About
What makes me a unique teacher:
I see myself as a teacher before a musician. I have a lot of experience teaching in a variety of contexts, from babies to teens to adults.
I am super organized. I use approachable visuals and charts for guitar and ukulele. For guitar, I use Susan Palmer's method books to structure lessons.
I love working with kids and adults. I have lots of fun games for kids, and I make sure to teach them the same fundamentals as adults (in an age-appropriate way)
I’ve taught group lessons, private lessons, and summer camps at 2 music schools and privately since 2019.
Reviews:
"Working with Bess is incredible. She is patient, thorough, encouraging, and dedicated. I could see steady and tangible improvement from working with her, and gained a much better understanding of the guitar as an instrument!" - Aly, adult student
“Bess is lovely and her ability to engage over a computer screen is a skill that not everyone has.” -anonymous student
If you’re willing to put a fair amount of effort into this, you can expect to learn a lot! I have a lot of experience working with all ages and love to approach learning as a shared experience- I am excited to learn alongside you! In addition to music making, I teach basic history of instruments, genres, songs, and musical styles to the best of my ability in order to decolonize private lessons, which is always a work in process (for more info: https://decolonizingthemusicroom.com/) I aim to bring gender empowerment, high self esteem, and positive reinforcement to all my lessons.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Reviews
Julie J.
Maria G.
Annie D.
Sarah H.
Bob W.
Kat
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Guitar: (beginner-advanced)
I teach all students open chords and barre chords, scales, music theory basics, soloing and improv, finger picking, reading tablature and sheet music, and the following genres based on your interest: classical, folk/fingerstyle/blues fingerpicking, rock, jazz, punk, funk, rhythm, songwriting and more.
Ukulele: (beginner-intermediate)
I teach all students open chords and barre chords, scales, music theory basics, soloing and improv, fingerstyle, reading tablature and sheet music. For younger players (ages 4-9) I incorporate creative games and activities.
Voice: (beginner)
I teach all students the same fundamentals: warm ups, breathing exercises, elongating vowels, head voice and chest voice, rhythm, and ear training. Lessons are tailored to songs and genres students want to learn (not including opera or musical theater).
Songwriting:
I usually teach songwriting along with another instrument or two. This is very open ended and based on students’ individual creative process.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
-
Bess started playing guitar at age 8 and has been performing since age 12. From age 15 to age 20, Bess played in the Western Massachusetts-based band Who’da Funk It?, a dance band that encompassed punk, funk, ska, afrobeat, soul, RnB, hip-hop, jazz, blues, rock, klezmer, bossa nova, etc. She studied classical guitar at Smith College with Phillip De Fremery 2012-2016. In 2016 Bess moved to Seattle and began pursuing her solo project bess hepner, as well as other music projects (she website for more information). She is currently based in the East Bay in California.
-
She has taught group lessons, private lessons, and summer camps at 2 music schools and privately since 2019.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private/group lesson: $37 half hour; $50 for 45 minutes; $65 full hour
additional $20 if in home lesson
How did you get started teaching?
I have been teaching in many different conexts since 2012. I've worked as a preschool teacher, led workshops for teens, and ran an afterschool program. Looking for a career change, I knew I loved to teach, so I decided to pursue teaching music. I am unique from other teachers because I approach lessons first as a teacher and second as a musician.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages: 4 to 99. I love working with very little kids, teens, and adults.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Consider what your goals are. Do you want to do this as a fun hobby? Are you looking to be a professional musician? Do you want to hire a teacher who can keep your little one engaged and entertained?