FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Simple pricing: If a student travels to me, the cost is currently $45 per hour, @ one lesson per week. (This also includes the teacher being available (by phone or E-mail), for brief homework 'crisis' help). If I travel to a student's venue (i.e., other than my own place), the cost is a minimum of $50 extra, and within a 20 mile radius from my address (near the "Dallas Hi 5") and $1 per mile after that, to a maximum of 45 miles. Other pricing can depend upon what equipment I might have to bring with me and set-up. I sometimes do minor repairs and adjustments (but only to guitars, not amplifiers). The cost of parts (if any) and labor is pro-rata of $45.00 per hour. (Most simple repairs or adjustments only take a few minutes at most). I do not charge for simply tuning an instrument, but I do for 'setting the intonation' correctly ... that takes much longer. For major repairs, I recommend a qualified luthier and/or appropriate technical repair business.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typically, with a new client; an assessment is carried out. A "Get to know you" conversation. Paper work and explaination. The basic curriculum is discussed. Answer any further requests for clarification(s). Normally, the 1st lesson is c. 90 minutes. (The extra 30 minutes are free of charge, on the initial meeting). I also present the initial instructional handout sheets with basic instructions on their use. This is appropriate to the already existing proficiency level of the new client. (I see no sense in somehow trying to teach lessons of which the new client may already realize and appreciate)! Formal lessons then begin.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Yes. Of course, one must keep-up as much as possible with modern trends. However, there have not really been many 'fundamental' changes in my field. Much music, of all sorts, 'borrows' from all other types. One sees the same old things being re-hashed over and over again. This is normal for my industry, and has been the case now for centuries! BUT ... one also NEVER stops learning in this field! There is always something new to learn or improve upon. "The more one knows, the more one knows that he / she needs to know!"