About
I have a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance and am a professional, full-time guitarist and have played for Collin Raye, Jamie O'Neal and Alex Boyé. I teach my students how to eventually become self-sufficient as musicians. I teach them how to read music for the guitar, chords, how to play their favorite songs and more. Then, when the student is ready, we advance to other things like advanced chords, theory, songwriting and composition (if interested) scales and modes, soloing, improvisation, advanced techniques and more. The sky is the limit.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Reviews
Chelsea B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1. Teach them how to tune their guitar
2. Teach the basic first position chords
3. Teach them a basic first song
4. Teach them how to read music for the guitar
5. Teach a hadful of easier songs to start, then more advanced
6. Teach theory and more complex chords
7. Learn Scales and modes and Basic Soloing and Improvisation
8. Learn songwriting and composing if the student is interested
9. Learn advanced songs and advanced soloing, composing, improv.
10. Focus on playing at a professional level
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BMU Bachelor of Music in Jazz Guitar Performance (University of Utah School of Music)
BS in Mass Communication (University of Utah)
30 Years of professional performing experience and studio work.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$150/mo for for 45-Minute Lessons (Ages 12 and up)
$100/mo for four 30-minute Lessons (under age 12 only)
$200/mo for four 1-hour lessons (usually reserved for groups of no more than 2 people)
$100/mo for two 1-hour lessons (great for the busy person, or advanced student)
How did you get started teaching?
The Owner of Day Murray Music approached me after one of my concerts and asked me to teach at his store.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all types of students. Beginning to Advanced, hobbiests to professional players. All ages 8 and up.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I had the opportunity to fill in on Lead Guitar for Country Legend, Collin Raye on a leg of his tour.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher who won't just show off or "jam" your entire lesson. Look for a teacher with either a music education, or so much experience that it is as if he/she has a music education. Look for a teacher who will teach you how to become a good musician, not just be someone who can play songs on the guitar. There is a huge difference. Look for someone who will teach you all of things that I listed above, especially learning how to read music for the guitar. It is probably one of the most important things you could do to become self-sufficient as a musician.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They should ask themselves what their goals are. Do they want to just learn how to play a few songs, or do they actually want to learn about their instrument and how to play it and develope into a good musician.
They should consider if they will be able to make time to practice.
They should consider whether they are willing to properly keep their instrument maintained.