About
My teaching approach: I've been teaching Guitar, Mandolin and Ukulele for 35 years. I've always been into the acoustic styles of playing and have performed, toured, shared the stage, and or recorded with the likes of Doc Watson, Leo Kottke, David Bromberg, Lyle Lovett, John Hartford, Mike Marshall, and Darol Anger to name a few. I take each student as an individual and try to help them shorten the learning curve. My guitar lessons take place in: In the teacher's studio Guitar Lessons with me take place in the following areas: I teach in my home studio in Madison/ East Side. Guitar Techniques: Lead guitar, Learning songs, Rhythm guitar, Fingerstyle, Performance, Improvisation, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing. Ear Training.vilolin playing
I get excited seeing people have musical breakthroughs and learning how to help them shorten the learning curve. I enjoy helping people to reach their musical goals.
Highlights
Reviews
Bonnie B.
LaVonne F.
Orna
Wendy H.
Benet D.
John H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I ask people what there long, and short term goals are. From there I evaluate where they are and make suggestions as to what we might work on immediately to get them playing better. Sometimes it comes down the the physical mechanics, what are your fingers and hands doing and how can we train them to work more effectively. Everyone is a little different and I enjoy helping them to understand what it is they need to do and how to do it! I may or may not reccomend a book or two, and give out handouts as well.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started taking lessons and playing guitar at age 8. I have studied privately with many teachers and was a Music minor in college. I have taught privately, and at music studios, music stores, clinics, and music camps for 35 years. I have also been a Professional performer since the late 70's playing in small groups, bands, and The Houston Symphony's Cambiata Chamber Orchestra playing everything from folk, to bluegrass, jazz, swing, world music, and classical. I have also written 3 books for Hal Leonard Music Publishing.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My rates are as follows:
$35 for a half hour
$50 for 45 minutes
$60 for 1 hour
I do give a good discount for a package of lessons.
How did you get started teaching?
I first started teaching private lessons at Sunrise Music Store in Houston, Texas in 1980.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught 5 year old kids to 80 year old students.
Complete beginners, intermediate and have had many professional musicians come to me for help with various things. I have helped students get into UW School of Music, Guitar Institute of Technology, and Berklee School of Music in Boston. I have even had students go on to being professionals themselves.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Playing golf last week and almost getting a
hole in one on a Par 4! :)
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It's good to have a goal in mind for your lessons.
Where are you now and where would you like to be in 6 months, a year, 2 years?
Be sure you are being realistic about what you are wanting to do and have the time, money, and energy to commit to doing it. You can take lessons everyday but if you don't practice it will not work. And make sure you have a good working instrument to study on.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Is this something I am committed to doing?
I am serious about this or is it just to pass the time.
When can we get started?