Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with
our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference
checks; and annual criminal background checks for the duration of each teacher's
employment with us.
Background Check Complete
Criminal Background Check
In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough
criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace,
multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.
Levels: Beginner to Advanced
In-Home Lessons: Yes
In-Studio Lessons: No
Ages: 5 & up
Subjects Taught
Guitar, Piano, Music Theory, Songwriting
Education
Arizona State - Music Therapy - 2007 2010 (Master's degree received)
The university of Arizona - Psychology - 2006-2007 (Bachelor's degree received)
Specialties
Jazz and classical guitar. Music theory and composition.
Lesson Details
Students who work with me can expect to learn how to read music, use a metronome, identify chord shapes on the guitar, create written and improvisational music, identify chord changes by ear, rhythm and lead guitar concepts, blues, classical guitar, jazz chord melody, rock, metal, pop music, creativity, scales, music theory, music history,…………… and much more. If you are interested in expanding your musical knowledge, trying new things, and seeing how it all fits together around the
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music you love, we should spend time working together. My primary objective is to encourage you to “be a musical architect and build the sounds you want to hear with the best sonic materials.” My approach is based on the idea that “the building blocks of music are tangible, visible, and useable.” As for practice routines, lesson plans, and performance, I do my best to meet the student where they are. If you like metal, we will play metal. If you like country, we will play country. If you like polka, guess what? We will play polka. Whatever you like we will start there. I use this simple approach, because I believe in highlighting a student’s strengths while addressing areas in need of greater attention. After establishing your strengths, we expand your ability by collecting the building blocks of music and using them to play the music you enjoy.
My objective is to help students plot a course, travel the path they choose, and find their position on the musical map. I am originally from Arlington Texas, but, I‘ve lived in 5 different states. Outside of Arizona, I lived in Texas, Michigan, Colorado, and California. This experience helped me to broaden my perspective about ways to teach music. I received a Master’s degree in music from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of arts in psychology from University of Arizona. Due
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to my study of psychology and music therapy, I view music a bit different than traditional music educators. I understand and value the importance of strict practice regiments, clarity, and classical musicianship; however, these methods are not the only way to gain musical mastery. For example, I studied right hand classical guitar technique with some of the best classical guitar teachers and performers in Arizona. I played in my church. I held weekly jam sessions in my home with l jazz vocalist, saxophonist, guitarist, pianist, violinist, trumpeters, and rhythm sections. I organized a rock and hip hop ensemble for an after school center. I conducted a 27 person guitar ensemble. I learned delta blues rhythm guitar technique from an 87 year old delta blues player from Mississippi. I have even taken lessons with a thrash metal video game producer. I say all of this to explain that music is the sum total of your experiences. After laying the ground work for the student’s musical foundation, the sky is the limit for growth and development. Students are encouraged to not only take lessons, but to use their experience to locate their position on the musical map. Each one of my experiences added color and direction to my musical pursuits and together we can build a musical blueprint filled with technique, creativity, and confidence