My Approach to Teaching
Let's have fun discovering your musical voice together!
My practical and individualized method of teaching will have students playing their instruments with confidence and comprehension within their first month of lessons.
I help my students unlock their ability to conjure the magic of music. I believe in tailoring my approach to each individual and helping them explore the world of music at their own pace. Most of all, I believe in nurturing my students through fun and positivity. I hope that next student is you!
My love of music has been lifelong. From my earliest childhood memories to the present day, the soundtrack to my life has been an eclectic mix of artists and genres ranging from The Beatles, Motown, Led Zeppelin, The White Stripes and so many more. Each new musical discovery fostered my desire to play and create music that speaks to my heart. I hope to help my students do the same.
I have been playing guitar for over 30 years as well as producing, recording, and performing my original music. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance & Composition from the University of New Haven in 2009 and my Associate’s Degree in Audio Engineering from Santa Rosa Junior College in 2019.
I am active in the live music scene; performing and producing music regularly as a signed artist to Wilson Street Records.
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You can explore the indie folk/rock music I create on my website, my social media pages, or my Youtube Channel.
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And you can always feel free to come see a live performance as well.
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*While I can (and will) provide the tools necessary to play your instrument with knowhow and understanding, the time away from your lessons is vital to your success. Practicing between lessons, referring to notes, handouts, and staying consistent are the keys to capably playing your instrument.
The Path to Playing
Come Prepared With
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A guitar
- Need help? I’m happy to come out to a shop with you and help pick out a guitar that fits your budget!
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A tuner.
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A guitar pick.
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Alfred's Basic Guitar Method Book 1
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Staff Paper.
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While most of these required materials can be found on Amazon, I highly encourage you to shop local!
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Please consider purchasing your books and gear at:
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Amazing Grace Music (San Anselmo)
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Banana's At Large (San Rafael/Santa Rosa)
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Tall Toad Music (Petaluma)
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Learn The Fundamentals
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The basics of your instrument
(How to tune, how to hold your pick, naming each part of your instrument, etc.)
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How to strum.
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How to read music.
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Basic chords.
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Basic scales.
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Learn Music Theory
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What is Music Theory?
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What is a Key?
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How do you determine a Key?
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What chords belong in each Key?
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How do you build a scale within a Key?
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How do you build a chord progression within a Key?
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Learning Songs
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Pick songs that are meaningful to you and learn how to play them.
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Learn how to sing while you play.
Writing Songs
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Apply Music Theory to songwriting.
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Learn how to write vocal melodies.
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Learn to write lyrics.
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Live Performance
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Play in front of a live audience.
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Either alone or with my accompaniment. We will have you play in front of other musicians to showcase what you have learned!
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We will record your performance and review it together to discuss what to improve for future performances.