This page will give you the lowdown on private guitar lessons, classes, and workshops. If you read this page and wish to enroll or have further questions please contact me.

Philosophy

“My job is to awaken possibility in other people.”
Benjamin Zander

“A great teacher is one who realizes that he himself is also a student and whose goal is not to dictate the answers, but to stimulate his students creativity enough so that they go out and find the answers themselves.”
Herbie Hancock

I apply these ideas as I work with students in the hope of enriching their musical experiences. Lessons emphasize basic note reading, music theory and guitar technique while being directed toward the musical interests of the student. In this way, the student gains the tools necessary to reach his or her own goals and approach new musical challenges as well.

As both an instructor and a life-long student of music, I’ve come to realize a couple of basic principles, which are essential, if a student is to learn and grow: First, practice. The length of time it takes a student to accomplish his or her goals varies greatly depending upon the overall amount of focused practice time involved. The more time spent with the instrument outside of lessons, the more beneficial the guidance given in lessons will be. Students who maintain a regular practice regimen will make steady progress and gain technique, polish and confidence. Parents of younger students should schedule a short practice time each day and take the time to listen to their child’s work, encouraging their progress. Second, steady attendance. It is important to realize that progress can only be maintained when lessons occur on a regular basis. I ask your cooperation in not missing lessons, as cancellations benefit neither the student nor the teacher.

Where, When and How Much?

With the exception of lessons scheduled through Athens Community Music School all guitar lessons are held at Tone Zone Music in The Market on State where I meet with students once a week for a half-hour lesson. Lesson times are currently available on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons and evenings. The fee is $16.50 per lesson scheduled and paid for in monthly increments. Please read the Payment and Cancellation Policies below for specifics.

Payment and Cancellation Policies

Revised June 30 2007
The payment and cancellation policies are designed to make payment and record keeping as painless as possible, ensure attendance, and help keep my teaching schedule flexible and open to all of my students despite a tight schedule. All of us (including me) need to reschedule or cancel from time to time, and giving an early heads-up will help keep my teaching schedule flexible enough to accommodate requests for make-up and rescheduled lessons.

• Students are to pay for their lessons in advance on a monthly basis

• Payment is due on the last lesson of each calendar month to reserve a lesson time for the following month.

• Requests to reschedule should ideally be made one week in advance, but no less than 48 hours in advance.

• Students may contact me directly at my cell phone number or email address. Calling or leaving messages at Tone Zone should be avoided.

• Lessons canceled with the appropriate notification may be rescheduled for the same week if the schedule permits.

• Fees for lessons missed or canceled with less than 48 hours notice will not be rescheduled or refunded.

• Failure to pay for the upcoming month’s lessons will result in the forfeiture of that lesson time.

• Sorry, no refunds on prepaid lessons.

Instruction at Ohio University

I am currently offering guitar lessons at Ohio University via Athens Community Music School (ACMS). Students may earn an elective credit for this experience. Please contact me for details.

Gift Certificates

Gift certificates for guitar lessons are available. Any number of lessons may be purchased, and the recipient can schedule the lessons at their convenience. A unique gift for birthdays and holidays. Gift certificates are most often purchased for new students, but are also great way for relatives to contribute to an existing students’ continued musical growth.