About
My teaching approach: My approach is to start with the basics to make sure there are no bad habits so that they can be corrected early. I also like to keep lessons at a pace that is fun and effective. Providing students with the tools that will allow them to learn on there own. My influences are: George Benson, Jose Feliciano, Pat Martino, The Beatles, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, Paul Jackson Jr., Chet Atkins, Scott Henderson, Joe Diorio, John Scofield, Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and more. My lessons currently take place on Skype which allow more flexibility and convenience. I will come to your home if it is in range, however I am rapidly moving in the direction of Skype only lessons. Some the topics we'll discuss will be: Guidance In Equipment Selection, Recording and Production, Song Writing, Scales and Exercises, Reading Music, Music Theory, Improvisation, Jamming Skills, Performance, Vocal Accompaniment, Fingerstyle, Rhythm guitar, Lead guitar Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following: I will usually ask the student to play something for me if they have any experience at all. That way I can make an assessment regarding their technique and general knowledge. Then ask certaiin questions pertaining to scales, arppegios, modes and reading ability. A guitar lesson with me might entail the following: First it will entail a warm-up of some kind. Then introduction of new material in hand-out form. If the student is just beginning and studying from a book, we will quickly review last lesson and proceed with next lesson. Of course homework will conclude the session. The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: My ideal student is one who takes the time to study and understands that the introduction of new ideas may take time to grasp.
I enjoy sharing the art of music as well and the enrichment that it adds to our society. Observing progress is also quite rewarding. Teaching music allows me to also learn from my students how to become a better teacher and opens up other possibilities for innovation. We all become more effective communicators.
Reviews
Shawna L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First I want to access the students knowledge of the instrument or their level. Are you a total beginner and have little to no knowledge or experience. Or have you already attempted to learn on your own picking up pointers from already experienced players. Perhaps the student already plays another intstrument. This lets me know what material to start with. I am also interested in any partcullar goals they have in mind. I also want to know if lessons via Skype would be an option.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a ton of experience playing the guitar and working as a musician since the early seventies. Playing everything from pop, rock, dance, jazz and jazz rock fusion. I also play solo finger style guitar. I also have experience as a composer, studio session player, and music director for many national artist. My musical training began with private lessons at age 11. While my training was completed at one of the top music and tech schools in the world, Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Ca.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing is handled through Paypal or check/cash. My lessons are in 4 lesson packages $100. Or individual lessons for $35. The sessions are 45 minutes long.
How did you get started teaching?
Every since I began playing I've always wanted to share what I had learned from my teacher or something I was trying to learn. I started out just sharing information with the kids in the neighborhood. Also sharing and trading licks or progressions with guitarist in rival bands. After completing Musicians Institute with honors and awards along with the other graduates silent pledge was made to go out and teach. Its a great way to share with musicians and hopefully help them to become effective communicators.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages starting at around 8 yrs old up to seniors. This includes both genders and levels from beginning to advanced.