s of science degree in music education, a bachelor of arts in music with a percussion performance emphasis, and is currently working toward his master’s degree in music education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Dustin has taught at Big Dude’s Music City for seven years and keeps a consistent studio of 20 – 30 students throughout the year. Besides teaching at Big Dude’s Music City his other positions consist teaching percussion at high schools, middle schools, charter schools, and private schools area the Kansas City metro area.
Dustin Mott has played symphonic, chamber, concert band, marching band, drumline, bebop, big band, Dixieland, reggae, country, blues, indie rock, punk rock, pop, and “Latin” styles of music. His previous teachers and mentors have been studying jazz, Dixieland, Cuban, and Brazilian styles with Doug Auwarter; timpani, concert snare drum, rudimental snare drum, mallets, and multi-percussion with John Currey, Dr. Dennis Rogers and Dr. Tracy Thomas; timpani with Dr. Nick Petrella; and rock with Kent Burnham.
If interested in drum set lessons or percussion lessons for middle school or high school percussion students please contact Big Dude’s Music City. Student ages accepted are Kindergarten through Adult and beginners through advanced.
Dustin D. Mott
Beginning Band Teacher at Visitation Catholic School
Percussion Instructor at Oak Park High School
Percussion Instructor at Big Dudes Music Store – Kansas City, Missouri
Percussion Instructor at The Tune Shop – Leavenworth, Kansas
Percussion Instructor at Alta Vista Charter School
Drumline Coach at Center High School
Drummer for various musicals around the Kansas City metro
Drummer for The Waldo Jazz Collective
Benjimen meade PHD /Rock The Spectrum-guitar
Advantages of Guitar Lessons for Children with Special Needs: Dr. Benjamin Meade
Guitar lessons can be a powerful, inclusive tool for children with special needs, offering benefits that extend far beyond music skills
1. Adaptable Learning Styles
Guitar instruction can be tailored to visual, kinesthetic, or auditory learners. For example, children with autism may thrive on pattern recognition and visual cues, while those with ADHD may benefit from rhythmic, repetitive play
Adaptive teaching methods—such as pacing adjustments, simplified chord shapes, or color-coded diagrams—help each child succeed at their own pace
2. Sensory-Friendly Engagement
For neurodiverse learners, the guitar’s visual and tactile nature provides clear cause-and-effect feedback (pluck a string, hear a sound). This predictability can be comforting and engaging, especially for children with sensory processing differences. Tools like Chord-Buddy allow students to press color-coded buttons to play chords, making learning accessible even with physical or cognitive challenges
3. Motor and Cognitive Development
Playing guitar strengthens fine motor skills, posture, and coordination. Chord transitions and strumming patterns can improve memory sequencing and attention span. For children with physical disabilities, adaptive guitars (½, ¾, full sizes) and modifications (custom picks, attachments) make playing possible
4. Emotional Regulation and Self-Expression
Rhythmic strumming and chord changes can act as self-regulation tools, helping manage anxiety or sensory overload. Music becomes a non-verbal outlet for emotions, boosting self-esteem through achievable mastery
5. Communication and Social Skills
While some children may prefer independent play, group practice can foster social interaction and musical collaboration. Teachers balance structured group time with individual pacing to meet diverse needs
6. Therapeutic and Cultural Value
Guitar lessons can be integrated into music therapy for autism, Down syndrome, and other conditions, supporting emotional, cognitive, and motor goals. The instrument’s versatility across various musical genres also connects children to familiar cultural music, increasing motivation
7. Confidence and Joy
Early success in simple songs builds confidence. The immediate feedback of sound encourages persistence, and the joy of making music can be a lifelong source of happiness
In summary: Guitar lessons for special needs children offer a flexible, sensory-friendly, and therapeutic way to develop motor skills, cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and self-expression. With adaptive teaching and supportive tools, the guitar can be a bridge to confidence, connection, and lifelong enjoyment.
Megan Darley/ Vocals
Music Lessons Info Request
Contact Big Dude’s for more information on music lessons.