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.
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
Ages: 5 & up
In-Home Lessons: No
In-Studio Lessons: Yes
Online Lessons: No
Subjects Taught In Person
Bass Guitar, Guitar, Piano, Music Performance, Music Recording, Music Theory
Education
Grand Valley State University - Piano Performance - August 2006 - April 2011 (Bachelor's degree received)
Specialties
While in college, I studied classical voice and piano, as well as a few semesters of guitar. During that time, I held positions as both a classical singer and a pianist at churches in town.
On the side, I specialize in pop and rock music. Before college, most of my piano experience was playing with bands, pit orchestras, coffee shop duets, etc.
Classical music is invaluable, but I realize that most students are more interested in learning how to play contemporary
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music. As a young musician that grew up playing what he heard on the radio, I'm able to incorporate classical music and technique with modern theory and aural skills. Once you have all of those basics, the student will easily be able to learn a variety of styles of music.
I believe that every student is unique, therefore each lesson should also be unique. By understanding the student's motivation to study music and play an instrument, we can work together to set goals that will set the student up for success.
For piano, I prefer to use either the Bastien or Alfred series, depending on the student's goals, experience, and age. For guitar or bass, it depends on which style(s) of music the student would like to learn. I have plenty of resources available, so
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the sky is the limit. No matter which instrument you study, the ability to play properly is important from the very first lesson!
Above all, learning music should be fun! Life is about finding the balance between work and play - for me, music does that perfectly. What started as a simple hobby has turned into a wonderful career. With time and practice, it's amazing how much this small hobby can enrich your life!
Hello! My name is Justin, a Christian musician that recently moved to the Nashville/Brentwood area from Michigan. I'm a pianist, guitarist and bassist that loves performing, teaching, learning, and above all enjoying life. When I'm not working on music, I'm usually found biking or running through the hills of southern Nashville. I love nature and all of the opportunities that it gives us to explore and learn!
I started my formal music education when I was in the third grade, taking
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classical piano lessons at my parents’ request. I progressed steadily but never felt truly connected to what I was doing. Two years later, I was introduced to pop piano music through the worship band at my church. I learned to play by ear and read chord charts, taking my abilities far beyond the reach of classical piano. By the time that I reached high school, I was playing piano, guitar and bass as well as singing and acting. By my senior year, music had consumed so much of my time that sports were pushed to the side. I loved it!
Before I knew it, I was being pressured into picking a college. I had planned on going to school for Computer Science, but knew that music was my passion. While the money would have been great, sitting in a cubicle just isn’t my style. I decided upon Cornerstone University, a small Christian school in Grand Rapids, MI. For two years, I studied piano, voice and guitar in the school’s Contemporary Christian Music program. The program was great, but I needed a more competitive environment that only a larger school could offer.
In the fall of 2008, I transferred to Grand Valley State University and loved it! My teachers were great, the other students were supportive, and overall there was a culture of learning and growth. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance from Grand Valley in April of 2011. I decided to take the summer off of working and enjoy the sunshine, then moved to the Nashville area in November of 2011. I’m currently serving as Worship Leader for a church in Nashville.
In-Studio: Quiet home studio with seating for parents.
Justin's Photos
Rated 5 out of 5 by 1
reviewer.
Rated 5 out of 5 by ChampaP music lessons
The lessons are great he is finally improving on sight reading. Thank you.
June 27, 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.
