First Coast School Of Music

We teach all students as Individuals.  First, we determine what the goals are for the lessons.  Based on that, we develop a lesson plan that suits the individual.  Whether you are hoping to study music in college, introduce an instrument to your child, or learn some of your favorite songs; we can help you reach your goal.  We also find out what it is that you enjoy.  Our motto is "We Make Learning Music Fun!"  It seems cliche, but it is very important to us.  We strive to give you the best instruction and have a great time in the process.

All of our instructors studied music in college and have extensive teaching experience.  Personally, I studied music at Auburn University.  I have been teaching for over 20 years.  I have performed and recorded music extensively during this time as well.  

Lessons in our studios are 30 minutes and cost $120/month ($30/lesson).  Hour lessons are discounted to $52.50/lesson.

In-home lessons are $35/lesson for 30 minutes.  Hour lessons are $63/lesson.

I started teaching while studying Music in college.  In my twenties, I owned a Musical Instrument store in Auburn, AL.  My favorite part of the business was teaching lessons.  I have always loved sharing music with others.  I have been blessed with the gifts of music and patience.  Those two attributes work well when teaching.  Also, my wife is a Behavioral Therapist of over 20 years.  She has been an extremely valuable resource for me to learn how to encourage students to achieve their goals.  

My students range from ages of 4-84.  Our business largely teaches young students from the ages of 4-17.  We teach in numerous Elementary and Middle schools and we have teachers with specialties in those areas.  We also have a large Youth Band program and most of those participants are 10-18 yrs old.  In our studios, we teach all ages and have a lot of adults as well.  I understand that the goals and methods of teaching are vastly different for an adult.  We approach each lesson to address the goals and learning style of each individual.

One of our youth bands, Allie and the Kats won the local Blues competition.  They then performed in Memphis, TN for the International Blues Challenge.  In addition to performing on Beale Street, they had the opportunity to meet Little Stephen Van Zandt from "The Sopranos" and Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.  I personally teach band member and direct the band rehearsals.

Ask questions.  A good teacher must be able to communicate effectively and must be willing to share information.  A good teacher will be more than happy to give references.  I encourage people to ask about my qualifications or the qualifications of our other instructors.  We have over 15 instructors.  I take a lot of pride in carefully selecting the best teachers who have the education, experience, personality and commitment to give the highest quality of lessons possible.  

Students should consider why they are wanting to take lessons.  Students should ask the teachers about their experience in teaching and how it relates to their musical goals.  Students should understand that being a Musician and being a Teacher are two completely separate skill sets.   There are many great musicians that should never be teachers.  Unfortunately, many of those musicians are teaching.  The best teacher will have training in teaching and a lot of experience teaching.  They will also be very accomplished performers as well.