GUITAR INSTRUCTORS

GUITAR INSTRUCTOR

Ian Hodges

Karis Wiebe Studios is delighted to have Dr. Ian Hodges instructing guitar, electric bass, composition and song writing at the studios. He specializes in teaching classical, jazz, rock, blues, country and folk styles. Ian has a true passion for music and loves working with students of all ages and abilities.

A highly successful teacher for over 35 years, Dr. Hodges has taught at the University of Minnesota, the Canadian Mennonite University and currently teaches for the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts (University of Winnipeg), the Preparatory Division of the Faculty of Music (University of Manitoba) and at the International Music Camp. His students

have won a great number of scholarships, medals and trophies in competitions and exams, and have been accepted at music schools across Canada and the US. Many have gone on to professional careers in music. Dr. Hodges is an accomplished teacher, and has the exceptional ability of relating to and reaching each student regardless of their current level.

Ian Hodges is one of Canada’s most versatile musicians, performing professionally on classical and jazz guitar as well as in commercial music settings. His professional career began in the 1980’s as an electric guitarist with jazz, fusion, rock, blues and country bands. Ian has performed all over Canada and the US and is still an active performer. His academic credentials are of the highest order, a rare combination that offers students the best of real-world experience and extensive musical training.

Ian holds multiple degrees in guitar performance, including a Doctor of Musical Arts (University of Minnesota), Master of Music (Florida State University), Bachelor of Music (University of Manitoba), and is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, America's National Honorary Musical Society.

Performances as a classical guitar soloist, chamber musician and guest soloist with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and other top professional ensembles led the Winnipeg Free Press to hail Ian as “Manitoba’s Premiere Classical Guitarist” (November 2001). CBC Radio featured many of his live performances in national broadcasts, and the CD, “Canciones” (with soprano Charlene Pauls) received airplay across North America.

Dr. Hodges composes music for the concert stage, film and theatre, including National Film Board documentaries (the Peabody award-winning “Fat Chance” in 1994; “And So to Bed” in 1999), independent films (“Haunts of the Black Masseur - the Swimmer as Hero” in 2004), and shows for Prairie Theatre Exchange (“The Birds & The Bees” 2017, “Butcher ” 2015, “The Valley” 2014, “December Man” 2011).

"The best reward for a lifetime of studying the mystery and magic of music is to share the lessons learned" ~ Ian

TESTIMONIALS

“This guitar class is really great for me and has taken me to a whole new level of playing guitar. It is not even comparable with anything I have learned before and I feel a lot more confident and secure playing guitar now.”

~ K. Robinson

K. Robinson
“I'm so glad that E------ did join the recital today. It was probably the best recital I've been to in the nine years the kids have been doing music lessons. I loved the small room and how you introduced each student. Thanks for everything you have done to get E------ where she is with her music.”

~ E. Wiens

FabuFit
"Incredible instructor. I would definitely take another course with him! He really helped me improve my playing and moreover my entire understanding of my instrument and music in general. He is great! Also, one of the best musicians I’ve ever had the pleasure of getting to know! 5 stars!"

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"Ian is a great guitar teacher. I learned an incredible amount this semester. My only regret is that I can’t take another semester with him."

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"This is the 2nd time I’ve taken this guitar elective course with Ian Hodges, and I would take it again if I were not graduating this semester. He is an amazing teacher, and has the exceptional ability of relating to and understanding exactly what level a student is at. Ian’s instruction and advice has helped me a great deal in my guitar playing - it has changed the way I practice and even play overall. This was (by far) the best and most enjoyable class I have ever taken in my college career. Thanks Ian! :)"

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"He explained it in a way that made sense to me, and if it didn’t make sense, he explained it differently. He had a million approaches to every question so he could explain the same thing multiple ways. It was great!"

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"He taught things I was interested in, and broke them down into sections that were easy to memorize/learn one part at a time. He DIDN’T just throw a bunch of material at me and say "learn this."

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"Mr. Hodges always gave one-to-one advice on your playing technique, critiquing in a helpful way, never criticizing. He was very patient."

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"Ian Hodges is a great instructor. I would gladly take another class with him. I appreciated his knowledge, sense of humor, and rapport with the class. Thanks Ian! This was a fantastic semester of lessons. I learned a lot and improved so much as a player."

