Cordell Music LLC
About
Cordell Music has been serving the Atlanta metro area since 2009. Many of our students have gone on to study music at the collegiate level, and many have gone directly into live performance. I have students who, once beginners, are now in nationally touring bands! My approach to teaching has been continually refined over the last 16 years. I recognize that students can differ greatly on their goals, which is why I tailor each student's lesson plan specifically for that student. This allows us to spend time on what's most important for achieving those goals. I also provide in-home lessons, which allows the student to choose the environment that is most comfortable and convenient for his or her study.
I very much enjoy watching my students evolve. It's a great pleasure to watch as students gain confidence in themselves and their abilities. In today's fast pace world where everything seems to come in an instant, the study of music teaches us the long lost arts of patience and determination. I especially enjoy watching the beginner students, who usually first arrive barely able to fret a single note, blossom into accomplished players who can sing and play the music they love.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The study of music is a lifelong journey, and it can be difficult for beginner students to know where to start. So for those new to the study of music, we start right away with the fundamentals of music theory and physical technique. A deep and thorough understanding of music can only be built on a strong platform of the basics. I break down our lessons into three main areas of focus: the formal language of music (theory), proper physical technique, and the combination of the previous two into artistic expression.
For students with prior music training, my FREE introductory lesson will help me determine where the student is along his or her musical path so that we can determine the best route forward.
Throughout our lessons, I keep track of all student progress to be sure that there are no "holes" in my students' understanding of critical concepts.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from MTSU in 2005 with a degree in Recording Industry Management with an emphasis in Production and Technology. During my time at MTSU I completed five semesters of music theory (Common Practice I-IV and Jazz Theory).
Following graduation, I have played in countless weddings, musicals, worship services, and bands both original and cover. I've been the head instructor for the Marist Marching Band pit orchestra for the last 16 years, worked for 2 years at Sam Ash Music, worked with Jeff Carlisi at Atlanta's Camp Jam, and I'm currently playing for the Carlee Burruss project. Former students include current High School music directors in the Atlanta area, as well as members of the Family and Friends Band and the Quaildogs.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I offer weekly lessons at $35/hr for lessons at my place right on the Midtown and Buckhead border right by Piedmont hospital. These lessons are purchased in packages of 4 through my online booking and payment system. Individual lessons can be purchased for $40/hr, but these are recommended for intermediate and advanced students only. Those new to the instrument must develop proper technique and practice methods early to avoid the dreaded "unlearning bad habits" situation down the line. For this reason, I highly advise beginner students to plan for at least 8-12 weeks of weekly lessons to start.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching kids from my neighborhood when I was a teenager. Throughout college, I found it was a more enjoyable and meaningful way to make money than delivering pizzas, and so I began to take it more seriously. Teaching has been my primary profession since 2009.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students of all talent levels from ages 11 to 60 and beyond. It's never too early or late to begin studying. This is one of the beautiful things about music as a pursuit.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise all beginner students to request references or background information about your prospective teacher. Have they had any prior formal music training? What degrees do they hold? I would also like to warn all potential students to understand that not all good players make good teachers. It is important for any prospective teacher to have a clearly defined lesson plan and goal for each student so that students do not become reliant on their teacher indefinitely. My goal is to give my students the tools needed to be confident, independent music students once they decide to move on from our lessons.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Are you ready to make the time and monetary commitment necessary to do the job correctly?
The study of music involves both conceptual competency and physical training. Just as you would not go into a gym and think that two or three visits with a trainer will be sufficient to achieve your desired results, the same can be said for studying music. You must give yourself the time to adapt and immerse yourself in the study. Music is part language, part exercise. That being said, it has been and continues to be the most rewarding pursuit of my life personally, and I am both happy and humbled to share that experience with others.