About
Hello! My name is Mathew AJ and I'm an aspiring guitarist / instrumentalist with touring experience in the US as well as overseas (over 100+ gigs played). I'm great at creating fun and organized lessons & practice plans for students, as well as advising them on new music to listen to, for growing of their musical ears and knowledge!
As far as my experience goes, I've been playing the guitar for about 10 years. I also play other instruments such as the piano (12 years), the bass guitar and drums! (self-taught for a few years, each). I'm studying music online with Berklee College of Music and have studied music theory, piano, and guitar at PMI - Dubai, UAE for about 4 years, beginning at the age of 7. I've also performed and passed multiple Trinity College of London piano / music theory examinations with 95 plus % in that 4-year period (age 7 to 11).
I have some experience in teaching music and worked with more than a few students aged from ages 8 to 48! (both in Lebanon and Austin), teaching them to learn to play the guitar and piano from scratch, as well as some basic music theory.
Some more info about me:
-Great experience with kids, helped raised two little siblings for over a decade.
-Graduated high school at 16 years old with a GPA of 3.975.
-Current GPA at Berklee Online is 4.0.
-Fluent is English and Arabic, conversational French skills.
Looking forward to hearing from you and helping you learn! Mathew.
I enjoy playing and writing music because it's a wonderful way of expressing endless emotions. Learning music from a young age helps your brain grow as well. Overall, I'm just happy to share my passion with others and help others reach their goals and dreams as well!
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first step in working with a new student is really going into the student's capabilities and understanding of their instrument(s), as well as their goals. That way, I would be able to form a practice program for the student and work on improving their weaknesses and strengths too, and to ensure the student doesn't try to get out of their comfort zone, which would affect their overall performance and passion towards the instrument.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've studied music theory as a child and performed and passed many London Trinity examinations at the age of 7-11. I'm also currently almost done with my Berklee Online Masters Certificate in Songwriting & Guitar.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$20 for 30-45 minute lesson
-$30 for 1-hour lesson
-$50 for 2-hour lesson
What types of students have you worked with?
Mostly Kids, but I have also taught many teenagers & adults.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In early 2016, I toured with my Pink Floyd tribute band in Texas, and Louisiana as well as overseas in the Middle East for about 4 months, making it over 60 shows with that band played since 2014. As well as many other session gigs with multiple touring acts.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The student should be comfortable with the teacher above all, and see the lessons as a fun interactive time rather than a course. That would help the student grow their passion for their instrument and give them the drive to practice and learn more.