Academy Of Guitar
About
I have decades of teaching experience. I hold a masters degree in music education from Boston University. I am Assistant Professor of Music at Pierce College, Guitar Department.
I'm extremely student centric. My students wishes come first. There are many ways to learn the guitar...may as well have some fun doing it!
I have found the young people of age 9 and up are the most successful in learning guitar. The main reason for this is due to the need to develop enough motor skills to play basic music with. However, all students are different, so please feel free to contact me concerning the students age. Between parent/guardian and teacher the student's potential can be assessed.
Everything!! It's fun to see muscians grow. I love to watch as people discover that they can, indeed, learn to do things they thought they'd never be able to do!
It's so awesome to be able to make a living while having the opportunity to laugh everyday!
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Discovering the primary interest of the student. I'm not a fan to attempting to "force" students to do it "my way." I find what their level is and develop a program specific to their needs. I never use a "one size fits all" approach. It doesn't work. Encouraging the student's desires while providing information that makes that desire a reality, is my preferred process for teaching.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been teaching music for a very long time. I hold a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from Pacific Lutheran University as well as a Masters degree from Boston University. I have studied with notable professionals, including an Emmy winning film composer. I've written hundreds of songs as well as large scale orchestral works. I am currently completeing a full scale stage musical and preparing to record it.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I typically charge for lessons in four week groups. On occassion there are five weeks in a month. On that day, we will normally not have a lesson. My pricing can vary a bit, depending on what is being studied and what is involved in a specific situation. Once a price is stated, however, I won't raise that price for as long as you remain a student.
How did you get started teaching?
I came out of the US Navy and began substituting for a friend. He eventually needed to move on, and I took over his student load and have beening doing it ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with just about every kind of student one can imagine. I have worked with people who have had severe learning challenges as well as those who have been legally blind. I have dealt with folks who have had serious physical injuries. My only critieria is: if the student wants to learn, I will find a way to make that happen. I don't turn anyone down who has desire.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I stay pretty busy teaching. Between my private studio, Academy of Guitar and my teaching position at Pierce College, my time it pretty well tied up. For this reason there are not too many "events" on my agenda. However, I do love to go to concerts of all musical styles whenever the opportunity arises. I've recently seen Mellisa Etheridge in concert. I've also see such legends as the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd plus too many others to mention. If there is music involves, I'll love being involved with it!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
After researching credentials, look for chemistry. No matter how talented the teacher or fast of a learner the student is, it will all be for naught if there is no chemistry between student and teacher. For me, this is paramount.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How long have you been doing this?
Where have you done this?
What is your background and education?
What are your fees and will those fees vary over time?
Do you love what you do?
Don't be afraid to grill your prospective teacher. You have every right to know as much as possible about the person who will be relieving you of your hard earned cash!