About
I have been teaching full time since 2005. I teach what the students wants to learn, not what the teachers wants to teach. I strive to keep it simple. I teach all styles except classical. My availability is online Monday-Thursdays, noon - 7:30 pm EST.
It is a sincere privilege to teach others, to pass on the knowledge that I have gained over the years.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Peyten W.
Matt B.
Angie B.
Dustin W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is free. Consider it a risk free 'meet and greet'. We meet each other and discuss what the student wants to learn. We then work together on a path forward that is best for the student. For adults i do not have a prescribed curriculum. For younger folks i prefer to use the Hal Leonard Guitar Method books 1 through 3. They are reasonably paced and provide a solid musical foundation to the student upon completion.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Five decades of playing experience.
Fifteen+ years of full time teaching experience.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
First lesson is free to provide a risk free experience for the student to decide if they want to continue with me. Once the student decides to continue there are no long term contracts, just month to month or week to week. Whatever works best for the student.
How did you get started teaching?
I retired from my day job as an Information Systems Analyst in Oak Ridge Tennessee so i could pursue playing and teaching music full time when i became eligible for "early retirement". The best career decision I ever made.
What types of students have you worked with?
All kinds from age six to mid seventies. I have taught folks with disabities, i have taught folks with years of playing experience. In my 15+ years of teaching i have had hundreds of students from all different backgrounds.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Seeing folks from Tommy Emmanuel tro Carlos Santana live at the Tennessee theatre in Knoxville. Wonderful local venue.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask any and all questions. Don't settle. This is why i offer the first lesson free. It is not enough that i give the student information. Rather it requires that the student and the teacher communicate well enough with each other for the student to truly absorb the information provided.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Give some thought to what you want to get out of lessons. This helps me outline a path forward.