The Hack Musician
About
My goal is to allow musicians to write and collaborate with other musicians more easily and with less frustration, or trial and error. Using "Hacks" I have deveopled over 28 years of experience and education.
I enjoy seeing the positive life changing effects one experiences from creating and growing. I feel the emotional reward vicariously.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to find out what their goals are. Are they looking to improve playing technique alone? Or are they looking to write music, or play live? What have been their struggles or frustrations so far?
I create custom lessons based on the students favorite songs. This makes motivats the student throught the initial staqges of lerning.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied Popular Music at Wirral Metropolitan College 1996-1998 just outside of Liverpool England. Played with various bands in 12 countries as a session musician. Play as a back up Bassist in various bands, with or without rehearsals. Often justs a sound check, sometimes never having heard the songs,
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$39 per hour. Monthly discounts available. Remote lessons available.
How did you get started teaching?
I moved to the United States on my 20's, and thought Homeschooled teenagers.
What types of students have you worked with?
Early teen novices to Adult Musicians wanted to improve their songwriting and collaboration abilities through Music Theory and Aural Perception training.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I played with multiple groups in the same night, most of the songs I had never heard, and most of the musicians, I had never played with. It was very rewarding emotionally. It is a type of music called Kirtan, which is basically meditation/chanting music. The audience participates and gets almost as much out of it as the musicians often experiencing an almost transcendental experience.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Commit to playing 15 - 30 minutes a day, at the same time if possible, immediately before bed, or immediately after waking up are good suggestion, because sleeping is pretty much the only thing people are guaranteed to do every single day, rain or shine, sickness or health.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Again, I would say, what are their main goals? Improved technique, playing by ear, jamming, writing, transcription, performance? What are they afraid of, or struggling with so far?