About
Barry Harris, the great Jazz pianist, and educator says, “I have such a ball in my classes, and I learn so much from my students. They probably don’t realize that I come to school here, too. I’m just the oldest member of the class. I wish everyone could experience the blessing of learning new things all the time.”
The above statement describes how I feel when I am teaching. I have been playing and performing for over 25 years in many capacities, and still, music continues to teach me new things every time. Not only do I want to share that experience with you, but I also want to guide you into having that experience for yourself.
In teaching, I meet each student where they are. I do my best to listen and bring humility to each lesson. Teaching is a strange phenomenon; it would appear the teacher knows all; however, the more I teach, the more I learn. I am always and forever a student of music. As the french moralist and essayist Joseph Joubert once said, “to teach is to learn twice.”
Music is a profound force in life. It affects so many of us one way or another, even in what appear to be the simplest and smallest moments of our lives. My love for Music stretches back as long as I can remember. I cannot remember a time when I wasn't singing, tapping, or dreaming of sound. My philosophy is to make the world a better place through the Music I play and teach; of course, "making the world a better place" can mean many different things to different people. Therefore, all I can state from here is that I wish to bring more kindness, joy, light, love, laughter, and dancing to the world through Music, whether that is in the heart of a show or teaching another whose desire is to play. I guess it feels like a kind of service, not by force or for good credit, simply because I love it, and I wouldn't know what else to do without it. Thank you Music, and many thanks to YOU for taking the time to read this.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I meet each student where they are. I have specific ways to start my beginning students off, however I don't hold to tight to any one way or method.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Although I don't have any college Degrees, I have been playing and studying music for over 25 years now. I continue my education, study, and practice to this day, and there is no end in sight.
I have completed teacher training through the Suzuki association and I have a lot of "real world," experience playing live, recording, and more.
My love for music has brought me to many incredible teachers and pedagogues. I toured extensively, learning from anyone I can. I believe it is essential always to remain a student, and therefore I can be a better teacher.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $60 an hour and $30 for a half hour. If I have to drive to a student the price changes based on my drive time.
How did you get started teaching?
I've always enjoyed sharing anything and everything I can about music. Teaching, I feel, is the natural next step in forever being a student of music.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students that are as young as four years old to students in their seventies. It's never too late to start!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You should find someone who has a deep and genuine passion for music. Wisdom and knowledge combined with love can bring about an outstanding education. I wouldn't suggest signing up with a teacher that says my way is the best and only way. Yes, there are authentic traditions that even I utilize; however, every student is unique and deserves their own time and attention from the teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I suggest they contemplate what they want to learn. Is there a particular style, genre, song, or artist that just brings that light out in you. Do you feel particularly inspired by certain sounds or artists. These things will point us in the direction you're looking to go.