About
I've been a gigging musician, musicologist, music tutor for 9+ years now and I love the challenge of addressing each students needs and helping them on their musical journey.
I tend to teach with a structural approach that emphasizes progress and musical milestones, but I have a sneaky habit of falling down musical rabbit holes that my students bring in. I love chasing after the question as to *why* music makes us feel the way we feel.
I want my students to feel like capable creators on their primary instruments so that they can feel the joy and power I get to feel when I get to play music!
Visit my website needlepointmusic.com for more info or to reach out with questions. Good luck on your musical journey!
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Damontae S.
Josiah T.
Fergus O.
Athina N.
Robert G.
Malissa A.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First lessons have the feel of a consultation. There are no expectations or commitments as we start our time together.
Usually, I will take this time to see if we will be a good fit.
Lessons with me are best as a long-term journey and if we simply don't not have chemistry- that is okay! I am happy to help you find what you need.
If you are polite and driven, I am confident we will have much to explore.
Importantly, I am not looking for students of any certain ability. Just respectful students who want to excel in- and speak through- music.
// Find out more at:
needlepointmusic.com
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a BA in Music Theory Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University where I studied with Dr.Benjamin Wadsworth & Dr.Jeffery Yunek. I have several published works (Music Theory Spectrum, Eastman's Integral) in the field of musicology with a focus on contemporary popular music and hip-hop.
I hold a second BM degree in Jazz Studies with a concentration in Jazz Guitar. I studied under guitarist and composer Trey Wright and classical guitarists Mary Akerman and Sean Thrower.
I studied piano under composer and jazz pianist Tyrone Jackson. And I was also enrolled in the Joel A. Katz Music and Entertainment Business program.
I hold a certification in the latest version of 'Logic Pro X' digital audio production software. I have worked in live venues, studios, theaters, concert halls, clubs, churches, hotels, private residences and have performed across the Southeast and overseas.
In fact, I have been performing and writing music since my teens and had no other profession other than a music-maker in mind until I enrolled in music school.
Thanks to my own great mentors (and teachers!) I have had the privilege to work as a professional musician and recording engineer, alongside teaching and learning from a growing community of musician-learners.
// Find out more at:
needlepointmusic.com
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing I feel should be simple and transparent so we can get to the music!
Lessons are booked, in advance, through calendly.com/needlepointmusic at either the [Half Hour] ($35) or [Full Hour] ($65) rates.
The time you book is comepletely yours and you will also have access to all of my additional proprietary learning materials and will receive my contact for scheduling or questions between lessons.
You are welcome to book any available time you see on the site.
You'll want to consider what would make a great regular time to meet. We are going for sustainability in our musical journey, whether it be weekly, biweekly, or monthly!
// Find out more at:
needlepointmusic.com
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You don't have to know what you want from your musical journey, but you should have the desire to cultivate the time you spend with music. And studying music is done the way one would pursue any fine craft: with curiosity and patience.
Learning an instrument is the process of training your nervous system in fine motor movement and then using those new neural pathways to create sensation in your own or someone else's nervous system.
| What you're looking for is someone to train your mind. |
// Find out more at:
needlepointmusic.com
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
| Each session is designed to the student's individual needs. |
Students need not be of any certain ability. Just respectful, curious and dedicated to cultivating their musical voice.
| I have worked with students from ages 5 to 63 of all abilities. |
There is also no level of mastery in music that cannot be improved through the exchange of ideas and approaches. Personally, I am constantly working to better my craft and my relationship with music (the eternal student!). So, I gel with students that also have that desire to explore their own musicality long-term or life-long. And those who would benefit from improved mental acuity gleaned from the study of music.
Needlepoint Music scholars aren't just guitarists, pianists, bassists.
| First and foremost, we're musicians. |
// Find out more at:
needlepointmusic.com