About
ONLINE LESSONS only due to health situation - I have a lot of experience setting people up for online lessons, so don't hesitate to inquire!
check out my video at austinteachesmusic.com
I have a wider perspective and understanding from teaching multiple instruments and styles that allow me to connect the dots with students in unique ways. I love teaching kids, but I specialize in teachings adults.
I've been making music since I started piano lessons at 6 years old. I love teaching and have been doing so privately and in classroom settings throughout my career.
My wife and are empty nesters of three children but no grandchildren yet....
Musically, I started with classical piano and progressed to jazz and pop music as a teenager. In junior high, playing trumpet in band progressed to playing bass in jazz ensemble. Finally, acoustic guitar satisfied my need for something to play songs with that was more portable than a keyboard.
Initially, my desire to be a studio session musician resulted in pursuing a wide variety of musical skills, instruments, and segments of the music world. From arranging and composing for orchestra and rap albums, to audio engineering/consulting and music typesetting, my experience became very diverse. Loving so many styles of music, I played professionally such diverse things as salsa piano, folk guitar, jazz bass, and funk drumming. I also love teaching and have developed curricula for several schools as well as guest-taught at numerous universities and conferences.
career highlights:
-international touring with multiple artists and bands, 45 countries
-record producer with 100+ projects and developed producer curriculum for audio trade school
-conference speaker and guest university instructor all over the world teaching music and creativity
-skill on multiple instruments and styles as well as extensive experience in the world of audio and teaching music theory
teaching highlights:
I traveled quite a bit as a guest teacher/speaker, so an exhaustive list is not practical. Some highlights include:
-Oral Roberts University - Tulsa (8 years in multiple roles)
-Southeastern University - Florida
-MediaTech Institute - Texas
-LPI Hernhutt - Germany (3 months)
-Created to Worship - England (2 years)
-and of course, numerous conferences, clinics, workshops all over the place
I've been asked numerous times "how many instruments do you play?" Well, I can get around on most anything. However, I don't play anything bowed (like violin or cello) nor the steel guitar. The instruments I teach are those I have the most background and have played professionally with.
Please contact me if you have any questions, I would love to talk with you!
Highlights
Specialties
Instrument(s)
Experience level
Students age
Interest(s)
Lesson length
Photos and videos
Reviews
Isabella W.
Rich A.
David P.
Chutima (.
Leah M.
Linda C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I customize a curriculum based on the students' age, personality, musical background, and especially their goals. Someone wanting to learn pop acoustic guitar or songwriting will learn entirely different than someone wanting classical piano. Plus, people learn differently, so I tailor as much as I can to the type of person the student is.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been a teacher and professional musician for almost 30 years. An extremely varied career gives me a larger perspective on all things music and how to connect with each student. I've planted two schools, developed multiple curricula and guest taught at many universities, schools and conferences.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons are $70 per hour, whether online or in-person.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages; all skill levels. Being a multi-instrumentalist/singer I bring a versatility to lessons that is unique.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
A good teacher customized what and how he teaches to your unique background, personality, and learning style. Also, the better teachers teach a student how to learn for themselves.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The more specific you can make your goals and interests, the better a teacher can tailor the curriculum to those interests.