Let's Learn Together
Whether you are an adult learner looking to re-engage with your love of music or have a child that won't stop bugging you about "learning guitar", I'm here to help! My teaching method is fairly straightforward -- I focus on playing mechanics and fast-tracking the process of having the instrument become an extension of yourself. I take into consideration your musical goal, be it to play the songs you love, breaking through beginner plateaus or learning the science of music through application and structure our time together towards that end.
Because of my real world experience as a working musician, I am particularly positioned to help budding contemporary musicians prepare the skills they need beyond their instruments that will facilitate success which most music academics lack. I'm also available to help with the technology of music, such as recording yourself, live sound and arranging/making demos of your songs. If you're purely into music production, I have a wealth of knowledge to lend in that area as well. I'm the primary arranger and tracking engineer for an 11-piece horn band, which is always a test of my skills.
I offer multiple formats for lessons including in-person at your home, at my studio or virtually and in a 30-minute, 45-minute or 60-minute increments.
What I Teach
Bass Guitar
My primary instrument, and possibly my favorite. Bass guitar traditionally gives pitch to rhythm, but that's just where it starts. A staple in many genres of music, bass guitar is an extremely rewarding instrument to learn and play with others.
Guitar
Acoustic or electric, it might be the most prominent instrument of modern history. Extremely versatile and portable, learning guitar is a fantastic medium through which to learn music.
Upright Bass
Playing the upright bass is a visceral experience. It's formidable, demanding, but so rewarding. It's presence is known wherever it plays whether it's singing with a bow or thumping away on a walking bassline.
Ukulele
With it's inviting size and sound, the ukulele is a perfect instrument for a casual music learner, child or anyone preferring an instrument that is physically easier to play. It's format lends itself wonderfully to singer-songwriters and pop music alike.
Saxophone
The saxophone is probably the most well-known woodwind. Its sonic versatility and intuitive layout make it a wonderful instrument to learn and play. The sax comes in a few different formats as well, from the classic alto and tenor to the booming baritone and gentle soprano.
Music Theory
Music Theory is the study of practices and possibilities of music. It is the science we apply to why things sound the way they do and demystifying it often gives clarity to our playing and informs us of the possibilities we have for our music. It also gives us a common language with which to discuss music and communicate our ideas to other musicians.
Music Production
Music Production is process of developing an idea into a finished product. It often involves arranging (applied music theory) and using a variety of audio tools such as equalization, compression, panning and other audio effects. Audio engineering and music production is a necessary skill in the world of modern music since the proliferation of the home studio.
Contemporary Musicianship
Working as a modern musician requires a plethora of skills beyond just being able to play your instrument. From being a bandleader and creating charts to learning songs quickly, running rehearsals and so much more, to be a successful musician in today's world needs to be well-versed in the skills not learned in a method book.