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Derrick M.
Tony C.
Jason K.
David W.
Jonathan G.
Victor G.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I do an assessment of what the student can currently do on the instrument and what they want to learn to play. We discover the manner in which the student learns - visual, audio, or touch. We then move into scales, theory, chords, fingerpicking, strumming a variety of songs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I majored in music education at Sioux Falls College in South Dakota. My most memorable experiences were in the Music Theory class. I've played piano and trombone frpm ages 6 to 18 then I picked up the guitar and never looked back. I used my knowledge of music theory to learn not only guitar and bass but pedal steel guitar. When I started playing in bands, which I still do, the on the job training began. I've had years of playing in bands and backing up solo performers. All of this because of the theory that I learned and was able to apply to any instrument.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing structure is as follows: $25 for a half an hour, $30 for 45 minutes and $35 for an hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching by sharing what I learned with other musicians and learning from them, too. After doing this for a while I began teaching beginners in a music studio in California. From there, it's history. I have been teaching in a music studio setting or from my own studio since then.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students from 6 years old to adults and retirees. They have either been beginning students or students with some playing ability.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I've been working with a student for about 4 years now and he's gotten pretty good. However, we have been working on theory, what chords go together and why they go together. It's been a slow process for him but a couple months ago, while having a lesson he finally got it. The excitement was contagious. It always is when a student "gets" something that we've been working on for a while.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If I were looking for a teacher I would look for a teacher that not only will teach me songs to play but the fundamentals of playing music. My objective would be to find somebody knowledgeable, someone that I could build a rapport with, some one that can communicate with me in the manner that I learn - visual, audio, or touch.