My Lesson Program
Lessons are 30 minutes, once per week. When you sign up for a time that is your time every week. If you need a different time, let me know and I will do my best to find a time that will work with your schedule. If will need to miss a lesson, let me know in advance and I will try to find a time for you to make up that lesson. I will also schedule make up lessons for cancellations due to severe weather.

I teach lessons all year round and maintain my schedule throughout the summer. Most of my students study through the summer. On occasion I have some students that choose to take the summer off, as well as some that study during the summer months only.

I teach from my home studio in Vinton on Monday. I teach at West Music in Marion on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I do not teach on weekends because it is difficult to have consistency in attendance. There are rare occasions when I teach on Saturdays for make up lessons.

Guitar Lessons
My approach to teaching guitar and bass is different than other teachers. My goal is to teach my students to be well rounded musicians that will succeed in any musical situation. Students start by learning basic chords and how to follow a lead sheet. Various strum and finger picking patterns are introduced. Once these techniques are mastered, we move on to more advanced chord forms. At this time I start students on reading standard music notation. As a supplement I help students learn songs of their own choosing to reinforce the chords. I also recreate the “jam session” feel I learned so much from at an early age by having my students play along to songs they have never heard before. Finally, the advanced reading book I use is extremely challenging. After completing this text the student should be able to handle any piece of music they encounter.

Saxophone Lessons
My saxophone students will learn proper technique whether they are beginners or experienced players. I focus on proper tone production, accurate intonation, and consistent rhythm; as well as musicianship. Advanced students have the option to study jazz reading and improvisation. I also help students prepare for auditions, contests, and concerts.