coach regan
35 year expert player
15 years teaching experience

Many References On Request
Few Appointments Available!

Please!  Serious Inquiries Only

rockschoolcard
Plus Drums-Keys-Songwriting-Performing
  Monthly Rates-Group Rates-Family Discounts
Regan a.k.a. "Octaman"
Regan, a.k.a. "Octaman" currently plays in two professional bands and has recorded four full length music CD's, available here
Only The Best
send your e-mail to:
seveneyes@comcast.net
Please send a detailed request including your musical goals and phone number.
In the Northwest
Located in a garden paradise!
Right on the water near Gig Harbor, Washington State, just inside the beautiful Wollochet Bay wildlife estuary and Osprey habitat
Octaman
We are just over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, serving Fox Island, Port Orchard, Purdy, Home, Vaughn, Lakebay, Tacoma, University Place, Fircrest, Lakewood, Federal Way, Ft. Lewis, McChord, Seattle, Bremerton, Auburn, Kent, Sea-Tac, Tukwila, Des Moines, Burien, Puyallup, Sumner, Fife, Orting, Bonney Lake and all around the Puget Sound.  Play area for the kids!
play area
send your e-mail to:
seveneyes@comcast.net
Please send a detailed request including your musical goals and phone number.
rock school
More Pics and Video Clips!
Click to See the action in studio now

the coach
Regan Says: 

"EVERYONE CAN PLAY GUITAR!
Not everyone can play piano. You can sit down and tinker around but not actually play right away. 
But EVERYONE CAN  PLAY GUITAR right away! Right now you can play the songs you love! Just put your FIRST finger on the FIRST fret on the FIRST string, give it a strum and SING!
              G7                     
'Dear Sir or Madame, would you read my book it took me years to write, would you take a look?...'"

[Paperback Writer by Lennon and McCartney]

What you get:

"I pour my heart and soul into each student's improvement.  My goal for you is to play your music as well as possible at the earliest possible moment, and I work hard to help you do it.

An online lesson or DVD can't adjust your fingers for you, or give moment to moment feedback and offer tips on specific areas, which is half of what I do." 


Regan

What you get:

Lots of material! songs, CD's and more. You will have a thorough knowledge of music, how to read, how to play, how to write your own songs in one easy lesson.. You can learn theory, TABS, STAFF and complex solos and chord arrangements.

What you get:

"Extra time -  I'm not a clock watcher, so if it's possible I will go beyond the appointment time to help all I can."

What you get:

ACCURATE TABS AND CHORDS

"You can't trust the internet!  But I will provide you with chords and TABs that are accurate, and can transpose any song to your key."

All Ages,  All Styles, All Levels,
All Guitars Basses and Vocals
Beginning Drums and Keyboards
Learn Fast, Low Rates,
Group and Family Discounts

Play music of your choice from books, tapes & CD's
Read the Staff, TAB, Theory
Ear training and composition

Songwriting, Rehearsing 
Live Performing techniques
Learn to record your own music!
Recording facility to make a CD
VISIT THE ROCK SCHOOL
CONTACT REGAN TODAY

Located
near Gig Harbor, WA~USA
on the water inside the beautiful Wollochet Bay wildlife estuary

send your e-mail to:
seveneyes@comcast.net
Please send a detailed request including your musical goals and phone number.

rock coach

Regan Balman (a.k.a. "Octaman") is a professional recording artist who has played on top stages in the northwest with major label talent.  He's written and performed hundreds of original songs in several musical genres including rock, reggae and jazz.  A guitar expert, he has played for 35 years with over 15 years of professional teaching. 

He's currently in two bands:

 "Octaman and the All Star Band" will be live on stage soon, playing rythmically interesting versions of popular songs both past and present, plus originals, promoting his latest CD releases...


...and "Live Sky" is an exciting jazz-rock quintet from Seattle that plays progressive music by Weather Report, Tony Williams Lifetime, Pat Metheny Group and more.  "Who ARE those guys?!" Playing live soon...

Regan is a pro's pro who shares his experience in and around the world of music with both kids and adults.   Regan is very relaxed and easy going and makes it comfortable for anybody to learn.  He can help you to play any style, from heavy metal to smooth jazz.  You will have more fun playing the guitar.  You can learn to sing and write songs very easily.  He shows you how to pull off any riff.  You can learn finger picking styles, play jazz or classical, and sight read music at a glance.  He provides expert advice on how to present yourself as a performer and coaches bands on how to put on a great show.

You are invited inside Regan's personal recording studio to learn what it takes to excel at music and "climb rock mountain", as he coaches students of all levels how to play the guitar or the bass guitar with a simple, positive approach.  You can learn to play at a professional level, or any level of interest. He also teaches vocals, songwriting, beginning drums and keyboards with amazing short cut methods, while imparting a thorough understanding of music.

Playing on a custom made Boogie Bodies guitar  made famous by players like Eddie Van Halen and Eric Clapton, Regan specializes in reggae music but is proficient in many styles. Click on the guitar samples and listen.

