About
Hello! Thanks for checking out my profile. You have come to the right guitar teacher if you are looking to start playing guitar or if you have played for a while and are looking to take your playing to the next level. I have over 20 years of experience teaching players of all ages and all levels. You can check out my reviews on other lesson websites like Thumbtack.com and TakeLessons.com. I am an accomplished guitarist with a Guitar Performance Degree from Southern Methodist University with a passion for helping others learn and grow. I am a very calm, patient and encouraging teacher. I have the gift of taking someone with either no experience or a lot of experience and help them to realize their dream of playing better, either just for fun or for playing in front of an audience. I make lessons fun and enjoyable and at the same time challenging so that my students can see---and hear---their playing improve and gain confidence in their ability to perform.
I love to see and hear students improve and grow on the guitar. I take pride in my ability to serve my students' needs at whatever playing level they are at. It gives me great joy to see the twinkle in a student's eye when they've mastered a song or a particular technique or discovered a new and easier way to play something that they have struggled with over time.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to talk with the student or the student's parent(s) to get a feel for what the student would like to learn on the guitar. If I know the student is just beginning I like to start out with a guitar method book and explain what we'll be working on and what they can expect to play over time. If the student is already an experienced player I listen to their playing and recommend what I think would be a good next step for them to get to the next level. We discuss artists that they like and any songs in particular that they would like to learn and the techniques required to play them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance from Southern Methodist University. I am a lifelong learner so I am always looking for new ways to improve my playing and musicianship.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The quality of my teaching is very high, and it is affordable for most families, especially those families with other kids and/or other activities that have to be budgeted for each month. My standard pricing from my home studio in Chanhassen is $25.00 for a 30-minute lesson, $35.00 for a 45-minute lesson and $40.00 for an hour lesson. I do offer to teach at the student's location if it is within 5 miles of my home in Chanhassen. There is a small surcharge for travel time since I am not able to teach while I'm on the road. Outside the radius of 5 miles from my home would require a customized lesson time and price based on the distance.
How did you get started teaching?
I decided to start teaching guitar after hearing friends and acquaintances say how much they would enjoy playing guitar. I also heard many parents describe how they were looking for a guitar teacher for their child. It is a great fit for me because I have a passion for helping others and a love for playing guitar!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students that range from six years old to sixty years old, from beginners to advanced players and my students like to play many different styles of music.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I hold an annual student concert/recital where my students get a chance to share what they've accomplished on the guitar. Our last concert/recital in May 2018 was a great success and a lot of fun!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice would be to set up a time to meet with the teacher and get a feel for his/her personality and teaching style. If that is not possible, then find another way to communicate with the teacher, either via phone or email to talk about lesson goals and recommendations.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I would suggest that students or parents should think about the level of commitment that they have to begin lessons. It does take work and practice to learn how to play guitar and keep getting better. If the interest and motivation are there, then contact a few teachers and see who feels like the best fit!