Black Barrel Records, LLC
About
My name is Zach and I'm a life-long musician, audio engineer, and music lover. I've had plenty of informal experience teaching guitar and bass to friends, and I'd love to share some of my great methods and industry-standard experiences with the rest of the world to help you get to the level you want to be at. I'll develop a custom curriculum for each of my students based on what their current experience is and what their goals are.
My experience includes playing in classical chamber ensembles on both cello and bassoon, small jazz ensembles on guitar and bass, performing and songwriting for multiple personal bands. Additionally, I have somewhat extensive knowledge in Professional Audio applications and related customer service experience from working at Sam Ash.
Unlike some other teachers on this site, I'll take an integrative approach, offering my musically-trained ears for teaching music production, and my applicable music theory knowledge for music lessons. I consider myself laid-back, but attentive to detail and a good listener to my students and clients.
Contact me if you're interested in taking a lesson with me or if you have additional questions!
Nota: Hablo un poco español, pero mis lecciones pueden ser más fludidas en inglés.
https://wanderingwavesmusic.services/
I enjoy just about everything about the work I do! I love exposing myself to new ways of thinking about and working with music/audio, and figured that one of the best ways to pay that forward is to provide students with lessons to keep them intrigued (and maybe help show off their skills for family and friends 😁). Years ago, I've provided free tutoring in math and science to some of my fellow high-school students, and that helped me understand how rewarding teaching in general can be for everyone involved!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I value getting to know students' goals for their own musical development, regardless of experience. Many aspiring guitarists just want to have a few more favorite tunes in their repertoire. Others might want to develop their scale-playing ability, music theory knowledge, or how to make their own high-quality recordings. I'll cater to the interests of my students while guiding them to a higher level of musicianship.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I own and operate a commercial recording studio and record label called Black Barrel Records. I've also worked in the Pro Audio department at Sam Ash for 3 years and have had years of FOH engineering experience under my belt. While I'm primarily a self-taught musician, I've both taken and taught advanced music theory courses as well as more informal music lessons to friends.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My hourly lesson rate is $100/hr for in-person and $80/hr for online classes (guitar, bass, synthesizer, Ableton Live/Push 2/Production). Please reach out for discounted pricing if interested in a monthly flat rate!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I'd tell them to give them a go, and don't get discouraged if you're not seeing the progress you'd like to see right away. Even for the innately talented, learning an instrument or musical skill takes time, but just about always pays off in the end! A second piece of advice: if the teacher isn't a good fit, don't let that get in the way of your goals! There are so many great teaching styles out there!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should consider how likely they are to stick with a given instrument, and also how interested they are in music in general. Whether it's arthritis, asthma, or not being totally into the vibe of an instrument, not everything is for everyone. That being said, it's good to be adventurous and try out new things! There's always a good chance you'll pleasantly suprise yourself with your own abilities, especially if you stick with it for at least a few months!