About
I have been teaching full time since 2005. I have taught hundreds of students of all ages and so many backgrounds. 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 five days a week. In person at Open Chord in West Knoxville Mondays through Wednesdays and Fridays at LeGrand Music Studios in Fountain City.
It is a sincere privilege to teach others, to pass on the knowledge that I have gained over the years as a student, performer, and teacher.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
sheena M.
monica M.
Amber O.
jackie B.
andrew S.
sarah H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is free for the asking. Consider it a risk free 'meet and greet'. We 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 (6 to 14) 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.
Nineteen+ 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 for the asking. 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 in Oak Ridge Tennessee when I became eligible for "early retirement" so I could pursue playing and teaching music full time . 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 19+ years of teaching i have had the privilege of teaching hundreds of students with different interests and backgrounds.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Seeing folks over the years from Tommy Emmanuel to Carlos Santana live at the Tennessee or Bijou Theatre in Knoxville. Wonderful local venue.
Recently had the pleasure of performing at Mickey's Place with Roger Hay. One of the most fun times ever - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwjMN4t99xIWhat advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask any and all questions. Be curious and do not settle. This is why I offer the first lesson free. It is not enough to 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 and hopefully be inspired by it.
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 us outline a path forward. I teach what the student wants to learn. I strive to make it simple.