Ian's Lessons
About
I have been playing blues & rock guitar since age 10 and am passionate about teaching. If you want to learn to play any song in any key then I am the teacher for you. My specialty is improvisation but also love to teach basic music theory and help you master the pentatonic scales. If you're a beginner or intermediate player we will have fun jamming while improving your skills.
I studied music at the Berklee College of Music Summer Program.
I'm passionate about helping and healing people and I believe music can do just that and more.
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We will discuss your goals and objectives in our first session together. I will also access your current skill level. The main purpose of this session is to get to know each other and make sure there is good fit between us. There will be no charge for this session.
Subsequent sessions will have a clear but flexible lesson plan. At the beginning of each session we will review what we learned last time and talk about what the objective is for our current lesson. My goal is to reinforce what you have learned in the past while advancing your skill to the next higher level. All of this done while having fun!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
While I have attended the Berklee College of Music Summer Program and taken music courses at The University of Chicago, I am predominately self-taught. I have been playing non-stop for 10 years. I usually play 3-4 hours a day and learn music theory from various sites on the internet. It is my passion for music and, specifically, guitar that drives me to play and teach.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Teaching guitar, for me, is about you giving me the opportunity to help you become a better player. Ideally, I would like to earn $40 for an hour lesson. If that is too much for your budget, we can discuss what you can afford and I will try to accommodate. What matters most is that you are learning and I am adding to your experience.
How did you get started teaching?
During middle and high school, I taught English as a Second Language to small group classes of Chinese adults at the Chinatown Literacy Project in NYC. In high school, I taught computer science to underprivileged middle school students at the Tech International Charter School in the Bronx. At the Fresh Youth Initiative in NYC I was the recipient of the Exceptional Leadership Award for teaching computer science to 12 middle school students.
What types of students have you worked with?
I am happy to work with anyone who wants to grow as a player and have some fun along the way.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
This question is a little too broad for me.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Think about what it is you are trying to accomplish by hiring a teacher. Is it to add structure, knowledge and reinforcement or to have fun, jam and learn to improvise. Perhaps a combination of all these elements. Having a clear idea of your priorities will help you and your teacher make the most of your time together.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
See answer to previous question.