FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Lessons are 30-45 minutes, it depends if we're on a roll or talking about something interesting. Yes, 60-minute lessons are possible, but I charge more for those, and it's usually more time than necessary. 30 minutes is enough time for me give you a weekly lesson, and is more affordable. Unless you have tons of free time during the week, a 60-minute lesson ends up not being as much of a value if you can't get to everything or don't have enough time to work on everything we cover in our lessons. I'm open to trading services, or discussing some kind of collateral, if you have some skill or something of value to offer. I don't want money to keep people from learning music, so a special arrangement is possible. I can also Skype or FaceTime, but I prefer to be present so I can see what you're doing better, and without technology glitches. (I have another Thumbtack.com service for hired music for events, and some of the review comments appear under my lessons and some under my performance services)
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Everyone has a different background, personality, learning styles, etc. My first job is to figure out where you are with music, and any other exposure you've had in your life playing or singing music. This gives me a good starting point. I usually like to chat with the student before our first lesson about this so I know where to begin with each student. Mind you, typically once you learn some new chords, you learn some songs, and then you feel empowered and excited to learn more about what you can do with it all. I help people get to that point, and to be able to teach themselves new skills on their own. To me this is teaching students about the creative process as well, and how to apply yourself with what you already have.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have played guitar for over 35 years and have a BA in jazz studies from Ohio State University where I learned composition and arrangement for jazz big bands, small ensembles, solo guitar, piano, classical music and more. My teaching experience lies both in Columbus, Ohio (3 years) and in Portland (15 years). I have released several CD's, which consisted of my works in songwriting. I have 1 CD release under the band named 'the Raining' where I also wrote and co-wrote pieces. I have a CD release under the name 'the H Duo,' where I performed original jazz compositions with another guitarist.