Frequently Asked Questions

What are lessons like with me?

My lessons are driven by learning the music that inspired you to pick up the instrument. While they can be helpful, I don’t believe in assigning endless busy-work exercises. For beginners, I like to incorporate a small portion of our lesson time with a method book. I find it provides the student a musical “life raft” to swim back to since the early stages contain huge waves of information (musical and physical). Establishing a basic understanding of music notation removes a ton of mystique from the music that brought you here. My goal is for you to leave each lesson with an achievable process on how to work on the material. After all, there’s at least 6 days and 23 hours each week where we’re not together!

For experienced players, there’s more room for how we approach our lessons. Depending on your goals, we can have a more flexible or rigid approach. Ultimately, you’ll be driving the bus! I am not bound by a strict teaching curriculum.

Letting the music guide our progression with the ability to know how to learn things will help avoid musical stagnation (a.k.a “I don’t know how/what to practice”). Our playing is a reflection of our practicing; musical practicing leads to musical playing!

What experience do I have?

I’ve played in pretty much every genre and sized stage you can think of. I’ve taken big, loud solos on a major country music festival stage and I’ve also played intimate solo guitar for a wedding ceremony. I’ve performed with rock bands, jazz bands, country bands, pit orchestras, concert bands (I also played trombone prior to focusing on guitar), Top 40 bands, and chamber groups.

Need help with your honor band or college audition? I’ve done both successfully on guitar and trombone. Overwhelmed with the AP Music Theory curriculum? I have the tools and practical application to help you crush the test.

My love for all types of music has given me a wide range of skills and experiences I bring into my teaching style. I’m not going to waste your time and assign you something that doesn’t directly align with your goals. We have limited time in our lives and it should be spent doing the things we love!

Can I join as a complete beginner?

Yes! It is not necessary to have prior experience before starting lessons with me. All you need to do is show up with a good attitude, strong work ethic, and an open mind.

Should I start on acoustic or electric?

If you already have an instrument, use it! If you’re starting from scratch, I suggest electric. Why? It’ll be easier to play. Guitar can be a challenge to play in the beginning, due to the lack of calluses on your fingers and the unique shapes you probably have never made. Electrics have much thinner strings than an acoustic, so playing will be a lot easier. Easier instrument to play = more fun! I’m sure you’ve encountered a guitar with the strings so high you can stick your hand underneath them. Terrible! We don’t want our instrument to get in the way of playing.

Do I need to learn music theory/read music?

Nope! It is not necessary. But, being open to learning even a basic level will make your life way easier. Learning a little bit will make you go, “Oh! It’s just that?” Music doesn’t have to be mysterious!

Is it hard to learn guitar as an adult?

It doesn’t have to be! The trick is balancing your busy schedule with the right practice regimen to allow your best chance of weekly progress. I’m not going to program a 2 hour daily practice routine to a parent with a full-time job. It’s important to have a realistic expectation on how much time you can regularly dedicate to practicing. Longevity is key! Progress will come from stacking small wins over a long period of time.

How often should I practice?

Depends on your life schedule and goals. For a busy professional, 20-30 minutes/3-4 days a week might be the most you can guarantee each week. For another, 1-2 hours/5 days a week is non-negotiable. Establishing an achievable weekly goal is key. If you can do more, then great!

Wow! I really want to take lessons with you. What do I do now?

Great choice! It’s so easy. Click the button below or go to the “Contact” tab to schedule your FREE consultation. I’m looking forward to meeting you!