My Program
There are a number of things that separate me from other local guitar instructors. My years of playing experience, for one. The fact that I've worked in teaching environments outside music, for another. Or it could be my professional lesson studio, or that I put together all my own instructional materials.
The most important difference, however, is that I’ve been able to develop a systematic program of instruction that is specifically designed to meet the needs of beginning and intermediate level students of the guitar. And as we all know, a good beginning often means the difference between success and failure in any endeavor.
One of the unique features of my program of instruction is the emphasis I place on singing. Although this may seem to be unrelated to learning the guitar, over the years I've found that using the voice and fingers together actually accelerates the learning process.
Singing while playing also appears to be more gratifying for students than simply rattling off snippets of rock songs at breakneck speed. However, I make it clear to all students that my intention is not to make them good singers, but simply to help them gain the confidence and technique necessary to use their voices to express themselves while playing the guitar — something their audience will also appreciate.
I accept students of all ages and abilities and my objective is to help students — regardless of natural talent — develop into competent musicians.
What to expect
Students who are new to the guitar begin by learning a series of exercises that help them get accustomed to moving their fingers on the fretboard. Although it's somewhat dependent upon age, most beginners get their first song at the second week of instruction. They continue by learning to play simple single-note melodies which are written in tablature, a system of music notation which does not require note reading.
As students progress, I introduce them to duets by adding a vocal harmony into the mix. This has the effect of turning the simplest melodies into real music while introducing the student to the challenges of working with another musician.
For the intermediate level student who already has some facility with chords and melody, I emphasize the fundamental musical skills: a strong sense of tempo, competence with rhythm, ear training, singing, reading standard music notation, beginning improvisation, and basic music theory.
For more advanced students, I can offer advice on singing harmony, arranging tunes, performing, overcoming obstacles, and developing strategies that make practicing at home more productive.
Policies
I use a fee system that has a predictable monthly payment. In other words, the cost is the same from month to month whether there are 4 weeks and 4 lessons or 5 weeks and 5 lessons.
Monthly fee
$75.00 per month (includes materials)
Young Beginner
$79.00 per month (includes materials)
Adult
$37.00 (per 45 min lesson)
Advanced*
*advanced student — someone who already plays the guitar well but who wants to develop their arranging skills for fingerstyle guitar.
Paying by-the-lesson
A good solution for an adult with a changing schedule or for students during family vacation times.
$20.00
By-the-lesson
Extended lessons
45 min. lessons are available and are priced proportionately (1.5x basic fee).
$112.00 per month (includes materials)
Young Beginner
$118.00 per month (includes materials)
Adult
Payment
Payment is due at the first lesson of each month. If a student is unable to attend the first lesson they should contact me to make alternate payment arrangements.
Make-up lessons
Students wishing to use a make-up lesson will need to choose an available time from the SCHEDULE page on my website and then contact me to confirm that the time is indeed available.
Make-up lessons cannot be used as partial payment for monthly lessons.
Cancellations
I can accommodate last minute cancellations — whether it's because of illness, a tight schedule, an emergency or bad weather. However, if you neglect to call prior to the lesson and inform me of the cancellation, the missed lesson will be forfeited.
Holidays
When lessons fall on holidays, students have the option of rescheduling their lesson to another day or taking a make-up lesson.
The Guitar Studio will be closed from Dec. 24th thru Dec. 30. Lessons will resume on Dec. 31st. This closure will not affect the monthly fee for December.
