Journeyman Guitar

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Introduction: Lots of experience playing, performing, recording, and teaching.Many successful students through the years. Patient and knowledgeable; lessons are tailor-made for students of all ages, styles, and commitment levels .Having recently relocated to Southern Oregon ,I was very pleasantly surprised that 20 of my California students have continued their lessons on line .I have really tried to reward them with extas as a result, PDF charts of the songs students choose , as well as a version of the recording with me playing the parts ,shared on Google Drive to practice and have ,as well as our one on one hour together on Facetime or Skype. I will answer unlimited questions and answer texts.I have decided to do this with all my new Thumbtack online students as well. I have always felt lucky to play as much as I get to. I really enjoy sharing my love for music with my students and seeing them move forward in their understanding and ability.Seeing people getting into playing in bands,playing music with friends and communicating with other musicians is a thrill that I live for,and it's a real honor to show people the power of harmony in their lives.I have a wide variety of musical tastes,and through the years have learned to teach the steps to efficiently learn the styes that students choose .My days teaching and performing are very interesting as a result of having great variety of musical learn about,teach and play myself.Many of my students have shown me music that I was unaware of,and can now play and appreciate myself.I feel very lucky to be able to play as much as I do and expand my knowledge of music.

Overview

Hired 6 times

1 employee

23 years in business

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Reviews

Exceptional 5.0

7 reviews

100%

Heather F.

Mar 24, 2015

What sets Rick Lilley apart from other guitar teachers? This guy can play and teach anything! Before I found Rick, I interviewed a couple other teachers and was very discouraged...I thought the teacher I always dreamed of did not exist. They all told me what they would teach me and how (buy this book, we'll go through each lesson one by one). I envisioned myself like several friends who took guitar lessons: giving up after 6 months of struggling with a few chords and never having learned a single song. Rick simply said what do you want to play? I want to play Rolling Stones, Darius Rucker, Beatles...? Sure. Lesson one: 8 chords that every other chord is based on, and a few bars of Knockin' on Heaven's Door. Sounds intimidating but he is patient, and willing to go over it as much as needed. I greatly look forward to my lesson every week after a year and a half. It usually starts with me picking a song I really want to play or him suggesting one based on specific skills I need to work on. If it is a song he has never heard he will work it out on the spot and teach it. I'm not talking about telling me a couple chords or handing me the tab (I'm not even sure if that's the correct term). Rick shows me the chords, (and if there are several to chose from up the neck), rhythm, and the fun bits (slides, slurs, arpeggio, solos). At the end of the lesson he will write a basic chart of the song, and I sometimes take a video of him playing it. Rick is available to help if I need during the week and will answer little questions by phone or text (I have literally sent him a picture of my left hand on guitar and asked if it looked like an F minor.) He also went shopping with me when I went to buy my first guitar, and found me a stellar deal, and an instrument I love. He is the guy to ask about any equipment, and even does adjustments and talked me through the first time changing the strings. Now I enjoy playing Eli Young Band or Beatles songs and singing along with my 6 year old, something I could only dream of a couple years ago. Taking lessons with Rick is the best thing I have ever done for myself and my whole family feels lucky we know him! Cannot say enough good things about taking lessons with Rick.

Brian S.

Mar 31, 2015

Rick is an excellent teacher. The first thing he does is understand your interests both musically and in general. This helps him explain musical techniques in a way that relates to each individual student. This way it is easier to remember chords, chordal relationships, etc. He is also very knowledgeable about music history, particularly in rock, blues and country. Rick is a pleasure to take lessons from and he makes it fun, but at the same time challenges your abilities and pushes you to advance. Rick is a great guitar, effects, amplifier and accessories technician. He can re-fret a guitar, adjust electric guitar electronics, repair amplifiers and properly setup any guitar. If you are taking lessons from anyone other than Rick, you are at the wrong place.

Connor M.

Mar 24, 2015

First and foremost Rick Lilley is a professional guitar player and a professional guitar teacher. To me this has evolved into a guitar buddy that is better than me but will also take the time to share his tips, experience, and insight. DEFINITELY worth the $40 per hour he charges. He will travel if needed but I take lessons at his home-studio near the Lafayette / Pleasant Hill border. I take lessons weekly or semi-weekly, depending on my busy work schedule. Rick is flexible with his students and does a great job helping us achieve our respective short-term and long-term guitar goals.

Dewayne K.

May 11, 2015

Although only a mediocre guitar in the key of C, Rick has taught me to play directly through my heart. All lot of players play lots of notes and don't have a word say. Rick has taught me that it is not all about how many notes you can fit in the space, rather it is how you present them, and when you present them. Five stars is not enough for Mr. Lilley.

Anabel D.

Apr 18, 2015

Hired on Thumbtack

Great teacher! Very patient and tranfers his passion for guitar and music! He provides tricks to learn guitar -specially if u are new in the field- but more importantly motivates greatly to play it!

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FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I teach the same hourly rate ($40) whether teaching in my home studio or on the road, though sometimes have to charge a little more depending on parking costs or tolls.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I check out what music they requst to play .I try to take a balanced approach between ,book knowledge,technique practice,understand a bit of history anout other things going on at the time the music came out as well as taking a look at other music from the period.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Involved in the goals of my students and my own band performances. I am constantly learning and revamping my teaching techniques to meet the needs of my students.