| If you read my bio, you know that I am currently in school for a general music degree. You may not know, however, that the first few years of my college career was as a music education major. After a while, I decided that my heart wasn't in teaching public school. The reason being, I want to teach people who WANT to learn about music and musicianship and not have to worry about the football team running my band or a mother saying her kid's "C" isn't fair. Therefore, I feel college and private settings are the best ones for me to teach in. I love to teach and I know my stuff. I took in my first student in '99. I keep a small number of students in my studio so don't have to rush any sessions or lose the personal edge. I treat each teaching situation the same way- as a learning experience. Each student is different in their ability and goals and I respect that. The beauty of taking private lessons is the flexibility of the curriculum. I can specify a concentrated curriculum in many areas including: |
| Instrument orientation (one session) learn about the instrument (i.e. Parts, tunings, playing methods). Basically all you need to know to start off right. Music Theory: The ins and outs of practical music theory. That is, theory you will use in daily playing situations. I can teach you the rest of it, too-if you just like the punishment. Or, if you are already a theory student, I can tutor you for tests. Notation: music notation is a challenging thing to manipulate. It takes years of practice and study to be proficient at it. I can get you started and well on your way but then you have to practice, practice, practice. This is an aspect of music that I only recommend to those who want to have at least a part-time job or career as a musician. Charts, leadsheets, and chord symbols: These are pieces of written music where improvisation is required. You synthesize a bassline from your knowledge of chord structures and music theory. This concentration covers how to identify "road maps" and focuses on music theory aspects that are pertinent to understanding them. Chops: this concentration can cover right hand plucking, slapping, double thumbing and tapping/chording. With the left hand, it can cover chording, tapping, hammer ons, skips and jumps, and speed/ endurance. General: This is the category that I recommend to beginners. It covers all the above concentrations in a single fluid process. While an intermediate or advanced player may have a particular concept they want to get better at, the beginner needs to start from the top. |
| A note on taking lessons Private lessons are an investment. I know this from lots of experience. Not to mention, the more advanced you are, the more expensive the direction. It is important to know the instructor. Read up on them before you make a decision on who to take from. Listen to audio clips and and decide if you can benefit from them. If you start the first lesson and they don't evaluate your ability and goals then you should ask them to. If you don't need to start on the ground floor and they do then you're losing money. If you're not having fun in every lesson and practice session...well, good. Keep the big picture handy and look at it whenever you feel like you are just spinning your wheels. If you researched your teacher (deeper than the price tag) then you should trust them. And what ever you do...practice! |