About
My teaching approach:
I have a B.A. in Music from Wheaton College, where I studied jazz and classical guitar. In 2011 I started Southtown Guitar, a music store where we teach guitar, bass, piano and drums and sell and repair all kinds of equipment. We customize our lessons to the interests and ability of each student. With most students we explore note reading, music theory and learning popular songs that they are interested in.
My influences are:
I have a lot of them but especially Paul Simon, Kelly Joe Phelps, and Wilco.
My guitar lessons take place in:
The teacher's studio
Guitar lessons typically take place on these days and hours:
We a lot of flexibility for lessons Tuesdays - Saturdays.
Guitar Techniques:
Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Open tuning, Fingerstyle, Slide Guitar, Vocal Accompaniment, Performance, Improvisation, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing, Recording and Production, Guidance In Equipment Selection
Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following:
If students have taken lessons before, I go over any materials that they have previously studied and ask them to play me something. I look for technical things (i.e. right and left hand position) and musical things (i.e. tempo, dynamics) to work on. If a student has never played before I begin by introducing proper hand position for the guitar and how to fret notes cleanly and then we jump in learning some music.
A guitar lesson with me might entail the following:
We will explore music that the student is interested in and learn to read music from books and how to play by ear.
The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following:
My ideal guitar student would have a strong desire to learn, be willing to take chances and try new things, and have time to practice 4 - 5 days/week.
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I would start by getting to know the student's background with music and also what they are interested in learning. From there I would develop a game plan for helping the student learn what they are hoping to learn. I usually spend half of the lesson on note reading and half of the lesson working on a specific song or two that the student wants to learn.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a B.A. in Music from Wheaton College where I studied jazz and classical guitar.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 minute lessons:
$30 for 1 visit
$125 for 5 visits ($25 / lesson)
$400 for 20 visits ($20 / lesson)
60 minute lessons:
$60 for 1 visit
$250 for 5 visits ($50 / lesson)
$800 for 20 visits ($40 / lesson)
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching private lessons when I was in high school. Helping others learn is something that I have always enjoyed!
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students as young as 3 and as old as 80. I have taught numerous special needs students and am also currently working with a professional symphony orchestral musician.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We hosted a recital at Marge's Donut Den and our students and the patrons had a blast!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Making sure that you gel with the teacher is important so I would definitely try out a lesson or two before making any long term commitments. You should also make sure that your teacher understands exactly what you personally hope to get from lessons -- ask if they can confidently provide the help you're looking for! Some teachers have one way of doing things that may not be conducive to all learners.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I think it's important for a student to get a sense of what they hope to achieve in taking lessons. Do you just want an introduction to the instrument? Are you looking to learn the basics for personal enjoyment? Are you hoping to pursue this as your career? The answers to those questions will determine the type of teacher that can best help you achieve your goals.