About
The Evolving Guitarist - A music learning path focused on expanding creativity and musicality for a lifetime.
I'm Tom Gates. I’ve been a professional performer and teacher for more than 30 years. I received my B.A. degree in guitar performance from the University of Miami, where I studied jazz guitar with Pat Metheny, and classical guitar with Juan Mercadal. I perform, record, and teach in Phoenix, Arizona.
My students:
• Practice more effectively
• Play their favorite songs with more understanding and enjoyment
• Grow their creativity
• Gain lifelong skills
I call my approach: Turning Knowledge Into Music.
My Teaching Philosophy:
Nothing is difficult – Just unfamiliar.
• Any musical technique or theory can be learned efficiently if reduced to fundamental principles.
• Don’t practice something until you can play it right
– practice until you can’t play it wrong.
I custom-tailor a lesson plan based on the student’s musical goals and time available for practice. I create lessons in notation and TAB, as well as backing tracks for songs. The student has everything necessary for an immersive and engaging practice experience.
In my early music studies I was fortunate to have some wonderfully inspiring teachers; I carry on this spirit, and positive approach, in my own teaching.
In these challenging times, I believe that music is more important than ever in providing relief from stress and enhancing the quality of life. Let’s make more musicians!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
In my first session with a new student, I ask a series of questions to determine the student’s experience, skill level, goals, and motivation.
I custom-tailor a lesson plan based on the student’s musical goals and time available for practice. I create lessons in notation and TAB, as well as backing tracks for songs. The student has everything necessary for an immersive and engaging practice experience.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelors degree in Guitar Performance from the University of Miami, in Coral Gables, Florida. I began teaching while still in school. I have studied with some amazing teachers including jazz great Pat Metheny and Cuban classical guitar virtuoso Juan Mercadal.
I have developed a teaching system called The Evolving Guitarist, a learning path focused on creativity and the lifelong journey of making music.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Standard Lesson Pricing:
In-Person Lessons:
$30.00 per ½ hour
$60.00 per hour
Online Video Lessons:
$25.00 per ½ hour
$50.00 per hour
How did you get started teaching?
I began to get requests to teach after my first year at music school.
What types of students have you worked with?
have worked with students of all ages and abilities, from beginners as young as five, to seasoned pros looking to polish their skills.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
• Can I commit to daily practice of the material that my teacher presents?
• How much time can I devote to daily practice? (there is no right or wrong answer -
with a minimum of 10 minutes/day of focused practice, good progress can be made). 30 minutes/day is ideal for most students.
• Paying a professional teacher for personalized lessons is far superior to finding random guitar teachers on YouTube and getting confused and discouraged by your lack of direction and progress. A personal teacher will guide you and hold you accountable. Are the financial resources available for lessons on a continuing basis?