Steve Hackler (Guitar, all styles)

Steve Hackler has 30 years experience in teaching guitar in all styles.  He is currently a performing member of the praise team at Winfield United Methodist Church in Little Rock. He began playing guitar at the age of twelve years. He performed with numerous bands and ensembles including eight years with Little Rock based rock band “Gibraltar”. This band performed as opening act with recording artists Pat Benatar, The Guess Who, Louisiana Leroux, Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat and others. Also served as featured soloist with UALR jazz/pep band, “Trojazz” from 1986-1988. He also began laying drums at the age of eight years. He has also performed as percussionist beginning at the age of twenty and continuing to present. Performed with the “Mirana Middle Eastern Dance Ensemble” from 1997 – 1999.

Steve is devoted to music therapy/performances, working with clients and staff at the Professional Counseling Associates Community Support Program from 1996to 2005.  He also worked with clients and staff at Pinnacle House day treatment program at the Little Rock Community Mental Health Center from 1993 to 1995.

Education

- Master of Social Work (Included applications in music therapy) at University of Arkansas at Little Rock

- Bachelor of Arts in Music with emphasis on jazz studies at University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Teaching philosophy

“My philosophy is to provide individual/group instruction in guitar with an emphasis on incorporating the students’ musical interests in the learning process.  Also, I encourage students to explore a broad range of musical styles, traditions, and genres to enrich their appreciation of musical experiences.”