William "Miles" R.

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, Classical Guitar, Music Performance, Music Recording, Music Theory, Songwriting

Education

University of Tulsa - Music - August '04-May '08 (Bachelor's degree received)

Specialties

My main instrument is guitar and I have experience in many different styles and genres. I feel one of my biggest strengths is fingerstyle guitar, but I also studied jazz guitar in college. I'm also very familiar with rock, pop and blues techniques. I have experience playing classical and, though minimal, some experience teaching it. I was also the principal upright bassist for the university symphony for three years and though I've yet to take on any bass students, I would feel fit for the job.

Lesson Details

My philosophy on teaching is simple. Of course I want the student to have an effective lesson conducive of learning and development, but its equally as important to me that they have fun and feel relaxed. I've been a student to all different music instructors and in no way was a "scary" or "mean" or "intimidating" teacher effective. The teachers I built the best relationships with and gained the most skill from were understanding, patient, kind and personable. I know students can easily be ... detoured from lesson plans and, in general, development if their practice material is something that bores them or isn't appealing. However, in order to develop with an instrument, its important that these fundamental musical elements or theoretical aspects of music be taught and understood. I believe in combining these two schools of thought--learning theory, music fundamentals, and a sight-reading foundation through learning songs or material that appeals to the student. Within a matter of months, I hope to instill a sense of musical knowledge they can build on and learn from. For example, how to build chords, what chords work well together, consistently improving right and left hand technique, consistently building a musical repertoire, etc. I like to have a very laid back environment when I teach and I like to think I'm patient and not intimidating to any student! I was fortunate enough to learn from some very talented instructors, and this is how I learned best. This isn't to say I won't be firm and emphatic with practice schedules and what needs to be learned. I'm aware that discipline and practice is how you excel, and we'll focus on practice techniques and scheduling. I sincerely believe the students will enjoy themselves!

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About

My name's Miles R. and I've been teaching for over six years. I've been playing guitar for 16 years and music has always been the joy of my life and what I've always pursued. I graduated from the University of Tulsa, a top tier private university, with a bachelor's degree in music and a minor in film scoring. I studied both classical and jazz studies and graduated with honors. I was the first chair guitarist in the University Jazz Band for two consecutive years as well as the first chair ... upright bassist for the University Symphony for three consecutive years. Upon graduating college, I began performing on a regional basis 3-5 nights a week, which led me to explore and learn other genres of music or styles of guitar playing that appealed to me. Another passion of mine is songwriting and composing! I released my first all original, industry-standard, published album "From Where We Call Home" in 2010 and marketed the product through digital channels such as iTunes, Amazon.com and CDbaby.com. I've done freelance composing and songwriting for different forums, everything from music for online promotional videos for different companies, to small independent films to mobile video games. Throughout all this experience as a musician I've remained a steady music teacher with a studio of students who love learning and making music. It's not just a source of extra income for me--it's something I enjoy doing and is continually rewarding. I learn through teaching each student, regardless of their skill level. It's these things that keep me coming back to teaching. I look forward to working with you soon!

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