Mark S.

General Info

• Certified Music Teacher

  Certified Music Teacher

  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: Yes
• Ages: 5 & up

Subjects Taught

Bass Guitar, Guitar, Piano, Drums, Singing, Music Recording, Music Theory, Songwriting, Upright Bass

Education

Colorado State University - music - 1996-2000 (Bachelor's degree received)
Cambridge - ESL - 2001 (Degree received)

Specialties

I teach rock blues, jazz, classical, and pop music.

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.

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About

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.

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