Introduction: Howdy y’all. I’ve recently relocated from Dallas, Texas to Southport, NC. I really like it around here. With gorgeous beaches, mild weather and friendly people I couldn’t have picked a better place to start over. Back home and before covid I was a working musician and a music teacher. Now that I’ve settled in here, I’d like to start taking students again.
About me:
I am a virtuoso bassist straight out of the Deep Ellum Arts District of Dallas, TX. There I was a mainstay performer for most of the last decade. My last project was a classic soul and blues band (think Ray Charles and Muddy Waters) with a charismatic singer and a full horn section. We played a weekly show at the Freeman a jazz venue known for great live music seven days a week. Over the years I've worked on stages big and small backing up dozens of artists and bands from several styles of music.(Classic Rock, Blues, Country, Funk, Soul, Reggae, Salsa and Jazz). For several years I travelled the world playing bass in 9 piece show band entertaining passengers onboard five-star cruise lines. That was an amazing experience to say the least. Artistically speaking I am most known for my ability to improvise music in multiple styles and my creativity in inventing new grooves. I've documented my abilities through higher education earning a Bachelor's of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI back in 2005. I taught music in Dallas from 2010 until covid wiped me out last spring. I’ve quite literally helped hundreds of people learn to play. I bet I can help you too.
A bit about lessons in the Covid era. I am a firm believer in personalized private instruction that happens in-person. Online lessons are great but they are no substitute for sitting down with a competent musician and learning to play. There are no bad internet connections, or weird camera angles. We can listen to music together, analyze songs and most importantly play music together. When you are ready to start taking lessons, we will go through all the proper protocol to keep each other safe from the virus. We will wear the masks and keep six feet apart. I won’t take chances of bringing a virus to your home and family and I ask that you honor me and my other students by being honest about any symptoms you may be experiencing and if you’ve come in contact with anyone carrying the virus. I will not charge you for cancelling a lesson due to Covid concerns.
What Days and times do you offer lessons?
I offer lessons seven days a week from 11am to 9pm. Contact me through tumbtack to schedule a lesson.
Where do you teach?
I am a traveling music teacher so I can meet you anywhere within a 20 mile radius of Southport or I can invite you over to my studio for a lesson.
What kind of lessons do you offer?
Bass Guitar (beginner-advanced technique)
Electric Guitar (beginner-intermediate technique. Advanced theory/song-writing)
Acoustic Guitar (beginner-intermediate technique. Advanced theory/song-writing)
Ukulele ( beginners only)
Piano (beginners only)
Music theory (jazz theory, professional repitory, sight-reading, song-writing, improvisation)
How much do lessons cost?
Beginnger lessons are $30 for 30 minutes
Intermediate lessons are $40 for 45 minutes
Advanced lessons are $55 per hour
What ages do you teach?
For children I offer a FUNdamentals of music class using Ukulele’s, piano and hand drums. This is appropriate for kids 6-8 years old. Kids 8 and up are welcome to study guitar, bass, ukulele or basic piano with me. I also offer lessons for teenagers, adults and senior citizens. I believe it’s never too late to learn to play.
Why do you teach?
I love to share my passion and knowledge of music to aspiring players of all ages and skill levels. I believe music is the ultimate expression of humanity because it has the ability to sooth the soul, heal the broken heart and enlighten the mind. It's an art form worthy of passing on, and I really enjoy doing so. Finally, I believe in being a positive influence to young people. I believe that kids, teenagers and young men especially need to have adult men who are willing to both encourage and challenge them to achieve excellence in their art and to be good people.
Any final thoughts?
I am a highly sought after home music instructor who offers lessons for kids and adults seeking to learn bass, guitar, keyboard or jazz and popular music theory. The reason I come so highly recommended is my passion for music and total dedication to my students. If you want to see real results and dramatic improvements to your playing and musical knowledge then look no further. Give me a call or send me a message and I bet I can help you become a better musician.
