Testimonials
This just in…
Jon and crew played The Acoustic Love Fest at the VFW in Salt Lake City on Friday, December 10th. The venue was great and the crowd was amazing. There were many artists involved, spanning the entire field of genre and age; bridging the gaps. Special thanks to Ron Woolf for spearheading the event! While there, Jon received a great compliment from a fellow guitarist. He was told that his ability to reach and teach people changes lives… This came from a performer and recording artist that has not personally taken lessons from Jon, but knows many people who have.. Encouragement like this is SO appreciated!
I have had the unique opportunity to sit-in at Starchild Music Productions and be a part of many of the lessons that Jon and his students enjoy. From my vantage point, I have witnessed small and large transformations take place. Jon’s students all have one underlying common current… they all have a great love for music. The ‘talent’ or ability levels they enjoy seem to take a back seat as each one steps into Jon’s studio. The lessons all begin the same way… “How have you been?” “How is your family?” “How is school?” “Work going well for you?”. Not once have I heard Jon hound his students about practicing. Not once have I heard any complaints or whining… just happy, comfortable sharing of talents and a connection that is immeasurable. Don’t get me wrong; a lot of work happens in the lessons. Songs are learned. Technique is polished, an understanding of the hows and whys of music theory is gained–all seemingly while the students are ‘just playing’. I guess there is a lot to be said for a natural knack for knowing what each student needs to progress at their own pace. Jon absolutely has that knack.
Jon’s students come from a HUGE variety of backgrounds. He teaches children as young as four years old. He has students that are in Elementary, Jr. High, and High School . Many of his students are grandparents or even great-grandparents. He teaches doctors, radio personalities, television actors, moms, karate heroes, and computer geeks. Some of his students come to him with difficult challenges such as blindness, autism, hearing loss, brain injuries, strokes, and other physical challenges. Regardless of their background or challenges, each of Jon’s students become Jon’s friends.
Several of Jon’s students have labeled their lesson time ‘THERAPY’. They have stated that time spent at Starchild is their escape or release from a world filled with stress and uncertainty. I believe this is a great compliment to Jon and the entire Starchild Team. They work together to create an atmosphere of acceptance and calm. One with a real rock & roll vibe and yet very tranquil in this observer’s opinion.
If you are considering taking guitar lessons, Starchild is a great place to start. Give Jon a call and you can begin your own journey!
–M. D. Special Education; Murray School District
I will have been taking guitar lessons from Brandon for two years in August. When I started, I had a closet full of guitars, but didn’t know the first thing about how to make my own music. I felt intimidated and overwhelmed when holding my Ovation or Luna in my hands. I was also very self conscious and didn’t want to be overheard if and when I practiced.
I knew that Brandon taught lessons long before I had the courage to ask if he had a slot open for me. When I finally got brave enough to ask, he smiled and said, “You start next Saturday at 1:30. Your lessons will be an hour long. Cut your nails.” I didn’t have time to talk myself out of it…
He quickly got me started with the basics: learning scales, names of the strings and notes, chords, and at the end of the first lesson, he handed me, ‘I Will’ by The Beatles. “Take it step by step…you’ll do great.” was his response to my wide-eyed astonishment at being handed such a monumental song.
Learning to play the guitar has been a journey in self discovery for me. I am no longer afraid to pick up my guitar at home. I’ve learned to understand the music and theory, am able to pick up on songs quickly, my fingers are more agile and are moving from chord to chord with ease, I can strum AND finger-pick… But the best part is that I can make my own music and the squeal of my fingers as they glide up and down the strings bring tears to my eyes.
I know that without Brandon’s support, my guitars would still be stuffed in the back of the closet. I am so happy to have found him and am very thankful for his time. He is an excellent teacher and I am SO happy he is a part of Starchild.
I find that I love the atmosphere at Starchild so much, I go in throughout the week just to hang out. Starchild is such a warm and welcoming space. Jon and Floyd are amazing guys, great friends, and are excellent at what they do. Every one of Jon’s students looks as happy to be there as I am and the music they create together is perfect. Floyd is a master at luthier work–everything he touches turns to gold! I had him do a tune up on my guitar, and when I opened the case that evening, it took my breath away. I honestly thought I heard ‘Hallelujah’singing in the Heavens! Floyd buffed and polished my baby, replaced the dingy strings with Elixirs…and even made it smell good! Floyd Kunz is the ONLY person I will have work on my guitar!
Brandon, Jon, and Floyd: thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do!!! I would not be the person I am today without you guys!
