Brad Pike Music

• PREFERRED AGES OF NEW STUDENTS

Ten and above is what I prefer. However, I’ve had many students younger than that who were highly motivated and a joy to teach. So, I’ll pretty much try helping anyone... (But I really don’t like to go younger than seven or so. It’s usually just too difficult for that young of a child to even hold the guitar correctly, let alone push down the strings and all that.)

• REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS

Students 12 and over should practice, on average, a minimum of 30 minutes a day, five days a week. I make this clear to all my students (and parents) during the first lesson. If they cannot practice at least that much, it probably won’t work. I trim that back a bit for younger students. I also make it clear this needs to be the stuff we discussed in our lesson – but I encourage them to play ‘anything and everything’ they want to above and beyond that.

• STUDIO RULES

Bring a guitar, the lesson folder (see below), an open mind, and a sense of humor. (And I love rice crispy treats!)

• LITERATURE

I give the students a folder with pockets inside in order to keep all the papers I give them in one place – and I ask them to make sure to bring that each week.

I discuss any book(s) they should buy when it’s appropriate.

• TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

In General:

I tell all my students that I am not their teacher – they are. I am more of a guide – having already gone where they want to go. For the most part, I believe we all teach ourselves how to play - sitting alone in a room. So it’s my job to give them the tools and techniques on how to do this most effectively. I make it clear that nobody is going to learn how to play by sitting with me for half an hour once a week. Our time together is more of a map making effort – it’s up to them to actually go on the journey. I also believe it is of the utmost importance for the student to have fun – in the lessons with me – as well as on their instrument at home (or wherever), as soon as possible.

More Specifically:

On a weekly basis I usually give each student three things to work on until the next lesson. This usually includes some sort of finger exercise (often these are scales), some sort of strumming exercise (learning chords), and a song (which often takes a few weeks). When I think they are ready I have them get a book and we include learning to read standard notation in the weekly lesson. I am really big on rhythm and push them to play everything to a steady pulse (consistent tempo). I also always include ‘music fundamentals’ in the lessons (intervals, chord and scale construction, song writing, etc...). And, of course, I really emphasize the importance of listening to music.

Having said all that – I really try to be creative in my approach based on the individual. How I teach varies from student to student. Finally – I think about this stuff quite a bit, and am constantly trying to improve my methods of helping others achieve their goals in music – so my teaching philosophy is constantly changing (hopefully improving!) – but I suppose this will suffice for now...

• BASIC STYLES TAUGHT

                    All styles.

EDUCATION

Bachelors Degree in Music Performance Guitar Emphasis Utah State University

_____________________

College graduate with record of success in teaching, composition, recording, and performance. Creative and artistic with excellent and friendly communication skills. Also extremely knowledgeable in computer programming, web development, business/accounting procedures, and digital audio production.

• Teaching - Extensive background in teaching private guitar lessons as well as some group lessons. Instruments taught include acoustic and electric guitars as well as bass guitar and ukulele. I have taught students from the ages of six to over sixty. Styles taught include classical, jazz, blues, rock, and country.

• Communication – Effective and friendly communicator with well-developed instructional and presentation skills. Able to relate to students of all types with various goals and create long term constructive relationships. Worked as a computer programming consultant for over fifteen years in the retail industry which demanded a high degree of precise communication skill (resume for this available on request).

• Other – Years of experience in composing, recording, and performing on a professional level. This includes acoustic duets, blues/rock bands, and a jazz trio. Audio production for clients seeking promotional media, soundtracks for video games, as well as children’s stories put to music and ‘on hold’ background beds.

EXPERIENCE – TEACHING

• Summer 2010 to Present – Music Works (St. George, UT) and Ashcreek Ranch Academy (Toquerville, UT)
  Private Music Lessons

• Prior – Utah Conservatory of Music (Park City, UT) Private Music Lessons.

• Consistently taught Private Music Lessons at personal studio for over 30 years.

• 2001 through 2006 – Bump City Music (Lake Havasu City, AZ) Private Music Lessons

• 1984 through 2001 – Various Music Stores (in the Los Angeles area) Private Music Lessons. Stores taught at during this time include:

- Pedrini Music (Montclair, CA) - Bertrands Music (City of Industry, CA)

- The Music Source (Diamond Bar, CA) - Red Duck Music (Whittier, CA)

• 1980 through 1984 – Utah State University (Logan, Utah) Private Guitar Lessons as a “Student Teacher” under the guidance of Professor Mike Christiansen. As well as private lessons at the local music stores in Logan.

• Details of performance, recording and composition experience available on request.

Although there are exceptions, most students
have one lesson each week for 30 minutes.

The monthly rate is $80.00 and is due on or before
the first lesson of each month. I offer various
discounts we can discuss in the first lesson.

I started teaching right after I started taking guitar lessons when I was about 14.  It began by just helping friends and showing them how to do this or that.  It quickly led to giving more formal lessons.  I've learned a ton from teaching - it's a privelage to help others on there musical journey.  And although I dearly love composing and performing and recording and jamming! - I love teaching just as much (if not a little more!).

You name it.  From 6 years old to 80 years old. Students of every shape size color and musical tastes.  But we all have at least one thing in common - a love for music!

Last Friday, although I was late, I went to a students performance at her school.  I got there just in time to see her play her guitar and sing - by herself - for her classmates and parents - at least a few hundred people.  She's only 13 and already teaches guitar with a handfull of students of her own.  But the thing that made me most proud was that she performed a song that she wrote and although she has a difficult time singing in front of others, she did it and sounded great!  (Great job Carli Awesome!!!)

I always give the first lesson for free so that we can meet and talk in person.  I think that makes all the difference.  So,  I would suggest meeting with potential teachers face to face first.

This depends a lot on the student.  If they are a beginner I would ask the teacher to describe a typical lesson.  And, if it applys, maybe the following:

> What books they expect you to buy. 

> Do they plan on teaching reading music or not?

> Do they teach (like, listen to) the genre(s) you are interested in learning?

> And what about Music Fundamentals, Theory, Performance, Song Writing, Recording, and Listening!

It would probably be a good idea to take a look at the space - studio or office - where the lessons will be at and make sure it looks comfortable.