Curriculum

I believe my philosophy of teaching is unique among private instructors. For me, as much as lessons are about learning an instrument they are about shaping attitudes and passions and teaching young people about life. I consider myself a mentor and a coach—not just a musician.

I teach the following instruments:

  • Guitar—beginner through expert, all styles
  • Bass Guitar—beginner through intermediate, pop/rock style
  • Piano—beginner through intermediate (3-year curriculum), all styles
  • Voice—beginner through intermediate, choral or pop styles

Tuition includes instruction and Q&A by email or phone throughout the week.

Each student’s curriculum is individualized to fit his or her abilities, interests, and age (I have taught students as young as 5 and as old as 67).

Here’s just a snapshot of some of the topics we cover on every instrument as your skill level increases:

Beginner

  • Learn popular songs
  • Foundational chords
  • Open position note reading
  • Scales
  • Beginning music theory
  • Strumming technique

Intermediate

  • Rock-style soloing
  • Advanced chord inversions
  • Advanced scales
  • Sight-reading
  • Classical-style fingerpicking
  • Ear training
  • Classical repertoire development

Advanced

  • Jazz improvisation
  • Chord melodies
  • Jazz harmony and scales
  • Sight-reading
  • Jazz repertoire development
  • Song theory analysis

Record Production

  • Signal flow
  • Mic’ing techniques
  • Arranging and producing
  • Multi-Track recording
  • Mixing

Musicianship

  • Singing, vocal training
  • Simultaneous singing and playing
  • Stage command
  • Career development