About
I've been teaching guitar and bass to students of all ages and across all genres for over four years. My teaching philosophy prioritizes flexibility and adaptability -- the instruments I teach have incredible range when it comes to style and technique, so it's important to me that I calibrate my teaching to help each student grow with their instrument in a way that will fulfill them, knowing that this goal will look different for everyone. In practice, this can range from a stripped-down practical skills approach, giving a student just the tools they need to get playing music they like as quickly as possible, to fully comprehensive study where we dig into theory and technique in great detail and apply concepts to real songs as we learn them along the way. I am also happy to include topics ancillary to actual guitar/bass playing such as songwriting, musical multitasking (ex. playing and singing at the same time), making the most out of your instrument and equipment, and the day-to-day realities of recording and performing.
I love being able to empower people with new knowledge about the music that they know and love, and new agency with their instrument. I find it very rewarding to know I've helped someone finally be able to play something that they've always wanted to.
Highlights
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Reviews
karen S.
brandon B.
Oz G.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The most important thing is for me to understand where a student is coming from -- especially what knowledge they already have and their goals for the future. I ask what kind of music they like, what specific music they want to learn, and where they want to go with it. From here, I mix theory and technique fundamentals with practical applications to approach those goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology and Spanish from Transylvania University, was trained in tutoring methods at Transylvania's ACE tutoring center, and have worked alongside, and learned from, veteran music instructors around Louisville.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Half hour lesson at my home studio: $25
Hour lesson at my home studio: $50
Half hour lesson at student's house: $35
Hour lesson at student's house: $60
How did you get started teaching?
After tutoring other students while getting my Bachelor's degree and enjoying the work, I took on a few private music students, and then spent several years teaching at a local music retailer before starting to teach independently full-time.
What types of students have you worked with?
Students of all ages and skill levels, including as young as 6 and as old as 65!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my students made some new friends who are musicians, and used concepts that we've covered in lessons to jam and write songs confidently with them!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone that listens to you, makes you feel that you can make progress, makes good use of your time, and is clearly communicative!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
-What brings you to the instrument? What makes you want to play?
-Are there specific kinds of music that you are especially interested in playing? Specific genres, artists, songs, or albums?
-Do you want to write music in addition to playing?
-What context would you like to be able to play in? By yourself at home, for friends and family, in public performances?