About
Hello! My name is Shawn, I've been teaching music lessons for almost 15 years. My primary instrument is guitar, so I can teach advanced guitar lessons to children and adults. I also have experience teaching several other instruments, including piano, bass guitar, and cello. I worked as a music theory tutor at Texas Woman's University for three years, so I am also skilled at teaching music theory and song composition skills.
I am also a board-certified music therapist, which means I have specialized experience working with people with special needs. I can provide lessons virtually or in-person near Temple, TX.
Please reach out at (512) 931-4139 or at [email protected] if you have any questions!
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I prefer student-led lessons, where learning is designed around what skills and songs the student wishes to learn. Every lesson will usually contain some time learning chords, scales, and music theory, and also some time learning songs and technique.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have completed my coursework for a degree in Music Therapy. My courses included two years of music theory and aural skills training, as well as three years of college-level guitar and piano lessons.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons are $25 for half an hour, and $40 for a full hour.
All lessons will include learning materials, such as sheet music / tabs of scales and songs. I will also make custom tabs and sheet music tailored to the specific needs of any student.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching as soon as I graduated high school. I was the head of my high school's guitar ensemble, so I already had experience tutoring students and leading sectional practice. My orchestra director referred me to a few students, and from there I began to develop my own teaching business.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students as young as 4 years old and as old as 70 years old. I've taught students interested in rock, jazz, funk, blues, hip-hop, and more. I also have experience teaching students with special needs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
After a summer break, a student I've taught for three years came into my studio while I was practicing. This student and I have mostly focused on techniques to play by ear, rather than learning sheet music. When he came in, he asked me to play through the Francisco Tarrega study I had been practicing. As I resolved the chordal 9th down in the melody, he reacted in a way that showed a true appreciation for the art of music, although he doesn't listen to classical music. This moment is special to me because it marked a transition from a student who was simply learning guitar to play it, to a student who was deeply interested in how to make music.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be sure to find a teacher that aligns with your own musical goals. Most guitar teachers can teach you basic things like chords, scales, and how to read tabs or sheet music; however, if you wish to truly excel at a specific genre or technique, find a teacher who is passionate about that idea. This way, you can be sure to learn from someone who can teach you what you want to learn with the most expertise.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Here are some questions I always ask my new students:
- What kind of music do you listen to?
- What would you like to be able to do with the guitar? (sing and play, shred solos, etc.)
- What specific songs would you like to learn?
- Do you want to learn how to write songs of your own?