Darrick Strauss Guitar Lessons
About
My name is Darrick Strauss, I am 22 years old and currently living in Nashville, Tennessee. I have been playing guitar for roughly 15 years and have been able to work in many different genres and settings. I just graduated from Northwest University where I spent four years studying music and playing in multiple ensembles including Jazz, Gospel, Rock, and Worship bands. I have had the opportunity to work with many students over the years ranging from beginner to intermediate and from young to old.
I am looking for students in the Nashville Area and am willing to drive to student’s house or do online lessons if preferred.
Here are some things we will cover
Beginner chords and songs
music theory (beginner - intermediate)
reading music (dependent on musical style)
scales and technique
genres including: Jazz, Rock, Blues, R&B, Worship Music
improvisation
ear training
guitar tone (for electric guitar players)
playing in a band setting
I am willing to adapt lessons to fit interests of students!
Call (503) 544-5532 for any questions!
Here is a link to my LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrickstraussmusic/
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to spend some time getting to know the student. I want to know what kind of music they like to listen to, what their reason for learning guitar is, and then take it from there. It is so important to know the reasons behind the student wanting to learn guitar. As a teacher I want to make sure I am able to teach what the student wants to learn. There is nothing worse than a teacher who is teaching the wrong content to their student.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 15 years of experience playing guitar. I grew up playing my instrument on worhsip teams at my church. I soon fell in love with playing guitar and I decided I wanted to take it more seriously. I started learning how to play guitar in a jazz context in high school. Halfway through high school I realized that I needed to continue my education in music in college. From 2016 to May 2020 I studied music at Northwest University where I had the opporutnity to play in a variety of ensembles.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
In general I charge $30 for a 30 minute lesson and $60 for an hour lesson. That being said, I am willing to negotiate. I understand that not everyone is willing to pay that especially for beginner students.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching guitar when I was in 8th grade to other kids in my class in school. By the end of the years I had about 5 students. I have been teaching on and off since then.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students that are complete beginners all the way to peers of mine in college that were looking to learn advanced technique. I have also worked with students ranging in ages from 5 years old to people in their 50's.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Their are many excellent musicians that are so talented at their instrument, but it takes so much more than being skilled at your instrument to teach. Teaching is a skill in itself, and it is important that you have a teacher that has experience, is patient, loves teaching as much as they like playing, and truly desires to help their students learn.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Ask questions such as: Why do I want to learn guitar? What is my favorite style of music? Who are my favorite musical artists?