About
I’ve been playing music since I was 8 years old, having been introduced to the clarinet through group lessons. I taught myself saxophone in High School in order to join the marching band, and, played outside school with an alternative music group’s horn section. I started teaching myself piano in my 30s, then moved to California, where my house was too small for a piano. Came across a decent Yamaha guitar in Costco and decided to learn that instead. Took a few years of lessons incorporating both tablature and reading music. I continue to play regularly, more than 18 years later, belonging to several Meetup groups that meet weekly, and have played out in family weddings, etc. Therefore, I can relate to the average person who loves music but may be hesitant to get started. I make learning music fun and challenging by mixing in theory along with learning songs that you love to listen to.
I love helping people learn something new. Music can inspire you, and soothe your soul. It’s a true expression of yourself, and, is a great way to free yourself from the stresses of the day. I love all types of music, and take your lead as to what it is you want to learn.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Depending on how much experience a student has, I like to select a book that would be a good fit for them to start to learn music theory along with discovering their instrument. I like to break a lesson into working on theory for 1/2 of the time, and then switch it up to work on a song they’d like to learn.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
i started learning music in third grade, taking group clarinet lessons. From there I was always playing in some sort of band, learning from other musicians. I took lessons in saxophone in High School from a former member of the Benny Goodman orchestra. When I picked up the guitar in my 40s I took lessons from 2 different teachers. The first taught a form of tablature. As soon as I got comfortable, I found a new teacher who taught from the Berkeley School of Music series books. We concentrated on learning chord melodies from the Fake Book series.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I usually charge $30 per 1/2 hour if I travel to a student’s home. If the student comes to me, I would charge $25 per 1/2 hour. I can help them select the proper level instrument to play, along with lesson books; all of which can be bought online.
How did you get started teaching?
While living back East I was laid off from my IT job. There was a local group of music stores near me that I used to patronize. One day I walked in and asked if they were looking for music teachers. I interviewed and auditioned for the owner on clarinet, saxophone and guitar, and, was offered a job. I built up a solid group of students over more than a year before a new IT job took me out to Southern California, where I began using Lessons.com. Now I’m moving back East to the Charleston, SC area (Mount Pleasant specifically)and am ready to start teaching again.
What types of students have you worked with?
Most of my students in the past have been elementary or high school aged. However, I know many older adults who have always had a desire to learn music, but have been unsure how to get started. I’d love to work with those students and share the love of music I’ve always had.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I had a young student who loved the song Happy by Pharrell Williams, which doesn’t lend itself well to the guitar. I came up with a decent rhythm set of chords for him that worked well. He took it from there with his singing and dance steps to complete the experience. It was a lot of fun!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who’s flexible and can adapt to the way you learn best. They should listen to you and can introduce you to the kind of music you love.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What challenges do you face in finding the time and making the commitment to learning music? Know what it is you want to learn, and keep an open mind to discover how music works.