Lessons, Classes, and Workshops

Online Guitar Lessons 
Due to health concerns around the world, guitar lessons are being offered exclusively online. I am primarily working with students via Zoom, but also have access to Apple FaceTime, Microsoft Teams, and other popular video conferencing apps.

I am currently accepting students for the Summer 2020 term. Lessons are being offered in sets of five and can be scheduled throughout the summer as you see fit. For example, you could purchase five lessons and spread them out over the course of the summer or purchase 10 or 15 lessons that would occur on a weekly basis. Working from home I can be more flexible than usual but I encourage you to contact me before registering to make sure I have a time available that is convenient for you.

Handouts and resources.
Students are responsible for purchasing their own copies of method books but I will usually supplement this with additional handouts and songs as appropriate. Students will have a folder with notes and PDFs that they can access 24/7.

What should I expect from guitar lessons? 
Every student is unique. I tailor guitar lessons to your musical interests and goals while taking into account the experience and abilities you bring with you. I will use different repertoire and points of entry depending upon the student. Whether you are a beginner trying the instrument for the first time or a more advanced student working to master a specific concept or technique, I will work with you to plan a course of study that will be fun and help to make you a better player. Read my Music Teaching Manifesto below for  a snapshot of my philosophy.  

Where, when, and how much? 
Guitar lessons are held in Glidden Hall (The School of Music) on the Ohio University campus where I meet with students once a week. Lesson times are currently available on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons and evenings. All guitar lessons are offered via Athens Community Music School (ACMS) at Ohio University. ACMS now handles payments and sets tuition fees. You can view pricing and find the most recent lesson registration form here: ACMS Pricing and Registration. Please see the tuition rate for “Master Teacher Pricing.” Students are encouraged to register for a full semester. 

Studio Policy 
General Guidelines 
• Arrive a few minutes early. 
• Tune up your guitar and warm up prior to the lesson. 
• Bring all current books and handouts to each lesson. 
• A 3-ring binder is recommended for organizing lesson materials. 

Attendance and Make-Up Policy 
• Lessons begin at the scheduled time – not when the student arrives. 
• Canceled lessons will only be made up at my discretion. 
• Requests to reschedule a lesson should be made one week in advance. 
• Any lessons canceled by the teacher will be made up. 

Group Instruction 
There are no group classes being offered at this time. Subscribe to my mailing list to receive announcements about group classes and workshops. 

2019-2020 Guitar Lesson Info

• I will be available for lessons on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays between about 3:00 – 8:00pm beginning on Monday September 27.   

• Please contact me about scheduling first to make sure I have a convenient time for you in my schedule for you.   

• Online registration information AND payment are available starting on August 10 at https://www.athenscommunitymusic.org/registration.   

• The default package for lessons for fall semester is 14 half-hour lessons for $355. Additional options are available at the link above.   

• If you want to register for fewer than 14 lessons, please let me know so I can get you a correctly prorated fee.   

• Payment plans and need-based assistance is available. Do not be embarrassed to ask about these options!   

• I’m trying to keep this brief. You may have more questions. If so, feel free to contact me. I’m happy to help you!   

• Feel free to pass my web address on to anyone you know who may be interested in guitar instruction. 

My Music-Teaching Manifesto

1. Do all I can to inspire an enduring love of music-making.  

2. Provide a welcoming environment conducive to learning. Including a safe place to make mistakes.  

3. Teach students practice concepts so they can make progress without me.  

4. Give clear instructions, honest feedback, and documentation of progress.  

5. Encourage independent thinking. Students should develop their own musical personalities.  

6. Help students to build a repertoire of pieces for performance.  

7. Build confidence by finding students opportunities to perform or play with others.  

8. Understand each student’s motivation, goals, and style of learning.  

9. Keep it challenging but light. Students want to have fun as well as learn.  

10. Continually reevaluate old approaches and look for new ones. I have to keep learning, too.