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"Professor Hodges is great at what he does and I learned so much from his class. It was an amazing class. I didn’t think the guitar could be taught that fast, but Mr. Hodges did it! Thanks"

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"Excellent teacher, one of the best I have had. So happy that I got him. I loved the unique atmosphere of the class – I’ve never experienced anything else like it at the university. The class was very casual and laid back, yet I still learned a lot about how to play guitar and about music notation."

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"Awesome teacher! I REALLY enjoyed your class and the atmosphere that you created. You have such amazing talent and yet you were able to TEACH a bunch of beginners. Ian Hodges is a fantastic teacher, and an asset to the music program at the University of Minnesota."

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Josh Bellan

Josh Bellan is an active and admired guitarist, bass player, singer, actor, and music educator in the Winnipeg community. Bellan holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Manitoba in voice. As a music educator, Mr. Bellan has thoroughly enjoyed teaching guitar, bass, and voice lessons with a strong emphasis on Rock, Pop, and Music Theatre genres since 2016.

Josh works with, and loves teaching students of all ages. He is not only personable, but has the ability to make his lessons fun, interesting and meaningful. Mr. Bellan also has the knowledge, skills and drive to instill confidence in each of his students.

As a guitarist, Bellan has enjoyed playing as a pit musician for Walk& Talk Theatre, Rainbow Stage, and various other Winnipeg organizations and musical events.

As a singer and actor, he has taken great delight in performing with many of the theatre companies in Winnipeg including Rainbow Stage, Winnipeg Studio Theatre and Dry Cold Productions. "Bellan is a likable lead…" CBC News · "Josh Bellan is in fine voice!" The Globe and Mail. Josh is excited to be performing the role of Prince Eric, in Rainbow Stage’s production of “The Little Mermaid.”

Karis Wiebe Studios is pleased to have Josh Bellan on board teaching both guitar and voice lessons.

“I really love seeing people explore music through guitar and voice, and to be able to watch them grow with confidence!” ~ Josh

TESTIMONIALS

“Josh is a kind and creative teacher and performer. His students absolutely love him”

~ K. Robinson

K. Robinson
“Bellan has an incredible voice. He’s hardworking, dedicated and very professional.”

~ E. Wiens

FabuFit

QUICK LINKS

SERVICES

GUITAR INSTRUCTOR

Ian Hodges

TESTIMONIALS

“This guitar class is really great for me and has taken me to a whole new level of playing guitar. It is not even comparable with anything I have learned before and I feel a lot more confident and secure playing guitar now.”

"Incredible instructor. I would definitely take another course with him! He really helped me improve my playing and moreover my entire understanding of my instrument and music in general. He is great! Also, one of the best musicians I’ve ever had the pleasure of getting to know! 5 stars!"

"Ian is a great guitar teacher. I learned an incredible amount this semester. My only regret is that I can’t take another semester with him."

"He explained it in a way that made sense to me, and if it didn’t make sense, he explained it differently. He had a million approaches to every question so he could explain the same thing multiple ways. It was great!"

"He taught things I was interested in, and broke them down into sections that were easy to memorize/learn one part at a time. He DIDN’T just throw a bunch of material at me and say "learn this."

"Mr. Hodges always gave one-to-one advice on your playing technique, critiquing in a helpful way, never criticizing. He was very patient."

"Ian Hodges is a great instructor. I would gladly take another class with him. I appreciated his knowledge, sense of humor, and rapport with the class. Thanks Ian! This was a fantastic semester of lessons. I learned a lot and improved so much as a player."

"Professor Hodges is great at what he does and I learned so much from his class. It was an amazing class. I didn’t think the guitar could be taught that fast, but Mr. Hodges did it! Thanks"

"Awesome teacher! I REALLY enjoyed your class and the atmosphere that you created. You have such amazing talent and yet you were able to TEACH a bunch of beginners. Ian Hodges is a fantastic teacher, and an asset to the music program at the University of Minnesota."

Josh Bellan

TESTIMONIALS

“Josh is a kind and creative teacher and performer. His students absolutely love him”

“Bellan has an incredible voice. He’s hardworking, dedicated and very professional.”

QUICK LINKS

SERVICES

CONTACT

(204) 801-7059