About
I train students to play better than just "OK." I've played and studied for over 25 years, giving lessons and taking them myself. There are no lessons taken straight from a book; it's based on what a student wants and needs to learn to really play the guitar well. I offer a free intro lesson to prospective students so that they can see how the process works.
Seeing the learning process become a real, tangible thing is the best; the student has an "A-ha!" moment and everything changes.
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Laura M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask that all students have their guitar when I meet with them to get a good idea of where they are in their playing, and in the case of total novices, help them get started. Based on that, I develop a lesson plan to both teach what the student wants to learn and make them overall better guitar players and musicians.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been formally trained in various styles of playing, music theory and composition, so I can provide both the "how" (practical) and the "why" (theory) when it comes to music.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing is based upon whether a student chooses half-hour, 45 minute, or hour-long lessons.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching my friends about 6 months after starting lessons myself. Usually it was something like, "Dude, can you teach me so I can play that Metallica riff?" That was 1993 and I was likely not the best teacher, but something was there.
After several more years of instruction and playing in bands, I got a greater hold on music, and received more requests for lessons. I haven't stopped learning and finding better ways to turn what at first may seem like a foreign language into something understandable, coherent, and ultimately enjoyable.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students from elementary school to middle age adults, including those with special needs. Primarily, they have been beginner to intermediate in their level of playing on both electric and acoustic.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Meet them in person first. Get to know them. Look for a teacher that will work WITH you, not teach AT you. Ask them if they offer an introductory lesson so you can see how things work.
Whatever you do, DO NOT sign up with a guitar teacher sight unseen!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Every student should ask themself, "What do I *want* to do with the guitar?" That brings up a whole host of other questions: Do I want to play in a band--or even start my own someday? Do I want to dust off that old guitar and pick up where I left off? Do I want to have a fun, new creative outlet to add another dimension to my life? Maybe the answer is something else?
When they can give an answer, it's up to the instructor to get them to that place.