About
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Sharie G.
Mimi A.
Frank H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first thing I want to know from every new student I meet is what their personal goals are for learning the guitar. What music do you listen to? What are you're expectations from taking lessons? How do you learn best? I want students to feel comfortable and enjoy their lessons. I work for you after all. After learning about my student I then work on a lesson plan approach where we can integrate basic music fundamentals and fretboard theory into the things they actually want to learn and realize the real world application to these new concepts.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have over 38 years of experience performing, playing, teaching, and continued education. I've had formal training in rock & jazz and I was granted a scholarship to Mercyhurst College for Classical in 1993. I am also a registered tutor with the London College of Music.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Individual lesson rates are very affordable at $30/45min. and $25/30min. for young beginners which is competitive for the Pittsburgh area market.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching from a very young age and quite inadvertently. By playing for friends, in school bands, and later as a working musician people have asked if I could show them how to play. I've always been more than happy to share the knowledge I have whatever their level. I truly and honestly love watching people learn and progress.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with people of varying ages and abilities. From children to adults, beginners to experienced players who've tried but stalled out either with their past teachers or trying to plug away on their own using books or websites.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My band very recently had the opportunity to open for nationally touring indie music darlings The Sea The Sea at Pittsburgh's Club Cafe and we were exceptionally well recieved!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you find the right fit for you. Your teacher should be interested in your personal path, not in teaching you a rigid structure that they want to force feed you. It's also as much a personal relationship as it is a business relationship so be sure you find someone you actually enjoy spending an hour of your week with. Learning an instrument should be fun and educational.