Heartfelt Music®
About
Each lesson is tailored to you specifically! Whether you want to learn guitar, voice, music theory, songwriting, worship leading, bass guitar, concert artistry, or any combination, you will have fun and be challenged. Lessons can be weekly, bi-weekly, or once a month and can be used to enhance other lessons you may be taking. Each student receives digital handouts for songs, charts, techniques, and more. Each lesson is filled with personal intensive education following your goals and specific interests. A Lesson Summary Video is recorded at the end of each lesson for you to view on YouTube.com (usually within 24 hours) so you can have audio and visual examples to remember the assignment. You will receive a Private Assignment Page (which is password protected) for details of what you are to practice and what was covered during the lesson. I do teach lessons to all ages and tailor each one to the needs, goals, and learning styles of the student. I make the lessons very fun and encouraging.
What makes my lessons a cut above others is the combination of:
- Understanding where a student is in their skill level and taking them to the next level with relevant technique and appropriate materials. I listen and empathize with the students.
- Motivating students through demonstration, online samples, digital music, and other resources.
- We go through excellent resource books (The Complete Guitar Manual - see the bottom of the products page at http://heartfeltmusic.org/products/)
- There is a lot of communication and a Private Assignment Page on my web site where I list the assignment and give private messages.
- Making a video of the last two minutes of each session so the student can download it and see my instruction throughout the week.
I strive to empower students to reach their goals and become even more successful than they imagined. I've been playing guitar and singing for 5 decades and continue to learn grow in my musicianship. I have a BA in Vocal Performance, a Teaching Credential in Music Education and a Masters in Entertainment Business. This is why I am a Taylor Guitar Artist, teach 45 guitar students at Valley Christian School, coordinate the Summer Concert Series for Mount Hermon Conference Center, and continue to teach private lessons in person and through Zooom.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
To begin lessons, call Reggie at 925-206-9895. I have students fill out an Interview Sheet to find out more information about them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Reggie received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (Performance) and a Teaching Credential in Music (Education) from San Jose State University. He received a Master of Science degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. He graduated from the Pastoral Training School at Peninsula Bible Church, Palo Alto, under Dr. Ray C. Stedman, and is a licensed minister. He has taught music in public and private schools (elementary through college), served as a Youth Pastor (Jr. High age through college age) and ministered as a Worship Pastor. He was an adjunct professor at San Jose Bible College for 8 years and Bethany University for 4 years.
Currently, Reggie is the President/CEO of Heartfelt Music® & Ministry, Inc. (1998-Present) and works full-time at Valley Christian Schools in San Jose (teaches music, coordinates the chapels, and is the Music Arts Department Chair for the High School). He coordinates the Summer Concert Series for Mount Hermon Conference Center. He is an Avid Certified Instructor in Pro Tools (leading music recording software) and Sibelius (leading music writing software).
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private lessons are $50 for 30 minutes, $75 for 45 minutes, and $100 for an hour. Some students take once a week, some take once every two weeks or once a month.
How did you get started teaching?
I started playing guitar as a sophmore in high school. After practicing for a year, five hours a day, I started teaching elementary kids, junior highers and high schoolers. Now I teach all ages.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all ages (9 through 70), all skill levels (beginners through advanced), all guitars (nylon string, acoustic steel string, 12-string, acoustic bass, electric guitar and electric bass).
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my favorite events that I organized for 15 years was the Christian Guitar & Bass Conferences, We had up to 385 guitar players together for a weekend to learn from each other and be trained by professionals. It was a blast!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It's one thing to have a teacher explain to you how to play a chord or scale, but it's more important to find an educator who takes time to understand where you are at, listens to where you want to go, and then empowers you to meet your goals and desires in an exeptional way. The best guitar coach is one who has a wealth of experience and knowledge in many different areas.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Be honest about where you are at and what you like. If you're not sure what you want to learn or what kind of musician you want to be, find an instructor that is relational and inspiring to you. Ask these questions:
1. What kind of music do I enjoy?
2. How much time can I put into learning the guitar?
3. What kind of tools will I need? (Kind of guitar, capo, picks, etc.)
4. How far along do I want to be after a year?