[right click "save target" to download]

rock sample from the album Rock of Offence
reggae/jazz from the album Rock of Offence
country from The Great Creed Smashing
ska/punk from the album Giant Hail

s2lesson
Live at Waid's in Seattle

silasSilas age 4

While specializing in starting young people on the guitar, Regan also offers advanced instruction.  Even very experienced players will understand the fretboard like never before, as he takes you through the scales and modes, extended chord voicing and music theory

maria
Students are also encouraged to learn about the drums and the keyboards.  Regan is also an experienced vocal coach who focuses on pitch, power and performance.
josh
Lessons are tailored to fit the individual.  The ultimate goal is to get you into playing your music as quickly as possible.Regardless of age or experience, individual or group lessons encourage steady growth in musical knowledge and ability.  Focus, organization, goal setting and achievement are emphasized.  Musical knowledge is key.   We are striving for excellence at Regan's Rock School.



octaman.com
OCTAMAN LINKS


Buy the CD
no mtv

Plus folk, blues, classical, country, reggae, alternative, jazz, metal, R&B and more!
Learn acoustic or electric guitar, bass, drums, vocals, keyboards and songwriting
Play the Beatles, Elvis, Paul Simon, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, John Denver
AC/DC, U2, Taylor Swift, Elliott Smith, Linkin Park, Pink Floyd,
Any songs! Christmas songs, old songs, new songs, your songs

Learn 100 songs in one lesson or no charge
Play in a real recording studio!
ed and sky
Parents and kids are welcome at Regan's Rock School. Ed & Sky visit weekly for over a year now.


melanie
Melanie had never learned to play guitar before, but after only two months she is recording songs  Click HERE to listen to her sing "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen.

matt
Matt's first day on an old guitar.  Upon inspection, Regan made a recommendation for a new guitar.  Matt's sister Lindsay plays too, at age 7 she can now read music.

shannan
Matt's mom Shannan enjoys it enough to start her son and daughter Matt and Linsday on guitar with a family discount.
andrew
Andrew says: "You help people make their dreams come true, and I just want to say thank you." 

samantha
In just under a year Samantha went from a shy 9 year old to talent show knockout.
Click here to see her practice at the rock school. 
Click here to see the final show!
oliver
Oliver is a 7 year old singer songwriter, getting ready for the talent show!
sky
Sky is learning the art of self expression! Click for his LIVE CONCERT VIDEO

ed
Ed is learning to cope with the extreme high pressure of a pro recording studio ;)

jill and patti
Vocal students learn how to sing great solos and harmonies. Groups get a discount.

Mitchell
And how cool is Mitchell?  A songwriter at age 9, his band will be "The Fedoras"
jam session
Anyone who's bored should try skydiving.

No extra charge for having fun!
Standard Rates
Lots of free materials.  No hidden or added charges
Four 30 minute lessons
$90 per month=$22.50 ea
Four 45 minute lessons
$120 per month=$30 ea
Four weekly lessons must be used within a one month period
Missed lessons without 48 hr. advance notice are not refundable.
Just notify us a in advance- No charge to reschedule within the week.

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

8 weekly half hour lessons

only $140

OFFER GOOD THROUGH OCTOBER 1

Group Rates
Bring friends to your lesson and share the savings
30 minute lessons
only $7 each additional student
45 minute lessons
only $10 each additional student
Family Discounts
1/3 off  for family members for separate music lessons!
You can spend time and money on Rock Band and Guitar Hero...
  Or learn to play real music - a life-long meaningful skill!
Satisfaction Guaranteed or your money back!
How do you like the new coach?
BEFORE
Saturday, June 26 2010
before
AFTER
Sunday, June 27 2010
Regan after

Regan's Rock School
Est. 1995

We Play REAL Rock Band
Learn how to play 100 songs at your very first lesson or get a full refund
send your e-mail to:
seveneyes@comcast.net
Please send a detailed request
including your musical goals and phone number.

Pics and Video Clips
Click to See what happens inside the studio

one love

maria plays traps



"I appreciated your patience with our daughter and I just wanted to tell you how much she enjoyed herself.  After her first lesson, she left feeling proud and hopeful.   What more could parents ask for:-)  See you next Saturday." K.

We Play REAL Rock Band
Learn how to play 100 songs at your first lesson or get a full refund on request.  Guaranteed.

Learn AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Rush, Jimi Hendrix, modern stuff,  from Nickelback to Nirvana,
whatever you like!

From basic strumming and foot tapping to advanced shredding and fret tapping!  Learn the art of face melting and how to ride the lightning!

sky on drums
Any student can play the drums, too!
(click for short video)

ian
"Thanks for everything ~ I hope you know how much I appreciate everything you do for Ian and Conner." Sue K.

clesson

"Hi Regan,
 Thanks for another great lesson and your patience with us! Right when we got home they picked up their guitars and wanted to keep playing."  G.

"Andrew is so excited to play for us all on Christmas. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful, inspiring teacher, he really enjoys your class. We all wish you a very merry Christmas and we will see you next week. THANK YOU" J.M.