Much Love,
j
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In our family we have what we refer to as God moments. These are times when divine guidance is the only explanation. We have three children and when this moment took place the oldest was 12 and the twins were 9. Daniel, one of the twins, favorite hero was Woody from “Toy Story” and he wanted to learn to play the guitar just like Woody. He had a “play” guitar for several years but he wanted lessons. We were at a loss as to how to do this. Daniel has been diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury. His comprehension is very slow and his coordination was not the best. How were we going to find him a teacher to take on the task?
Well, on a Friday night we were in a music store while our oldest took his drum lesson. As we were getting ready to leave, it occurred to me to ask the staff in the store. Did he know about a teacher that would take on special need students? His response to me was “I don’t know about that, but the best guitar teacher in Utah is right back there. And, it looks like his lesson isn’t here yet”.
Jon Dansie was standing by his studio door looking for his next lesson – we all (5 of us) went up to him in almost an ambush. After introductions, I asked Jon if he ever considered teaching a special kid? He took Daniel’s hand and said he would be honored. His lesson never showed that night but – Jon helped Daniel pick out his first guitar and we were on his schedule. We experienced a true God moment.
Within months Oreon, Daniel’s twin, wanted to learn too. So – seven years later – we are still coming to Jon’s studio on Friday evening. We are so blessed. Thank you Jon. –Ed and Allyson Jackson
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Who wouldn’t be intimidated to take on a blind/hearing impared guitar student? That would be Jon Dansie of Starchild Music Productions, and instead of being totally intimidated, he celebrated my daughter Burgon’s abilities–not concentrating on her disabilities. She always leaves her lesson with Jon with more confidence than she had when she came in. Jon makes so many great accomidations without making her feel like she is any different than any other student. Jon always goes above and beyond with all of his students. He is so soft spoken and understanding we consider him not only a great teacher, but we consider him a true friend and and outstanding teacher. We feel so lucky to have found such a treasure in Jon. –Lovingly, Bruce, Katy, and Burgon Jensen 
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I am the proud mom of a child with autism and numerous other learning challenges. When Tanner told me that he wanted to learn to play the guitar, I was thrilled! Then came the daunting task of finding someone who would be willing to work with Tanner and his special learning styles along with someone that Tanner felt comfortable with. We went to several guitar studios and had numerous lessons with different teachers. Each time we left a lesson, he would tell me that we needed to keep looking. Then we found Jon. From the moment I met him I knew he would be the one that Tanner would choose…….and I was right. When his initial lesson was over he told me that Jon was the one. Jon just has that special something that immediately puts you at ease and welcomes you into his wonderful world of music. He makes each lesson fun and is always willing to work with you on what your wants and needs are. He wants each student to love music and it shows through his unique teaching style. His endless patience and dedication to help my son not only learn guitar but to love playing and to believe in himself is something that I will never forget. Tanner truly believes he is a Rock Star!
Thank you Jon!
–Tracie S.
Jon is the greatest guitar teacher ever! He lets me choose the songs that I want to learn. He makes learning fun, not boring like other guitar teachers. He has an awesome band and store too! I love playing and singing with Jon. He is the best ever!
I love you Jon!
–Tanner S.
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I’ve been playing guitar for about a year and a half, and whenever I play for people they simply don’t believe me. With the help of Jon, I’ve gotten further than I ever thought I could be, especially in such a short time. He doesn’t just teach you scales and theory, he teaches you music. Music is the greatest thing in my life, and I love playing guitar more than anything. I look forward to going to my lesson every single week, it just plain rules. To sum Jon up… He friggin rocks! –Dallin A.
The Jon Dansie Band, an inspiration in giving…
The Jon Dansie Band is a great example of giving back to the community. Jon was referred to me as a great guitar teacher for my Son, who has been taking guitar lessons from him for about a year and a half now. Since meeting Jon, I’ve come to discover the passion that he and Floyd Kuntz have for giving back to the community. Read Full Article.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
To any that care to hear it… I have been taking guitar lessons from Jon Dansie for only two months now. I have been very pleased with my progress and I couldn’t be happier with what I have learned during this short time. I am definitely further along at this point than I imagined I would be. I have had more fun with my guitar, and playing it in the last 2 months, than I have in all the time put together before starting my lessons with Jon. Before this, I tried to teach myself and I also took a few lessons from other teachers before “bagging it”. (I won’t be throwing in the towel this time.)
Jon makes things quite fun. He puts things in a way that are pretty easy for me to get a hold of. I can tell right now, that I will not be giving up on my lessons with Jon and I am really exited to see how fun playing the guitar is already and how fun I know it is going to be. Jon sure does know how to figure out how to explain and demonstrate the guitar in a way that makes sense. He also adjusted the lesson schedule to fit my free time. It’s nice to be able to hear some pleasant sounds coming out of my amp for a change, rather than the horrible cacophony I was creating before I started my lessons with Jon.
Thanks Jon. I am really looking forward to our next lesson.
–Mike C. Sandy, UT
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