FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have a beautiful music office in Warren that students love to come to (you can browse my music book collection, and my unique collection of instruments). Check out the photos and videos in my pro profile. Music studio rates: $30 for 30 minutes, $40 for 45 minutes, and $50 for 60 minutes. Sliding scale available, please inquire. I can also travel to you for a lesson, and charge an additional $5 for my travel time. I also often work with groups. If you and a friend or two are interested in learning together, let's talk! *I also offer Mandolin instruction*
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I start by listening. What music do you love? What songs do you dream of playing? Where in your life would you love to play music? What skills do you want build? Then we set goals together. Perhaps you already have a goal in mind? Or perhaps you’d like support in creating goals for you together? It can be as as simple as: “I’ve always loved music, and I just want to learn how to play, maybe with friends or family eventually”. Or as complex as: “I want to learn more music theory and explore songwriting.” I believe, and it’s been my experience over the last 50 years of playing and teaching, that I’m not teaching you something totally new (even if you’ve never picked up an instrument before), I’m helping you to unlock your own ability to play, to uncover something you already have. Music is for all of us. Bottom line, I want you to enjoy the process of learning to play. The focus isn’t just to get it right (though we do that); it’s to enjoy yourself and the music along the way. I love to share the culture of music with you, to listen to a solo on a song you love and break it apart, and to have fun. I respect and get to know your unique learning style, and give you exercises and explorations that strengthen your abilities between sessions, building your personal practice.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started playing guitar when I was 9 and I never put it down. I mostly taught myself, though I wish I could have had a local teacher, which is part of why I began teaching all these years later. I started my first band in high school, Big Lost Rainbow, and we recorded albums and played all over the country. I’ve been living and playing in Rhode Island for 40 years. I produced a series of instrumental albums for Northstar Records, including Christmas music, and sea shanties with local musicians. I’ve now released 10 albums. I started teaching about 15 years ago. I love passing on the music that I love so much, and teaching people who love music.