Jack DePuy Music
1 employee
9 years in business
About this pro
I have been teaching private bass, guitar, and piano lessons in San Diego for over four years. I began teaching part time right around the time I began my education in music composition at San Diego State University.
I have always loved playing and teaching music and have participated in a wide array of musical endeavors over the years. From playing bass guitar in an 80s cover band to producing local solo artists, I have done a little bit of everything.
One of my main passions, however, continues to be teaching. I love guiding students toward the musical goals and aspirations they have. Seeing students really grasp and learn to apply concepts and techniques is what I love most of all.
I believe in teaching to both the left and right sides of the brain in order to develop my students into well rounded musicians who play with great technique, understand music theory, are able to read music, and can improvise in any musical situation.
Personally, I come from an ensemble and improvisation-heavy background, so I tend to emphasize creative expression and social musicianship (playing in group settings with other musicians).
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Credentials
San Diego, CA 92124
Email verified
Phone verified
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We highly recommend Jack DePuy! He is a talented, patient and positive person and a gifted instructor. Jack introduced all three of my children to their first formal piano instruction. He had the kids engaged and playing in no time! He has helped foster a love of music in my children. Jack is a very talented musician. He regularly asks my children what songs they like ... and then writes music that matches their skill level so they can play songs that they like. This definitely keeps them engaged with piano playing and practicing. Jack assigns homework that is teaching the kids theory, cording and scales. We are so grateful for how patient and encouraging Jack has been with the kids! We are so grateful he is our teacher. I would highly recommend him.
FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I begin teaching a new student by asking why they are interested in learning to play the instrument they've chosen. I also ask about their background in music and we talk about their goals.
We come up with a direction and a plan for reaching their goals and start working!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have two years of college education in music composition from San Diego State University.
I have been practicing and taking lessons in piano, bass, and guitar for almost all of my life.
I have experience playing in just about every musical setting under the sun. I have sung, played guitar, piano, and, especially, bass guitar, in a 50s cover band, an 80s cover band, a country band, a progressive rock ensemble, church bands, a jazz band, a funk band, a blues band, etc. I have worked with artists on solo projects, performed in singer/songwriter settings, played in studio/recording settings, and have played in numerous pit bands for junior and professional theatre companies.
I have been teaching bass, guitar, and piano for over four years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I drive to your location - 60 per hr. or 30 per 1/2hr.
You drive to my location - 50 per hr. or 25 per 1/2hr.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching informally when I was young (about 12 or 13 years old). I would teach my friends what I knew and they would teach me so that we could get better together.
I began teaching more formally when I was 16. I had a few very young students to whom I would teach the basics of piano.
When I began studying music at the university level, I started teaching part time to help get myself through college.
Since then, I havn't stopped teaching privately. It's just too much fun to quit!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students between the ages of 5 and 20.
Most of the studens I have taught were beginners when they started.
I have worked with students who have specific goals right out of the gate and I've worked with some students who just want to learn the basics of playing their instrument. Both approaches are great! Everyone eventually finds some aspect of music they are passionate about pursuing in more depth.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Every music teacher has strengths and weaknesses. It is often helpful to know what it is that you want (even if it is just a general direction) before you begin looking for a teacher.
If you want to learn to read and play Mozart or Beethoven sonatas, then look for someone whose strengths are in classical performance.
If you want to learn how to play your favorite songs and be able to jam with your friends, then look for a teacher whose strengths are in improvisation and mainstream music (I land moreso on this end of the spectrum).
Make sure to find a teacher who is well versed in music theory, that is, the theoretical understanding of music. This is a must-have requirement for a music teacher no matter what their speciality is.
Lastly, make sure your music teacher has a philosophy of music teaching. A teacher should be able to tailor his/her teaching style to match the student's goals.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
You should think about why it is that you want to learn to play the instrument you have chosen. What are your goals? What kind of music interests you? Do you want to be able to play with other musicians? How proficient do you want to become in terms of technique, reading, theory, etc.?