About
I am available to teach Guitar lessons, not just for guitar, but for Bass, Classical, Electric, and more. I provide services for ear training as well as music notation, and theory.
Students will become multi-faceted in their approach to their instrument regardless of style; they will develop proficiency in other areas while playing the style in which they choose to learn.
I greatly enjoy music in all of its forms. The work that I do with students is something I don't see regular instructors doing, at least not in large numbers. I teach not only how to play, but how to listen, and think as well; students will learn how to recognize notes, pitches, and patterns in the music they play in order to become better musicians. I take time with each student to assess what they already know, and what they do not; that way we can start out where the individual is already at regardless of experience.
I am currently pursuing a Bachelors of Performance in Music and have taught local students how to play, read, think, and recognize music on their guitars. It doesn't stop there either, I also give general music theory and musicianship lessons regardless of instrumentation, in-fact, a mixed-bag of students can be taught just as easily as an individual in this respect.
Currently I am president of our local guitar society, have taken many theory and musicianship courses, performed at MAGEF, as well as attended masterclasses with the EKU guitar program. I have a strong passion for teaching and helping others, as well as being able to teach people that have been "unable" to learn an instrument for various reasons.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I work with students usually in a one-on-one basis first to assess their needs as a player. Typically after that I will select materials for them to learn on if they're an absolute beginner, or for the more advanced players, let them pick the songs they want to learn. After that, there is an additional reading component that I teach for good measure, it helps build skills that are marketable, and it will help them look at music easier and more effeciently; also the Musicianship portion will help them to analyze their music, as well as others, making learning, playing, and listening all the more easy and fun for them.
I deal with issues students or parents have in a quiet and professional manner as well, difficulty learning, reading, or understanding the music is something we all face at one point or another, and I do everything in my power to get them where they need and want to be.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 5 years continuing education at EKU for guitar performance and music; I have worked with children before on music, rhythym, and basics. I was co-director of music at our church in Danville for a few years until my studies kept me in Richmond.
I have an understanding of music theory and the musicianship skills necessary to perform, teach, and understand music.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
First lesson is $15. During this lesson we will figure out what the student needs and wants to learn, as well as how advanced they already are, parents are welcome and encouraged to join in so they can see how these lessons will be structured.
Standard lesson Pricing is $25 for a half hour lesson and $40 for a full hour; students should be ready to play, write, listen, and discuss whatever it is they wish to accomplish. Lessons can be made up ONLY if contacted with 24-36 hours notice OR if the individual has had an illness, injury, or death in the family/friend. Refunds are not given to those that miss for any reason and the lesson WILL be rescheduled, I am willing to be very flexible on this.
NOTE: If child under 18 is taking lessons, the parents may join in, watch, or participate free of charge; households with mulitple children attending will get a discount (I.E. 2 children is $32 for half hour $42 for a full hour; 3 or more is $50 for half hour $75 for an hour)
How did you get started teaching?
I got started teaching locally before college, and during college I teach local students in person in Richmond during my free time. I got started teaching when I was the principle musician at our old church in Lancaster, and then that translated down to danville; currently I am in Richmond pursuing a Bachelor's in Music
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students that can't read music, that can read music, that have played for years, and absolute beginners. I am used to working around pretty much anyone, and comfortable with teaching lessons with students that have special needs, I've seen wonderful things happen through music with multitudes of people.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently we had Artist Luther Enloe down to play a classical set for us, I took part in a masterclass and played for him, was insanely fun, and he is a tremendous player. That even further solidified my desire to teach and perform music as much as I possibly can.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice is this: No matter how good, bad, or unfamiliar you are with your music or instrument, above all else, Have a great work ethic and desire to do well. The will to prepare must be greater than the will to succeed, and in doing so success will be much easier to obtain. As long as they're willing to put in the work, time, and effort with me; I will be able to teach them, and they will be able to have a rich, fulfilling hobby, career, lifestyle, or any mix of the three.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Some of the best questions I've heard have been from people that didn't think it all the way through; that isn't to say planning isn't important though. Students should have a general idea of what they want to ask or need, failing that, they should simply just ask what is on their mind. I find that it works best when the questions are genuine, well-planned out or not, and asked from a point of concern for their education.