About
I strive to make the process of learning music engaging and fun! I do my best to balance the discipline of learning the technical elements of music with the fun of learning parts, songs, and playing music together. I'm passionate about meeting the student where they are in terms of their musical interests, backgrounds, and ability levels. I enjoy working with those preparing to play professionally as well as those who are looking to light up the living room!
Study with me is more of an investment than is typical on lessons.com, and I'm looking for students who are passionate about music and are excited to commit to regular practice and study. I tailor each lesson or lesson pack for you, and work with you to develop key long term skills and practice routines that will help you enjoy and integrate music on a deep level. If you decide to study music with me, you're investing in your learning with an experienced teacher with 2 music degrees, 25 years of experience performing and teaching, and a lot of enthusiasm for helping you get where you want to go with music!
I enjoy sharing the practice tools and concepts that have helped me, and I love problem solving to create exercises to help students through challenges. I enjoy watching students progress and play the music of their dreams!
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Leslie R.
Dennis K.
Eric C.
Inez A.
Dave V.
Crystal N.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I typically do a quick phone interview about your individual goals followed by a brief assessment of current technique and auditory recognition/reproduction on your instrument and start from there.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have both Undergraduate and Master's degrees from the University of New Orleans as well as over 20 years of experience playing music professionally in a range of venues from small club and bar dates to concert halls and universitie exhibitions.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I primarily offer 3 month coaching packages that focus on reaching specific goals with lessons, check-ins, and custom designed practice regimens that are tailored to each student. I am available for feedback and questions M-F 9am-4pm for students in my coaching program. The current price for a coaching package is $1500, though rates will increase as the spots fill up. It's labor intensive for me so I takes a limited number of students at a time.
I also weekly hour-long lessons. A trial lesson is $60 then lessons are $100/session payable monthly.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching guitar during my undergraduate degree as a way of sharing my passion and cementing in the learning I was experiencing. I went on to grow a student group of 32 weekly lessons as a full time instructor in New Orleans.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with all ages of students, from 9 years old to 70. I love working with students that are excited about learning the instrument and how to express themselves through music.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I love meeting people that share a passion for music and jamming together. I recently had an amazing experience spending hours with a new friend in San Diego improvising over tunes together. It's such a wonderful thing to have a common language and technical skill set that allows for a musical conversation to happen, and it's something I strive to cultivate in my students as well as myself.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
All the teacher about their background, experience, qualifications, and most important what they love about teaching and music!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should start with an end goal in mind. For me, I want to be able to understand and play everything I hear in my mind and in the music I love. Students should seek out a teacher that fits their interests and needs to reach their end game.