Updated

07-Mar-10

 Guitar / Electric Bass Lesson Overview

Updated 11/01/09

 

RATES:   

It’s usually the first question I get ;)  $20 per 30 minute lesson.

 

WHAT I TEACH:

First of all, I teach what students need to learn to meet their desired objective. They may just want to strum and are not worried about diminished chords. This will vary from person to person. There are many different styles of music and playing.  It is important to me that each student has the opportunity to learn the many important facets of music, although that is up to the student (or parent). With an understanding of the rudiments of music, should the preference for an instrument change in the future, the fundamentals (rudiments) of music learned would not. Exercises / lessons include:

 

· Fundamentals of the instrument

· Left hand technique / Right hand technique

· Lessons in rhythm

· Ear training

· Learning songs (student preference)

· Understanding different styles of playing

· Music theory /  reading music

· And more!

 

If a student is interested in only a specific part, then lessons can be targeted to specific areas of interest.

 

WHY I TEACH:

· I love music!  Plain and simple!

· I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others.

· It helps keep the material fresh in my mind.

 

MY EDUCATION, MUSIC and TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

· BSME (Mechanical Engineering) from Purdue University with credit hours in music theory, acoustics and noise control, although the noise control doesn't work on kids, I have tried with mine ;).

· Played music for 20+ years (at church, in bands, in studios) and taught for several years prior to moving to Texas (the second time).

· Coached youth soccer and baseball.

· Taught elementary Religious Education at St. Elizabeth’s in Keller for 5 years.

 

HOW I TEACH:

· Lesson length is dictated on the independence / maturity of the student as well as their  personal schedule. The point is that everyone learns differently and depending on the subject, they may learn at a different rate. For this reason I prefer not to teach group lessons (invariably, a student is left behind). A typical lesson is usually 30 minutes per week, but may vary.

· For a child’s lesson I prefer for a parent to remain during the lesson so they can help coach and support the student during the week. I may offer the audio recording of lessons strictly for the private use of each student.

· The lessons are offered out of my home studio in the Heritage Subdivision in North Fort Worth, TX (Keller ISD).

· I encourage the use of other information sources when learning an instrument, such as the internet and will share useful sites that I have encountered (see the links page).

 

MY RESPONSIBILITIES:

I will be prepared with lessons, instructions / notes or handouts for the student, sample passages of music, etc.  In the event I am unable to make a scheduled lesson, I will do my best to give 48 hours notice and a make-up lesson will be offered at an agreed upon time. 

 

If you need suggestion on an instrument I would be glad to share my experience. However, I do not formally endorse any particular brand and do not sell or rent instruments.  See the FAQ for comments on instruments.

 

STUDENT / PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Be ready (or have your child ready) to have fun and learn!

· Arrive 5 minutes before lesson time with instrument tuned. It is a good idea to loosen up or warm up BEFORE you arrive.

· Bring note pages (I provide a three ring binder), pencil / pen and lesson book. The specific book will depend on the level of the student.

· Notify me at least 48 hours of a conflict with a scheduled lesson.

 

Parents: Please keep a close eye on your child’s practice.  I want this experience to be fun and not a burden. Please let me know if there are areas they are struggling or if they have lost interest.  I would not want a student to end up “hating” an instrument because they HAD to take lessons.

 

While I said earlier that I do not do group lessons, I do offer parent / child or sibling lessons for $25 per 30 minute session. The lesson will be guided toward the child for parent / child lessons, but the parent, by learning at the same time, can make practice a family activity which significantly increases the enjoyment and learning of the child.  It ALWAYS helps when you are learning with a friend!

leSSONS

 LESSONS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):

 

Q:         Do I HAVE to learn to read music?

 

A:         No, reading music is not essential to learning to play the guitar at an entry level.  However, I do encourage understanding HOW music is notated.  This will help in understanding chord theory, an important facet to guitar playing.

 

Q:         I can't carry a tune even if it had a handle!  Can my son / daughter learn guitar?

 

A:         Absolutely!  While many well known guitarists (musicians) have been  called "naturals", most of them worked very hard to acquire the amazing skills they have.  Most children also have very good dexterity in their hands which allows them to learn very quickly.  I have impressed with the quick progress of many of my students, which is usually due to their practicing.

 

Q:         How long does it take to learn guitar?

 

A:         It depends on a number of things, including past musical experience, dexterity and desire. Practicing just a little bit every day can go a very long way.  Most people can learn a song (strumming chords) in a few weeks.  Keep in mind that during a lesson you usually learn WHAT to practice, but to move forward it is important you get in the habit of practicing at home.

 

Q:         I used to have a guitar, but I am not sure if I have the time to practice?

 

A:         Having time is always a challenge.  A book that has a “self teaching” approach may be appropriate.  There is A TON of information on the internet including You Tube lessons for those looking to self teach. Lessons every other week may be applicable to someone with a busy schedule. It’s also important to make practice fun.  Learning a new song is good ear training and for some of us, it is fun too! Take small steps.  Learn one chord a week.  Practice on that chord and move on when you feel comfortable.

 

Q:         Do you charge a registration fee?

 

A:         No, unless you would like me to. ;)

 

Q:         When are your lessons?

 

A:         Evenings and weekends. We will work out a mutually agreeable day and time.

 

Q:         Do I have to have the same day and time for the lesson each week?

 

A:         If given enough notice, it is possible to select an alternate day or time.  However, priority is given to those with established lesson times.

            

Q:         What if I miss a lesson?

 

A:         That happens.  As long as you try to provide some notice, we can work around it.  If it becomes a frequent no call / no show, then you probably didn’t want to learn to play the guitar.

 

Q:         Do you work on guitars or amplifiers?

 

A: Yes and no.  While I will do some repairs, set-up, adjustments, intonation, string work, etc. I would refer you to one of the luthiers or guitar shops on the links page for major work.   I will provide maintenance and basic set-up of the instrument for those taking lessons.

 

Q:         How often should my child practice?

 

A: Ideally playing at least a little bit every day is the best approach.  While mornings may be a hectic time, if they have 15 minutes before it is time to leave for school, that would be perfect.  Right after school would be good to.  There are a lot of exercises that can be done while watching TV, as long as they don’t stop playing because of the TV. Late in the evening can be difficult because they are usually tired and less focused.