About
Hi there! My name is Alex, and my passion is teaching music. I offer clients a unique learning experience with customized lesson plans and personalized attention to fit your exact goals and needs. These aren’t just words to me...they are a commitment I make to everyone that I have the pleasure of working with.
Here’s who I am...
I hold a Bachelor's of Music from Berklee College of Music (in Boston) where I studied Bass Performance and Composition. I’ve had years of experience playing upright and electric bass in a variety of styles including rock, jazz, orchestral, and big band. I primarily teach guitar, upright & electric bass, and ukulele. I enjoy playing and have studied a variety of instruments over the last 20 years.
What I can do for you...
There are a lot of different music teachers with a lot of different teaching styles. Here’s what I offer: Every single lesson is designed just for you. We focus on your goals while having fun playing music together. I ensure that you employ good technique, playing your instrument with power and control but with minimal effort. We talk about good practice habits and how to achieve new heights with your abilities. You learn to play songs that you recognize as well as improvising your own. I always encourage you to understand the “why” behind the music.
How I go above and beyond...
• Personal online Lesson Journal: You’ll get a UNIQUE LINK to your own Lesson Journal where you can see my notes from our lessons, do homework from your “Stuff to work on” lists, keep track of your payments and lesson history, and access my entire digital library.
• No books to buy...EVER! With complete access to my digital library you’ll be able to download all your materials online at your convenience. This includes reference materials and method books (custom written for you, by me) as well as hundreds of pages of songs, guitar parts, and basslines. All of this at NO EXTRA COST to you.
• Flexible scheduling: Not available the same time every week? No problem! I will do my best to work around your busy schedule.
• Calendar invites: Our appointments will show up on your Google calendar so that there isn’t any confusion about when our next lesson is.
• Text message reminders on the day of the lesson are available upon request.
• Email me simple questions during the week to clear up any confusion about your practicing.
• Lifetime price guarantee: I never raise prices on existing clients. Period.
• Risk-free trial: If you decide that we are not a good fit after our first lesson there is NO CHARGE. No pressure. No hard feelings
What we can work on together...
• Learn to UNDERSTAND music like never before
• Instill proper technique into your playing to play with more power, less effort, and more control
• Develop good practice habits and techniques
• Read chord charts, tablature, and sheet music in a variety of formats
• Utilize scales and arpeggios to build your abilities and make better musical choices
• Analyze harmonies and melodies to break open the mysteries of composing and song writing
• Take the guesswork out of creating melodies and basslines
• Understand rhythms and syncopation and the role they play on your instrument
• Understand how your instrument affects and influences the harmony for the rest of the band
• Memorize songs and chord changes faster and more effectively
And the FAQs...
• Yes, I love to teach kids of all ages from 5 to 95!
• Yes, I have special deals starting at $25/lesson!
• Yes, we can do lessons in any location. I have a studio in University Place where I teach lessons, I can drive to you in the Tacoma area, or we can do lessons online over Skype (and with a special discount!).
• And yes, I guarantee that you’ll be satisfied with your first lesson or there’s no charge!
I love to answer questions. Just call me, send me an email, or check out my website:
Talk to you soon!
Alex
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Eric K.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start by getting to know you, your background, and your goals. I design lesson plans just for you and give you a link to my digital library as well as a personalized Lesson Journal where I keep notes for you on all your lessons. We work on the stuff YOU want to do including warm-up routines, practice routines, sight reading, playing charts, jamming, soloing, understanding theory, building chords, rhythm, tapping, rock, blues, jazz, funk, swing, scales, arpeggios, learning the fretboard, the role of your instrument, slash chords, diatonic function, modes, intervals, voicing, chord substitution…well, I could go on, but I think you get the picture.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelors of Music in Composition and Bass Performance from Berklee College of Music in Boston. I have played bass and guitar for 20 years, playing bass professionally by recording, performing, and touring in groups including rock, big band, and orchestral.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I do have a standard pricing system that ranges from $25-50/lesson depending on lesson location (my studio or online), duration (30, 45, or 60 minutes), and quantity (price breaks given for a 4-lesson package). Please contact me or go to stepbystepmusic.com and click on Lessons for details.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with players of ALL ages, levels, abilities, and backgrounds. I’ve taught kids, senior citizens, young professionals, families, and veterans. Many of my students are brand new to playing, while others have been performing for some time. Some clients have reached their goals in a few lessons, and others have enjoyed staying with me for many months or years. Whether you want to start out, improve where you are at, or just enjoy the learning process, my only goal is to meet your needs with your musical education.