FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Besides my set rates, I do sliding-scale discounts, group classes, and some bartering. I'm always willing to discuss how to make lessons feasible to any dedicated student.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I do a free intro lesson where we get a chance to get to know one another. I recommend appropriate resources outside of lessons and am available between lessons to answer questions by email. I see myself as a coach as well as teacher, and I do whatever is needed to help students succeed. That means helping students build good practice routines or whatever else they need help with — not limited to technical things about guitar.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I took lessons myself for years, recorded several albums, toured with a band, got a classical music degree, worked for years in a guitar shop, reviewed 800+ guitar methods and other books, taught all sorts of students over more than 20 years, and nearly started a PhD in cross-cultural musicology (but gave that up to focus on a music-related non-profit). I have particular expertise in music tuning theory (and play guitars that use alternative tuning systems that can play more blended chords and also non-Western musical structures). I also have a side expertise in free software and free culture issues (I use a GNU/Linux computer and license all my own work under Creative Commons; I have helped many students learn how to engage with online resources without giving up privacy or control).