About
I've been playing and teaching music for 14 years and doing full-time for 3 years. As a teacher, I enjoy focusing on the students musical interests, making music fun, and teaching them the music they are most interested in to help keep them engaged and moving forward. I am patient, experienced, and invested in making each students success.
I have written and produced 4 full-length albums of original music, been awarded as a finalist in the International John Lennon Songwriting Competition, selected as an official resident artist of the Nebraska Arts Council, and peformed over 700 shows in my career. I'm a singer/songwriter/guitarist primarily but also enjoy playing classical guitar and studying jazz guitar theory.
I'm always advancing my own learning on guitar through books, lessons, attending national music conferences, and playing out live frequently. Music has brought so much joy to my life I decided to start teaching lessons so other people can find the same joy in music that I have found.
I love helping students reach their musical goal and making sure they have fun while they are reaching them. Every lesson is a good mix of warm-up, review, learning new material, and a short jam at the end of each lesson for the student.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When I work with a new student I first like to have a conversation with them to find out what their musical goals are so I can cater lessons specifically to each student. I find out their favorite songs, music artists, style preferences, and put together a plan of how to teach them the exact kind of music that they want to learn. In the process of learning the music they are most interested in, I spice in music theory knowledge in bite sized chunks along the way.
Teaching in this way has done a wonderful job at keeping my students engaged because they are quickly learning the music they love most which is why many people want to start playing guitar in the first place.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In addition to teaching a large portion of income for me comes from being a professional singer guitarist. In developing a repertoire of 300+ cover songs, I have gained the ability to transcribe, sing, and play new songs very easily. This is beneficial for my students because I can easily help them learn to play and sing their favorite songs too!
Over the last few years I have audited Jazz Theory classes at the local University, taken private lessons with the professor of guitar there, learned how to sight read music on guitar, and internalized ALL common scales, arpeggios, triads, and internals in western music on guitar.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lesson fees are $50 per hour.
One hour lessons once per week are recommended for all of my students. Lessons are paid for by the month on the first lesson of the month.
Cancellation policy: Lessons cancelled within 24 hrs must be paid for and cannot be rescheduled unless due to illness or emergency.
Lessons cancelled with more than 24 hrs notice can be rescheduled or skipped at no additional charge.
I am flexible and understanding so if you are sick or have an emergency please just let me know as soon as possible and I'm happy to work with you.
How did you get started teaching?
My first guitar student was in 2006 for a family friend that had come out to one of my shows. Ever since I've been accepting students I meet through shows I play, by referral from other students, and online through my websites.
What types of students have you worked with?
I offer lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. The most important thing is that they have a desire to learn guitar. Most of my students are men and women between 30-70 yrs old.
I do also offer lessons to children who show interest in learning guitar. While teaching lessons to youth I have implemented a few best practices to make sure students, parents, and myself all feel protected, safe, and comfortable. With youth I like to record and provide audio for each lesson, sit across from the student, and have an open door policy to parents to come in and out of the lesson at any time.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently played the Nebraska Folk n' Roots festival at Pinewood Bowl with my full band, which is a very beautiful outdoor amphitheater. Our sound felt great on stage and we got a lot of great compliments on the performance. Looking forward to playing Lincoln Calling this fall with my full band on the large outdoor street market stage.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Is your teacher knowledgeable and do they seem like they enjoy teaching?
Do they focus on your goals and make learning guitar fun for you?
Do you go home from your lessons feeling empowered or deflated?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do you want to travel to lessons, have the teacher come to your home, or take lessons via Skype/zoom?
What are your favorite songs and what kind of musical styles would you like to learn?
How much time would you like and are you able to practice?