"Your talent is a gift to everyone who has the chance to hear or be a part of it.  Scott was thrilled with the time you took with him.  Says he learned more from you than from anyone and it enhanced his enjoyment when he plays his guitar."  Berta G.
Recently Regan received an email from a parent sampling various local guitar teachers

"Hi  Regan,

I am checking out guitar teachers for my daughter. We would like a "sample" lesson, if you offer them. I am setting up a few of them with a couple of other places as well. My daughter is a little shy, so the right teacher is really important.  I like how your website portrays you, and I think you could be a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you."  K

a few days after the trial lesson...

"Hi Regan,

 Thanks for the lesson! She really liked you. She said you were "very encouraging" and "super patient", so that's really great. You simultaneously moved her forward and kept her going, so I think it went well, too. We have one more sample lesson today, and we will contact you if that is where this leads! "  K

Regan Replies...

Thanks K,

It's always nice to hear those kinds of comments from my students.  I hope to work with her, but either way it was nice meeting you all.

I specialize in introducing the guitar to young people and taking the student on a short cut to the end of the game, which is playing the music they like right away.  Meanwhile I impart a more thorough understanding of the instrument than others generally provide.  I am often a refuge for students who have given up on other teaching programs.

However, I promise I won't mind knowing the reason I might have fallen short of some other teaching program.  If price is an issue, I will usually meet or beat any others.  Please let me know if I can be of service, or no, either way.  That will help me improve.

Thanks again,

Regan

Final Result

"Hi Regan,


She would love for you to be her teacher! She really liked your energy, and we both think that an hour lesson is beneficial. .... She would like to start next week, if you're available. I look forward to hearing from you."  K

"Dear Regan, Not only am I amazed at what you've been able to teach Oliver, the times I've been able to watch the lessons have really helped me understand how to help him learn (without getting frustrated myself).  Thanks for all of your time and effort." Eric S.

Ross
"'Ross did his Senior Presentation today and it was phenomenal!! Matt and I are so proud! A 15 minute oral presentation culminating his four years of High School and his future plans! With his audience being the Principle of PHS, The Principal of GHHS, the Principal of Lakewood High School, Matt and I and his Senior advisor, Mr. Smith!


He stood straight, used facial and hand expressions, eye contact and showed off his personality using humor, intelligence, grace and extreme smoothness! It was so amazing! He talked about his health, his grades, his Family, where he found guidance, his experience working at Gig Harbor Christian Center and his music.

He spoke extremely highly of his mentor, friend and guitar teacher, Regan Balman. Regan has been much more then a music teacher to Ross. He has given him guidance in numerous areas, friendship, praise and a safe place to learn and express himself. As Ross put it today,  'Regan really helped him develop into who he is, he's a very cool guy and I can't say enough about him'."

"Thank you for your patience and influence & being such a special person & friend to Ross!  You bring much Joy to his life!"  Tracy and Matt M.

josee
"Thank you so much for spending extra time with Josee and myself last night!!!  What a treat it was to hear you play and to see Josee so excited about making music!  It was also wonderful to talk about something I am so passionate about, health and nutrition, and to get to know you as a person and not only Josee's music coach
  You definitely added to a wonderful day yesterday!!  Take care and we will see you next week!!!" L.O.

Mike S. bass
"Thanks for everything including your patience and motivation" Denise S

terry
Regan Balman

"Just a little thank- you note for your gentle hand with me today. You have an uncanny ability to know what I need and like. I want you to know how much I really like and appreciate you and am thankful... Thanks for making me coffee… That was awesome! It’s the little things that matter most.  You really are a neat person, Regan and one helluva musician! Thank you for everything! ... Your friend--- " Patti H.

"I was hinting around if anyone was interested in lessons- that it really helps along their journey in where they want to go in music.  Thanks again for having everyone invade your space. And thanks for making me sing those 3 songs, I learned quite a lot from that experience...we have a great time at your pad and I am appreciative that you are such a generous host:) ...  I want you to know that I really like you and consider you my friend, our time together has been fun and insightful.  Hope all is well, take care, your friend Jill K."


"
She practiced last night and sounded awesome...  Thanks so much for being so sensitive to her needs.  You are an awesome teacher and person!!  So, tell me, have you ever studied education and teaching?  If not, you have a gift in that way, that is for certain!!!  I really enjoyed listening to you as always!" 
!
IL
"I truly thank you for all you've poured into  Isaac. I have no hesitation to recommend you." Brian L.

"Thanks for working with Drew's electric guitar (he forgot to thank you last night, but will soon) and last but not least thanks for Drew's debut song...it's great to know that he at 15 can put himself out there like that and not be too intimidated to add his own voice.  that was cool.  take care and have a great Thanksgiving Day" Jill K

"Thanks for your patience and musical instruction.  We really appreciate your ability and desire to help Cameron.  Sincerely" John and Cyndi H.

Taylor
"Dear Regan, Thank you for all you're doing to help Taylor.  I know he will make you proud... May God continue to bless you and your music.  With love and admiration"
Joan S. [vocalist for the Glenn Miller Orchestra]

guitar lessons, acoustic, electric, teacher, instructor, bass, fretless, music, vocal, vocals, voice, instruction, playing, chords, singing, songwriting, reagan, ballman, regans music, gig harbor,