About
Hi there!
My name is Willis and I would love to help you and/or someone your know learn to play an instrument or record music! I've been teaching online lessons for six months now, and the students I work with describe me as flexible, patient, and enthusiastic. I graduated with an independent degree in Accesible Music Curriculum Development from James Madison University, with minors in both Jazz Studies and Music Industry. I have been written, arranged, recorded, and toured with/for various bands, and have experience playing Jazz, Blues, Latin, Bluegrass, Old-Time, Rock, Folk, and Punk music. Please reach out if you are looking for a teacher to help you learn guitar, electric bass, upright bass, mandolin, or production in Logic Pro X - I would love to work with you!
I love helping students grow in both musicianship and music appreciation. It's incredible to watch students fall in love with music the same way I have, and to facilitate healthy and fun learning.
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Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree in music and studied jazz in school. I also have fronted bands, toured with various projects, and recorded professionally for the last five years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Generally, my lessons are $40 for one hour-long lesson per week. If you are looking for a different time or working on a different schedule, I am more than happy to accomodate.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a wide range of students; from fresh musicians with little to no experience playing an instrument, to experienced players looking to pick up a new craft.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In February of this year, I had the opportunity to facilitate a community music making event in my college town. I partnered with the university and a local venue to provide a space for anyone interested in creating and collaborating to write and record an original piece of music with like-minded strangers. It was a hugely positive experience, and the participants and I had a blast.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If you're looking for an online music teacher, I think it is incredibly important to find some one with a diverse skillset, a positive attitude, and a love for teaching.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
It can be super helpful for you to think about your goals with a particular instrument or skill before taking lessons, so that you can best articulate them for your new teacher. Do you want to learn the bass line to your favorite song? Is there a specific skill or practice that has been tripping you up? Assessing your experience, goals, and expectations prior to your first lesson can be very useful for your new teacher, as they want to equip you with the proper environment and tools to grow and learn as efficiently as possible.