Piano with Connor T.

I first fell in love with music at the age of 7 after hearing Led Zeppelin's "œBlack Dog". I soon after received my first guitar and started learning all of my favorite classic rock songs. Over time my tastes began to branch out to include all kinds of music from country to jazz. I received a bachelor's degree in music performance and jazz studies from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2010. As a jazz guitarist, I perform regularly in a variety of settings with various ensembles. For the last several years I have played at various venues in the Richmond area. I have also performed in professional pit orchestrask for Christian Youth Theater, Richmond Triangle Players, and Theater IV/Virginia Rep. In addition, I compose and perform original works in various styles and instrumentations. I love to listen to, play, and teach many styles of music ranging from classic rock to country, jazz, metal, classical, and pop. Since 2008, I have been teaching music professionally to all ages from 5 to 70. I teach all levels and styles of guitar, as well as beginner piano and beginner to intermediate level bass guitar. *** Lesson Details *** Music should be fun, therefore, I firmly believe that music lessons should be tailored to a student's interests, tastes, and goals as much as possible. If you want to learn pop, then I will gear your lessons toward pop. If you want to learn rock, then we will move in that direction from day one. I still focus on all of the basic techniques of playing, reading music, rhythm, and theory but never exclusively within the sometimes sterile pages of a method book. I will often challenge students by suggesting tunes or exercises that I think will be beneficial to their long-term development, but I also like for students to guide their own learning as much as possible so that they enjoy music above all. The lesson style and level of difficulty will vary depending on the student'™s prior experience and skill level. *** Travel Equipment *** Student should provide their own instrument, music stand, and amp (if necessary). I will provide my own guitar and amp and much of the music to be learned. Over time, students may be encouraged to purchase certain method books to further their progress. *** Specialties *** Specialize in jazz, metal, rock, blues, music theory, and pop. Experience in classical music, country, bluegrass, and funk.