About
--Classical Guitar Lessons From An Award-Winning Guitarist With A Doctorate Of Musical Arts (Guitar and Music Theory)-- With me, learning Classical Guitar is rewarding, and fun! Every student is unique, and every student deserves a unique learning experience. I take the time to get to know you, to learn what it is you want to play, and to teach it to you in the way you will understand. Expect professional, personalized, and engaging lessons each week.
Because each student is different, I get to exercise my wide-ranging education and musical experience to solve the puzzles posed by each teaching situation. What are the barriers for this particular student? What is the most effective way for this student to overcome these barriers? In fact, guitar is easy when played well. Opening this door for students is incredibly rewarding, and that's what I love about the work I do.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Reviews
Olivia T.
Ludmila
Sophia
Justin
Jodi S.
Phillip P.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Get to know the student: what they know already, and what they want to learn.
Choose repertory: often start right away with a song, or suggest a book to buy...it all depends on what we're working on. Whatever repertory we choose, we will work on a song in the first lesson.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Doctorate in Musical Arts, Guitar and Music Theory (University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 2016)
Masters of Music, Classical Guitar Performance (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2013)
Bachelor of Arts in Music, Instrumental Performance (Whitworth University, 2009)
Suzuki Book 1 and 2 Teaching Certification
7 Years of Teaching Experience at the College Level
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
FREE INTRODUCTORY LESSON, NO OBLIGATION TO CONTINUE
LESSONS IN MY STUDIO
$30 for half hour
$40 for 45 minutes
$50 for one hour
In-home Lessons
IN HOME LESSONS
Travel fee for in-home lessons, add $7 to the lesson fee
SKYPE LESSONS
$20 for half hour
$30 for 45 minutes
$40 for one hour
How did you get started teaching?
Guitar Faculty at Whitworth University 2 yrs, Guitar Teacher at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 2 yrs, Guitar Teacher at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 3 yrs, Guitar Teacher at Saint Paul Conservatory of Music 2 yrs.
What types of students have you worked with?
Students of all ages! As a certified Suzuki Guitar Instructor (Books 1 and 2) I am qualified to work in early childhood music education. I have also taught middle and high schoolers at the Saint Paul Conservatory of Music and at Ramsey Middle School in Saint Paul, MN. I have taught college students at three different universities, and I have taught a range of adult students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The faculty of the Saint Paul Conservatory of Music (SPCM) performed a concert at the newly-renovated Ordway Concert Hall in downtown Saint Paul, MN. I played "Elogio de la Danza" by Leo Brouwer (solo guitar) and a duo for flute and guitar "Gran duetto concertante" by Mauro Giuliani. What an amazing space to play in! It was so fun to celebrate all the wonderful teachers of the SPCM, and the memory of performing in that world-class venue will never leave me.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Read the teacher profiles carefully to uncover what strengths each teacher has. If you want to learn classical guitar, or metal guitar, for instance, be sure to find a teacher who has the right specialty. If possible, schedule an introductory lesson with no commitment with teachers until you find one who fits. Every teacher is different, so try not to commit to a bunch of lessons until you like who you're working with. I offer free introductory lessons. Check out guitarjay.com to book yours!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What sorts of music do you like, and what sorts of music do you want to play on guitar? In other words, why do you want to learn guitar?
2. What is your experience with music and with guitar?