About
I've been teaching music lessons for over 25 years. I've been playing trombone since 1978, and guitar and bass since 1981. I teach one-on-one lessons which allows me to go at whatever speed is appropriate for each student. I won't "run off and leave you." My primary goal is to share what I know about music with others in terms that are simple and understandable. And, it has to be "fun." While there are serious discussions in each lesson, there will always be some laughing mixed in, too. So, if you are teachable, and have the determination to practice and apply what you are taught each week, then you will be successful, and I'd be glad to help any way I can. Thanks very much for your consideration.
It is always fulfilling for me to see students leave each lesson with new knowledge and skills for them to be able to play more songs. Sharing what I know and not hoarding it to myself is the best part of teaching lessons.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start out by evaluating where the student is musically, from "never played" all the way up to been "playing for many years and want to learn more." I hand-write out instructions individually because everyone is unique. I think that's what "one-on-one" teaching is all about. I'll go as slowly or as quickly as a student wants to.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was in the band at school (playing trombone) 6th grade through 12th grade. I also played guitar and bass guitar in high school jazz band. I've been playing guitar and bass for over 40 years now.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $22 for a 1-hour lesson. I also offer a 4-lesson block for $75. The lessons are 1 hour long either way and are taught once a week. I teach from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, and on Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. Please let me know what time slots would work for you and I'll let you know what I have available at that time.
How did you get started teaching?
A lady came up to me at church back in 1992 and asked me if I'd teach her son guitar lessons. Honestly, I had never considered teaching, but I told her I'd put together some ideas and would teach him what I knew the way I wished that I could have been taught. I am self-taught on the guitar. I was able to get him started and taught him for about 2 years. And it wasn't long until I had 2 or 3 more students and I found that I really enjoyed teaching music.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've had students from 7 years old to 70 years old. Male or female from about all walks of life. All I ask is for a desire to learn and a willingness to study and practice what is taught at each lesson.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was in Andy Griffith's hometown of Mt. Airy, NC a few years back and went to a jam session that they have every week at a theatre in downtown. There was an older gentleman there that was having trouble tuning his guitar with his electronic tuner. I found out the battery was dead in his tuner and he couldn't tune his guitar. So, I asked him if I could tune it for him and he was surprised that I could tune it without the "tuner." I tuned it and the smile on his face was worth the whole trip to North Carolina. He played for 2 hours. How cool is that??
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't be afraid to ask questions. If a prospective teacher acts like he or she doesn't have time to answer your questions, keep looking. To be a good teacher, you have to be patient and deal with every question that comes your way.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What kind of guitar do I need?
Am I open to learning about many kinds of music?
Can I use what I learn to maybe learn to play other instruments.
Am I willing to schedule time each week to study the materials and to PRACTICE?