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About Me

Learning music, especially at a young age, can have a positive impact in life. From simply playing music in the home to performing music for large audiences, the basic goal is the same: the enjoyment of being a proficient musician. I have written a bit about my experience and how I can use this to help you to become a great musician.
I began studying music when I was 8 years old. My early lessons taught me not only about music but about music teaching. As a result of these experiences, I ... vowed to teach students music that is meaningful to them.
Moving along, in high school I played in rock bands with my friends. I can never stress how important it is to play with other people. I always encourage my students to form bands, join music groups in school, or just find a friend to jam with. Not only does this raise the level of musicality, it is a great motivational tool.
After high school, I studied music at Colorado State University, where I focused on jazz performance, theory, classical performance, and double bass pedagogy. I earned a bachelor of arts in music from Colorado State University in 2000.
I have been a musician for 16 years. I have played rock, pop, classical, jazz, and electronic music professionally for over 10 years. I have performed in the U.S. and Europe with many talented artists, and I have won various awards in performance and academics.
Although I enjoy a busy professional career in music, I am extremely committed to teaching the young and casual learner as well as career oriented individuals. At this stage in my career, I am enthusiastic towards the education and development of talent.
My home studio is fully equipped with guitars, basses, keyboards, amps, and digital recording equipment. I am highly knowledgeable in audio and midi recording through the use of recording software.
Apart from music, I have been an English teacher for eight years. Currently, I am working towards my master’s degree in music theory and education. I look forward to the prospect of sharing my skills and experience with you or a member of your family.

Lesson Details

My lessons usually follow the following steps: ...
Presentation of material Instruction Practice Performance
In a typical lesson, we first take a look at a piece of music normally through an audio or video recording. After we listen and/or watch, we discuss and examine the music. For example, this could be as simple as saying, “What do think about this part?” or “Why do you like the guitar part?” It could also be more in depth - “What’s the time signature?” Next, we take a specific part to learn. The student learns by watching demonstrations, making attempts at playing it, and listening to suggestions and instruction. There are many ways to teach just as there are many ways to learn. I try to incorporate as many different methods as possible while being mindful of different learning styles to ensure that the student is successful in mastering a skill. Finally, I save the best for last. When the student has shown sufficient proficiency of a piece of music, it’s time to show it off. The student and I play it together as a team. Sometimes, I accompany a vocalist on guitar to get a pop/rock feel. For my guitar or bass students, I trade between lead and accompany roles. I may bring other accompanying instruments to the lesson for a different vibe. The idea is to have fun playing music, and I like to have fun.
People often ask if I am strict or laid back. I say I’m neither. My students and I work hard, but we’re so focused and motivated that the time flies by before we even know it.
Lastly, I never ask my students to copy anyone. I encourage my students to be themselves. The music I give them is only a guide or an outline. My goal is to motivate them to play what is in their hearts.

Mark has been a Philadelphia private music instructor for TakeLessons since 2010. Mark is a certified local music teacher.

How It Works

Lessons are paid for in advance and purchased through our monthly or quarterly plans. All plans come with our 100% Money Back Guarantee. We accept payment via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), debit card or electronic check.

Monthly Plan

Schedule and pay for lessons on a month to month basis. Lessons are paid for and scheduled on the 25th of every month.
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Quarterly Plan

Purchase 12 lessons upfront and receive your 13th lesson for free. Over the course of a year, you receive a month of free lessons!
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Pricing

Lesson rates vary depending on the length of the lesson (we offer 30, 45, 60, and 90 minute lessons), and the actual location of the lesson (we offer lessons in your home or our teacher's studio). Lessons are paid for in advance by Visa, Mastercard or Discover. Sorry, no cash.

Please call 877-231-8505 for details.

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Availability

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Snyder Ave. 2nd

Teacher Studio | Details »

Equipment:

12 x 12 room...equipped with all instruments: piano---casio 88 key fully weighted, 5 piece Pearl drum kit, guitar, bass, amps, computers, and recording software

Travels within 5 miles | Details »

Equipment:

I assume that the students will possess the instruments they want to play, but if this is not the case, I provide all necessary equipment for the students.

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