About
Hello! I have been teaching private lessons since the fall of 2006, and it's a true joy for me.
I am a multi-faceted bassist in Frederick, MD, active in the Baltimore/Washington music scene, with over 15 years of experience playing in rock/pop, funk, and blues bands, orchestras, and jazz ensembles.
I have been fortunate to gain experience teaching age groups and skill levels. I teach to each student’s style of learning and thinking, and approach my job from a place of respect for the students. The most fundamental quality of my teaching style is my desire to make everything I teach relevant and personal for the students, so that they truly connect to what is being taught, rather than simply learning facts and assimilating information. I'm proud to say that all of my students who have been college-bound have gotten accepted to the first school of their choice, including Berklee School of Music, The New School, Shenandoah Conservatory, USC Thornton School of Music, Belmont University, and University of Denver School of Music.
I love music with all my heart, and there is little else more rewarding than sharing this joy and passion to students. No matter whether my students are beginners or advanced, the joy I get from teaching comes from working with someone who is excited about the instrument I love, and helping them acheive their goals.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Richard P.
Daysha M.
Ms. J.
Colin M.
Tiffany B.
Jay M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My first question to a new student is: what are YOU interested in? I have a standard curriculum that I teach to every student who just wants to explore their instrument, but my priority is to help each student accomplish their individual goals. What kind of music do you want to play? What techniques are you hoping to work on? If it's wide open, that's fine too! Ultimately, my job is to help you teach yourself.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My formal education consists of a BA in Music History, and I'm currently enrolled in a Master's program in bass performance at Manhattan School of Music. Most of my musical training, though, has been informal, through private lessons, self-teaching, and "on-the-job" training at gigs and jam sessions. I started playing in public in high school, and have been going ever since.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $30 for a half hour lesson, and $60 for an hour lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching in the fall of 2006, when a position opened up at the music store where I was taking lessons! I was a freshman in college, and my teacher recommended me for the job. I figured it would be a way to make some money part-time while in college, but I quickly fell in love with teaching and it became so much more than a job to me. I knew that I would always want to teach as part of my career, and it has enriched my life so much, both musically and personally.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with all types of students, from 6-year old beginners, to middle and high school students, to adult hobbyists. My favorite type of student, across the board, is one who simply loves to play and learn, whether that's a career-bound high schooler or a retiree who always wanted to learn an instrument and finally has the time.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Talk to the teacher! Find out if you are a good fit for each other, and if the teacher can help you realize your particular goals.