About
I'm an audio engineering student @ SAE in Atlanta, and have been doing music professionally for 18 years. I have a five-year-old and have mentored more people than I can count, so am a natural teacher who is extremely patient and great with kids and adults of all ages. I play several intruments (guitar, piano, ukulele, banjo, and mandolin in that order) and have a studio full of awesome keyboards, stringed instruments, hardware/software, synths with patchbays and midi controlllers (namely Maschine MKIII, Akai MPK mini, and Novation Circuit) the student can get some hands-on experience with if desired.
I've tried many other things and nothing compares to playing/recording/producing/performing/teaching music. If you've been doing something this long and still love it more every day, it's pretty safe to assume it's what you're supposed to be doing :)
Photos and videos
Reviews
Dhanushka H.
Vindya D.
Binuka
Marl
Bennett S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
It always depends on where they're at. Of course you can't get around learning your basic chords and scales, but I like to switch it up between doing that and teaching them their favorite songs. I also have a lot of fun toys in my studio, so try to devote a few minutes to teaching them how much fun recording, synthesis, and drum programming can be. Most of my students want to learn guitar, but I feel strongly about teaching piano at the same time because it's difficult to understand the fretboard without understanding the keyboard as well. I can teach chords/strumming on pretty much any song as well as how to play lead, and will have a free PDF book you can print out on your first lesson.
I can also teach Pro Tools and Logic at this point, but have been using Ableton for 15 years so of course it's my go-to. I also use (and highly suggest) Native Instruments Maschine MK3 and Novation Circuit, and they are quickly becoming the centerpieces of my studio. I also have a decent collection of modular synths and fx units that come in handy when teaching signal flow basics. I've come up with some very fun and easy ways to get those concepts across to even my youngest students, and it's an experience that you're not likely to find anywhere else.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've worked with a record label for 15 years (Abstract Logic Recordings) and am currently 3/4 of the way through my audio engineering degree at SAE.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I usually charge $20 per 30 minute session (which usually end up being longer because I lose track of time). If you'd like to make a track together without spending 18 years of learning and several thousand dollars, I charge $60 per 2 hour session and you'll get 40% if it gets signed to our label.
How did you get started teaching?
I taught a couple of my friends how to DJ 10+ years ago and now their careers are skyrocketing. I also taught a few kids with Taylor Robinson a few years back, and have done charity programs to teach djing and breakdancing at East Atlanta Kids Club.
What types of students have you worked with?
All kinds :)
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I deejayed on a houseboat a few weeks ago for an engagement party on Lake Lanier. I couldn't believe I was getting paid to play my favorite songs!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If you want to learn how to be a well-rounded musician, I just might be who you're looking for :)
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They mostly need to ask themselves whether it's enough of a priority to them to practice (at least almost) every day. If I could download my skills into their heads like Neo from the Matrix I definitely would, but unfortunately learning a new skill isn't that simple. Teaching it to their brains is one thing, but only you can develop muscle memory and there is exactly one way to do that.