About
I’ve been studying music for 41 years. I’d say studying guitar but really it’s been so much more than just that. It’s been a lifelong passion of listening to, watching, and learning the history of so many genres of great music. From age 8 when my father brought home a much over-sized for my little hands Fender 12 string acoustic I knew there was something incredible at my fingertips and that I’d found a lifelong companion.
Growing up in Pittsburgh I received formal training in rock and jazz while also being granted a scholarship for classical guitar from Mercyhurst University. I am also a registered tutor with London College of Music. I recently spent 16 years in the Pacific Northwest performing both as a solo artist and in bands before moving back home in 2017.
These days, you’ll find me playing with my bands Outside Eliza & Calico Dogs, and enjoying teaching guitar while helping other people experience the same creative joy that’s brought me so much pleasure over the years. We've been in business since 2017 and have grown our student pool and added an additional instructor.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
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.