About
Over the last 40 years or so, I've taught, from scratch, more people than I can count how to enjoy playing the guitar, as well as work with people who already do get past "brick walls" in their playing and give them new approaches--get them "out of the box."
Unfortunate, but many teachers only teach because they are frustrated with their musical careers. And many of them teach everyone the same way. And sometimes they even spend most of your lesson time practicing in front of you! None of that really works. So, here are some of the things I can do to help you pick up your pace, and really enjoy yourself while you're doing it!
- Personalized lesson plans based on your goals, and styles of music you love. - The ability to work long, or short term. - A way to understand the theory of music that instead of being like a math lesson, directly relates to your playing. - Ways to quickly learn songs. - Make-sense exercises to get you flexible and fluid. - Solid ways to, if you wish, learn how to improvise very quickly, such as done in say Blues, Rock, Country, etc. - Major help for people who are or wish to write their own music (ex: singer/songwriters). - AND ACTUALLY ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE! It doesn't feel so much like hard work if you know how to approach it!
I teach where I live, which is in N. Ft. Myers--a clear, rural setting.
Feel free to contact me with questions. My rate is 40.00/hr. (I really think half/hr. lessons are usually a waste of time).
I love how people react when they suddenly see what wasn’t possible before becoming possible. Watching them come into their own.
Photos and videos
Reviews
John M.
Jacque C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
It's not about me, it's about YOU. I tailor my teaching differently for each person, to get them working toward what they envision doing as a guitarist. I have a very large "toolkit" that I pick from, depending on what's needed!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'am a lifetime musician, playing and working in the industry professionally for over 40 years. I have been teaching guitar since I was 18! Let's just say I have "equivalent professional experience." I have studied both privately from many people, and also studied at the Koch School of Music, Cleveland State University, and others, in the areas of theory and composition. I have run teaching studios, summer guitar camps, conducted seminars, and a number of other things!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I tend to work on a cash basis, billing at 40.00/hr. I truly believe that half-hour lessons are not productive for adults, although I will do them for younger players, who usually can only absorb a half hour. I also have the ability to work short term (coaching) if you play already and need to polish your skills. I prefer being contacted by email...
How did you get started teaching?
Hah! That was so long ago! What happened was that I had already been playing for awhile, taking lessons from friends. I started taking private lessons and after a time my teacher left the store! I took over his job (I was just barely 2 books ahead of some students) and I basically never stopped.