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About
The best teachers I’ve had were the ones who could relate to the level I was at; those who remembered what the struggle was like with learning an instrument. I’m proud to say that playing neither the guitar nor piano came easily to me. With more than ten years of performing, composing, and teaching experience, I am acutely aware of that struggle and the obstacles that face many instrumentalists, novice and advanced alike.
Helping my students achieve that “a-ha” moment and break through to the next level of playing is why I do what I do. It’s going to require a lot of hard work and creative problem solving, but what in life doesn’t that’s worth obtaining? Music is a perpetual journey and I’m happy to be a part of yours.
Overview
Hired 7 times
Background checked
1 employee
18 years in business
Business hours
Sun8:00 am - 10:00 pmMon8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, PayPal, and Venmo.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2020
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Rock
Blues
Classical
Country
Work location
My customers travel to me
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, responsiveness, and professionalism.
Exceptional 5.0
25 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:
Coby C.
Jun 13, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Sam is the man!!! Sam is my choice for piano and theory lessons for my son Hendrix(13yrs). My son can be somewhat critical of his instructor/guilds if they are not well versed in their craft, as well as, the skill of imparting the knowledge of that craft to him. Sam exceeds Hendrix’s and my expectations in both of these areas. He has a very warm personality and a sharp intelligence for music and ways to share his knowledge. So if that is what your looking for Sam is the man!!!💯
Details: Piano • Guitar • Drum • Intermediate • 10 - 13 years old • Fundamentals (pitch, rhythm, chords, etc.) • Harmonization • Counterpoint • Music subjects (notation, analysis, ear training) • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc.
Music Theory Lessons
Andre A.
Sep 17, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Working with Sam has been an absolute delight. I have been in some type of musical education for the majority of my life and only once before have I had someone with so much knowledge be so patient. Sam also has an innate talent for explaining concepts in music theory that I couldn't wrap my head around for decades. But best of all, he's fun to learn with and from.
Take a lesson with Sam. You won't be disappointed
Details: 26 - 44 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read music staff • Acoustic • Jazz • Folk • Classical • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Heidi M.
Jun 18, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
He was just a pleasure to work with. Extremely patient with a beginner like me. Even helped me perfect a finger placement issue I thought I could never fix! 5 stars!
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Rock • Folk • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Guitar Lessons
Tatyanna R.
Feb 6, 2019
When he first started tutoring me I had basically no music theory knowledge, he kind of had to start from the ground up with me and never once seemed discouraged or frustrated even when I was having a particularly hard time on a subject. He was really good at breaking things down to their most simplist form and showed me how each piece related to each other in the greater picture while also helping me develope my piano and guitar skills, both instruments I had almost no experience with. I can most definitely accredit Sam for most of my success during my first semester at berklee.
Chris B.
Feb 6, 2019
I had Sam as a tutor my first semester at Berklee, and I had an excellent experience. Sam was always on time for our sessions, and he was a wealth of knowledge when it came to theory. If I struggled with a certain concept, he would be patient and explore different ways of breaking down and explaining whatever I was struggling on until I understood it. We would do exercises of applying the information I was learning in the form of an analysis of their presence in whatever particular choice of music I was listening to at the moment. I really enjoyed this, as it helped make the concepts come alive, and furthered my understanding of how they can be used in practice. He also went out of his way to teach me material beyond my curriculum, such as explaining the science behind the overtone series, and exposing me to new music that was relevant to my studies as a composer.
Sam is a fantastic, knowledgable teacher with a passion for theory and I would highly recommend studying with him.
Credentials
Background Check
Samuel Dixon
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I offer 30, 45, and 60 minute lessons with the first lesson of any length being 50% off. Further discounts if you sign up for a month in advance!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Having tangible S.M.A.R.T goals is key with mastering an instrument. I help my students to develop weekly and monthly targets to strive for and break down larger goals into workable chunks.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's in guitar performance and film scoring from Berklee College of Music where I graduated summa cum laude and worked as a core music tutor.
I also instructed professionals of the LA film scoring industry who wanted to better their performance and arranging ability on the instrument.
