About
My teaching approach: I provide a customized, balanced guitar curriculum that will help you learn the things you're interested in without neglecting important fundamentals. I make learning the guitar fun and easy for my students. I have been playing guitar for 20 years, and teaching for 15. My influences are: Like many guitarists, I love classic rock such as Pink Floyd, Hendrix, Jethro Tull, David Bowie, and Led Zeppelin. Lately, I've been listening to Son Lux, Michael Nyman, Timber Timbre, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Tubeway Army, and Tame Impala. My guitar lessons take place in: The teacher's studio Guitar Lessons with me take place in the following areas: SE Portland Guitar Techniques: Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Open tuning, 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: I offer a free introductory lesson. During the intro lesson, I'll learn about your musical interests and goals so I can start to put together a plan to help you get where you want to go. I'll also give you some basics to get you started on the guitar. A guitar lesson with me might entail the following: I tailor my lesson plans to your musical interests and skill level. A lesson with me typically involves a review of the previous lesson's material, guided practice time, and the introduction of some new material. The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: My ideal guitar student is anyone who loves music and is willing to dedicate themselves to learning to play the guitar.
I love helping people become the musicians they dream of being. What could be better than that?
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start by getting to know the student and making sure I understand their musical goals. Once we've decided that we're a good student-teacher match, I create a lesson plan that will help them become the musicians they want to be.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been a musician for nearly 25 years, and I've been teaching for more than a decade.
In addition to being a guitar, bass, and ukulele teacher, I'm also a composer, songwriter, producer, and performer.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My lessons are priced as follows:
The first lesson is free!
30-minute lessons are $30 each.
60-minute lessons are $50 each.
Lessons are paid in advance, by the month.
How did you get started teaching?
I took on my first private student when I was in my early 20s, while I was studying music in college. I also taught guitar and rock band classes at a charter high school. I really fell in love with helping people realize their musical dreams.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students of all ages, in styles ranging from folk and country to indie rock and pop.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
It's really difficult to pick a single event. My students constantly amaze me!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who is a good fit for your personality and musical goals.
You might find a teacher you really like, but if they teach classical guitar and you want to play rock and roll, you might not be happy with your lessons. Then again, you might discover your love for classical guitar!
On the other side of the coin, you might find a teacher who teaches the style that you want to learn, but if you don't click on a personal level, you might have trouble learning from them.
Ideally, find a teacher who offers the best of both worlds: knowledge in your chosen style and a personality that you enjoy spending time with.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Make sure you're willing to practice your instrument. If you're committed to regular practice, you'll be really happy with your progress!