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Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Ages: 5 & up
In-Home Lessons: Yes
In-Studio Lessons: Yes
Online Lessons: No
Subjects Taught In Person
Bass Guitar, Guitar, Classical Guitar, Music Performance, Music Theory, Songwriting
Education
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale - Music - 2001-2005 (Bachelor's degree received)
Five Towns College - Jazz Performance - 08/07-12/08 (Master's degree received)
Specialties
I personally study jazz and classical guitar. However, when first starting to teach, I quickly learned that most students wanted to learn rock and pop. So, over the years, I have acquired an extensive vocabulary of rock and pop songs. I also love teaching theory and helping students write their own songs.
Lesson Details
My approach to lessons varies based on the experience and age of the student. For beginners ages 5-11, I typically start very simple. The student learns elementary rhythms and note reading as well as some basic music theory. I also incorporate exercises to help strengthen the student's muscle memory. I believe it is very important for the student to learn songs they are familiar with and connect to, therefore, the optimal goal is that after three to six months, each student be able to play
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several familiar songs.
Every student is different and some naturally progress faster than others. However, I've found that the rate of progress greatly depends on the quantity and quality of the child practice routine. As a teacher, it is my job to encourage and inspire the student to practice. With that said, I unfortunately cannot be alongside each pupil 24 hours a day. For this reason, I love when parents are included in their child's practice and strongly favor their involvement. With young children, I see far more success when the parent is present during the lesson than when absent. With these children, my approach is, as always, friendly and inviting, but have found through experience that younger learners respond better to clearly set boundaries than free-for-all sessions.
For students 12-18, I use a more relaxed approach. I have found that most of my teenage students are disciplined enough to practice sufficiently on their own. Therefore, here I also start with the fundamentals, but the lessons move quickly into learning chords and the focus shifts towards playing songs they are interested in studying. I also love helping my teen students write their own songs and I strongly encourage them to seek out other kids their age who play instruments. As in young children, music can play a noticeable role in brain development and basic motor skills, whereas additionally in teenagers, I've found that music can also be an invaluable tool in developing vital communication and social skills.
For my adult students, lessons are geared very differently. Many of these students are taking time from work or family to accomplish something they have always wanted to. I have great respect and appreciation for their sacrifice and work ethic. Variously, I've also tutored adults students who have played for years and simply wanted to brush up on some of their skills. In either case, I act as more of a guide than a teacher and base the lessons on what the student wants to learn or achieve.
I am a professional guitarist with a background in jazz and classical music. I was born and raised in Springfield, IL where I studied piano, violin, and guitar from a young age. In high school and college I played in several rock and folk bands in addition to my classical and jazz studies.
After earning my Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Studies in 2005, my wife and I moved to New York City. Since then, I have taught and performed regularly and earned my Master of Music in Jazz
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Performance. I have taught a wide array of students ranging in age from 5 years old to 70 years old.
I have a great passion for music and music education and love sharing it. I have had parents tell me that their children have become more social at school and showed drastic improvement in their grades as a result of our lessons. It is further evidence that music has the power to enrich lives and make us better people.
Therefore, whether you are an adult who has always wanted to learn guitar but never took the first step, a teenager who wants help writing their own songs, or a parent of a child who is interested in learning guitar, I would love to help.
Rated 5 out of 5 by MoI bass guitar student
I enjoy learning the bass, from familiar riffs to reading music, I'm excited to play my favorite songs and learn even more
January 24, 2012
Getting Started
Excited about jumping into music lessons? Before you can get to the
guitar tabs, violin concertos, and vocal riffs, take a moment to think
about the logistics of your lessons.
Lesson Length
There are a few things to consider when choosing between 30-, 45- or
60-minute lessons. First and foremost, take your age and experience
level into account. You'll also want to think about your long- and
short-term goals, and the time you'll need to reach them. Most
importantly, consider how long you or your child is able to stay
focused.
Lesson Location
Teachers have the option to display availability for in-home,
in-studio, and online music lessons. In-home lessons take place at
your house, in-studio lessons are conducted at the teacher's home or
professional studio, and online lessons are taught over the internet
via live video chat.
Book Your Lessons Online
Scheduling your lessons is simple and quick! The prompts will guide you
through each step, from securing your lesson time to selecting the
payment plan that works best for you.
Scheduling Lessons
After you've selected your teacher, click on the Availability tab to
see which time slots and days are open.
Booking Options
Click the "Book Online" button to get started. Enter in your contact
information, and the prompts will guide you through payments, program
options, and confirming your schedule. Learn more about our booking policies.
Payment and Billing
We make paying for your lessons convenient and hassle-free! Prices
vary based on several factors, including the city you live in, the
length of your lessons, and whether you're taking them at home, in
your teacher's studio, or online. Lessons are paid for in advance,
which locks in your time slot.
Signing Your Customer Agreement
Signing your Customer Agreement and completing your Student
Questionnaire is the last step! The questionnaire will give your
instructor valuable information about your goals and experience level,
and give him or her time to create a customized lesson plan right
from the start.
Start Your Lessons
Now the excitement can really begin! Consider the following to ensure an
exceptional first lesson...
Prepare for Your First Lesson
Once you've completed the last step, your teacher will call you within
the next couple of days to confirm your first lesson time and provide
you with directions to their studio, if needed. We also encourage you
to discuss your goals and any other questions you may have.
What To Expect
Every teacher is different, but most first lessons begin with an
assessment of where you are in your studies. At a beginner level, you
might review the basics of your instrument, such as the different
parts, how to hold it correctly, and proper care and maintenance. For
voice, this may be the time you learn about breathing and posture.
Reach the Goals You Set
Every TakeLessons student is unique, and so is your lesson plan!
You'll work with your instructor to develop a plan suited to meet your
specific goals. Most TakeLessons instructors will also keep track of
your progress with a lesson journal.
Programs & Pricing
The billing management tools in your online account help you keep track
of your upcoming payments. And with several lesson programs available,
you can select the one that fits your individual needs.
100% Money Back Guarantee
If you're not completely satisfied with your first lesson, we'll
gladly find you another instructor or refund your entire lesson
purchase.
Can I pay when I get to the lesson?
In order to reserve your time slot, we require payment at the time of
booking, which must be at least seven days before your first lesson
takes place.
How does billing work?
Lessons are paid for in advance, which reserves your time slot and the
teacher that you want. Your specific billing date will depend on the
lesson program you select.
What forms of payment do you accept?
At this time, we accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and
American Express. You also have the option to pay with a debit card.
We do not accept payment via cash, check, or money order.
Do you offer a free trial lesson?
We don't offer a free trial lesson; however, we're so confident that
you'll love your lessons that we offer new customers a 100% Money Back
Guarantee. If you take your first lesson and decide that you don't
want to continue, we'll refund the amount you paid INCLUDING the
lesson you've already taken. To request the Money Back Guarantee,
simply notify us within 72 hours of your first lesson.
Do you offer any discounts?
At this time, we don't offer any discounts. However, if you are
booking two students for consecutive in-home lessons, you'll only be
charged one travel fee, instead of one fee per lesson.
