About
I do my very best to convey my love for music to my students. What music has done for me is hard to describe. I do my very best to make learning music fun. I started teaching guitar when I was 19 years old. If you want theory, I can teach that. If you just want to have fun to please yourself, that is good too. My concentration is using songs to teach theory. I use examples of songs by great songwriters and performers.
I have been teaching guitar since the late 1960s. I have dedicated my entire adult life to sharing my love for the guitar. I can play a wide variety of guitars styles. I teach electric, acoustic and classical guitar. If you want to learn music theory, I can teach that. I also teach ear training, performance accompaniment and more. My goals are to teach the student to eventually stand on their own without the need for lessons. I teach beginners to advanced students in a wide variety of musical genres. I have played blues, hard rock, fingerstyle and classical.
The minimum age I accept is 8 years old. Under that age, it becomes a challenge to maintain focus. Please take that into consideration.
My fee is 30/half hour. I also offer discounts for lessons paid for in advance. If you pre-pay for eight lessons, I will give you 2 additional lessons for free. That's 10 lessons for the cost of eight. Please contact me for more details.
My philosophy is "All that is not given is lost." I want to share my love of the instrument and music with many people as I can. Teaching to others has taught me more than what I ever got out of a book.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is always a fact-finding mission. I interview the student to determine their long term goals. I do my best to tailor their lessons to the individuals wants and needs.
I like to introduce the new student by teaching them the parts of the guitar. Also, I go through rudimentary music notation.
My age limit for students is 8 years or older. The student must be able to maintain focus and be able to follow direction.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a working professional musician with years of performance and recording to my credit. I have performed in folk-rock bands, oldies bands, hard rock/heavy metal bands and country bands. My repertoire of material spans several hundred songs across genres.
I have an in-depth knowledge of chord and scale theory. The level that I teach depends on the student's dedication to learning. I can take them as far as they want to go. Rather than rote memorization of theory, I teach the student how to remember and derive the chords and scales without the need of memorization. Rote memory does not accomplish that goal.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Cost of lessons depends on distance traveled and the number of lessons booked. A bulk rate can apply if lessons are paid in advance for a month or more.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching when my skills reached a level where I felt comfortable sharing the knowledge I acquired after several years of performance and additional learning.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught beginners to highly advanced students. With beginners, I concentrate on developing their understanding of music while trying to make it fun to learn. I prefer students to be at least 9 years of age or older.
With advanced students I will teach to their goals whether it is ear training, adding to their knowledge base or helping them to fill in gaps in their playing. I have a vast knowledge of chord theory as well.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I attend a concert performance of Roger Waters, formerly of Pink Floyd. I have seen my favorite guitar player, Jeff Beck eight times and always succeed in learning something new by watching him.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Plan to have fun learning. Music and guitar can provide a lifetime of joy and accomplishment. Always endeavor to improve your skills. You will achieve a very high level of satisfaction.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What goals do you wish to achieve?
Why do you want to take guitar lessons? You will learn more quickly if you have a strong reason to learn.
Never take lessons to please someone else. Are you taking lessons because of a parent or a peer?
How far do you want to take you musical skills?