HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR TEACHING SERVICES?

30 minute lessons = $25
45 minute lesson = $35
1 hour lesson= $45

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WHERE DO YOU TEACH?

I teach in St.Catharines (Martindale Rd) and Ridgeway/Fort Erie (Young Avenue)

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WHAT METHOD OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

I accept cash, cheque, and e-transfer.

 

WHAT AGES DO YOU TEACH?

I teach children as young as 7 years of age through to teenagers, adults, and retiree's looking for a new hobby.

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DO YOU TEACH COMBINED/GROUP LESSONS?  ​

No. I only teach one on one lessons. In my experience combined lessons never work because everyone progresses at different rates. I sometimes get asked if I would teach an adult and their  son/daughter together. The problem is that I teach adults and children different material i.e for adults I teach chords for playing songs (which is too difficult for children) and kids I focus on reading notation and, to begin with, simple single line melodies like 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' (which most adults would not want to learn). Parents are welcome to sit in during the lessons and observe but not take part.

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CAN I JUST HAVE THE OCCASIONAL LESSON?  ​

Students have to commit to weekly lessons. If the student is an adult who works different shifts and therefore can't commit to weekly lessons then they will have a 1hr lesson bi-weekly.

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WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO LESSONS? ​

Just a guitar! Either acoustic or electric. No need to buy books because I provide all the material. All you need to do is buy a folder to keep all the music together.
 

WHAT GUITAR SHOULD I BUY? ​

If you're a parent buying a guitar for for your son/daughter aged between 7-11 then a 3/4 size acoustic guitar is best. Don't buy a 1/2 size guitar! these guitars are more like toys!! For a teenager and adult it all depends on what style of music you want to play. If you're a big fan of Hendrix, Clapton, and Page then you need an electric guitar. You like by Dylan, Paul Simon, Cash, James Taylor then buy an acoustic. If you want to learn classical music then buy a classical guitar.

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HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND ON A GUITAR? ​

No one wants to spend a lot of money on a guitar if you're not 100% sure if you or your child will stick with it. I do understand this but you have to remember that it is an investment. Spend too little and you're getting junk that will be horrible to play. The better the quality the guitar the easier and more enjoyable it is to play. If you find that after a few months the guitar is not for you then sell it and get 1/2 to 3/4 of your money back. These are the minimum prices that I recommend: 3/4 Size Acoustic $120+, Electric $200+, Acoustic $180+, Classical $170+. Too much money? You don't have to buy new. You can find a used guitar on websites like Kijiji. But use common sense when buying a used guitar. If possible find out the price of the guitar new. You can do this with a simple google search. Look at the condition of the guitar. Are the strings black and rusty? Any damage such as chips and cracks? With an acoustic guitar do not buy if there is a visible crack or the neck and/or bridge is starting to lift off the guitar. Depending on the condition the guitar should be priced approximately half the price as a new one. Remember if you try guitar lessons for a few months and it's not for you then you can sell the guitar and get some of your money back.

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HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO PLAY THE GUITAR? ​

That's a tough one to answer! It depends on what level you want to achieve on the guitar. But most importantly, as I say to all my students, it's the three P's. PRACTICE! PATIENTS! PERSEVERANCE! It doesn't happen over night. It will take commitment and dedication. But the rewards are there and they last a life time. I can guarantee that!

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WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?​

I have a Master's Degree in Music and a BA (hons) Degree in Music from Canterbury Christ Church University, England.

 

DO YOU TEACH THE RCM GRADED EXAMINATION SYSTEM?

Yes. I am a RCM teacher. Therefore students who are interested in playing the classical guitar and wanting to take the Royal Conservatory of Music graded examination system I can prepare them for that.

 

WHAT STYLES OF MUSIC DO YOU TEACH?

All styles. I specialize in areas that interest me i.e. finger-style guitar, classical, jazz, rock, blues, and fusion. However, when teaching, performing, and composing music for TV has been your full-time profession for over 20 years you learn to be versatile, wear many hats, and therefore teach, perform, and record all genres.

 

WHAT DO GUITAR LESSONS INCLUDE?

Guitar lessons will get you playing your favorite songs ASAP but also includes:

• Music reading (standard notation & tablature)

• Music theory

• Chords

• Rhythm playing

• Lead playing

• Improvisation

• Scales and arpeggios

• Playing bu ear

• Correct technique and posture

• Compositional ideas

• RCM preparation

• College/University preparation.

• Advice on guitar maintenance and repair

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BUT WHY CAN’T I LEARN EVERYTHING ONLINE?

You Tube videos are a great resource for learning the guitar…But not a substitute! A good teacher can help you in many ways, including the following:

 

• Watch your technique for signs of problems

• Help you to avoid learning bad habits

• Answer any questions you have

• Help you pick songs to play that fit your level

• Give you exercises for the specific challenges you’re facing

• Help you understand the guitar and music and how it all fits together

• Give you an opportunity to play and talk with an experienced musician every week

• Every student is different in ability and agility. Therefore a good to teacher will plan lessons to that individual

• And finally, to encourage and motivate you to keep going

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