About
I've had a passion for music my whole life. And that passion shines through in my lessons, because I truely love music and sharing this art with my students. I've learned drums, bass, and guitar, and have taught all three for 5 years. One of the greatest feelings one can have as a teacher, is to see the happiness on a student's face when they accomplish a goal. Setting and achieving goals is a focus of my lessons. And I make sure it's a fun experience along the way. Whether it's completing a book, learning a particular song, or learning enough to just enjoy the instrument, I tailor my lessons to the goals of my students. I have a degree in music and am a member of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association.)
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Greta H.
Tushar S.
Jorge C.
Scott
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We start with an interview to assess how much the student has learned up to that point. Theory, aural skills, general desire, dexterity and proficiency,and commitment level are all addressed in the first lesson. This information combined with questions about what brought them to a chosen instrument, what they like about music in general, favorite musicians, among other questions, lays out, for both the student and instructor, what a good curriculum, catered to the student, will look like. Then we take it from there! And it’s a lot less painful than it may look!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I earned a B.A. in music from the University of Dayton.
I’ve played guitar, bass guitar, and percussion in multiple groups and projects over a span of 25 years.
I’ve been teaching drums, guitar, bass, and piano, for years through multiple avenues, and I'm currently adding ukulele to my teaching repertoire.
I am a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
Society for Research in Music Education
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I don’t have a standard pricing system.
My pricing depends on a number of factors, including; market pricing, student commitment level, and travel.
I will often offer a discounted rate to students that signup for a package of lessons.
My prices usually are in the middle of the market prices of the geographical area in which I’m teaching.
How did you get started teaching?
My first experiences with teaching happened in groups I performed with. I would often teach rhythm and harmony to band mates while learning songs. I was always a teacher in every group I was a part of. So, after a change of career, I decided to make my teaching official, and started teaching actual paid lessons. It’s been years now and I love it.
What types of students have you worked with?
I’ve taught everyone from 7 year old kids with attention problems to adults with careers, other musicians who want some pointers, and everyone in between.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I saw Chris Cornell at Ravinia two summers ago. That was really great. And every year some of my students perform in front of the Seniors at a retirement home. That’s a great performance to watch as well.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Choose a teacher that you get along with; because personality clashes can derail the most committed of students.
And look for references. If they don’t have reviews on one site, ask if they do on another.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do they want to learn and why! That is the most important part; because that answer drives their passion for the instrument, will make them practice, and is key to formulating good lesson plans.