Ian's Music Lessons
About
Hi! My name is Ian. I’ve been teaching guitar, ukulele and bass professionally since 2001 (so, a long time!). Plenty of info about me can be found here on my profile, and even more on my personal lessons website: www.iansmusiclessons.com
I insist on starting everyone off with a free lesson. If you’re interested, happy to answer any questions and/or get started asap!
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
From the get go, I try to find out what you may already know. Some people can be surprised to find out they already know more than they previously thought. And if they know little to nothing, that’s ok too!
From there, I always gear the lessons towards achieving your goals as quickly as possible, mixed with theory and technique -which are always applied toward actual songs of your choosing.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
How did you get started teaching?
What types of students have you worked with?
All types. As I write this, I currently have a 3-year-old guitar student and a 75-year-old ukulele student. As for personality types, I believe I've taught them all. Some people are more visual, some people learn by listening. Some people like structure, some people like more spontaneity. I see it as a part of my job to find out what works best for each student and then harness their innate talents from there.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Well although I’ve been teaching since 2001, I still get amazed by my experiences while teaching. And over those years, there hasn’t been a week that’s gone by where I didn’t add a new addition to my techniques as a teacher. As I write, tonight I helped an adult student figure out a chord by sheer theory alone. In other words, instead of just showing her the chord I wanted her to play, I helped her utilize recent information and figure out how to play the chord without me having to touch my guitar or tell her where to put her fingers. It was an awesome moment and one I plan on re-creating again in the future with my students. The amazing moments are endless.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Try to find someone who has experience as a teacher- not just experience as a student.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals? Do you want to just learn some songs to play for family and friends around the campfire? Do you want to write your own music? Do you want to play open mics at cafes? Do you want to start a band someday?
It helps to know where you want to go with all of this so you can start going down the right path. It’s ok to change your goals as you go or not even know what your goals are as well- but it helps to try to figure them out. It’s a great way to keep you motivated. And the right teacher should be able to help you along and keep it fun as you go.