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Upcoming Guitar Lesson Programs:

• Winter Session 2007: Sept. 10, 2007 - Jan. 25, 2008
(2 weeks off for christmas)

• at my studio, $40/lesson

• Spring Session 2008: Feb. 4 - June 13, 2008
(1 week off for spring break)

• at my studio, $40/lesson

It is not imperative that you begin lessons at the beginning of a session term, you may begin lessons at any time (if I have an opening). There is no contract and no obligations. You are, however, expected to make up the lessons you miss. In addition, I will charge a $20 cancellation fee if I am given less than 24 hours notice for a lesson cancellation (unless you are sick).

Payment Information

• Payment can be made by the lesson or monthly, whichever you prefer.
• Fees are payable by cash or cheque.

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What ages do you teach?

Ages 9 and up.

Do you teach beginners?

Absolutely.

Do you teach group lessons?

No.

How long is each lesson?

About 50 minutes.

What styles of music do you teach?

I am comfortable teaching most permutations of rock, folk, blues, metal, punk, country as well as some "traditional" music styles. I teach some examples of classical and flamenco music, but I do not specialize in these styles. I teach improvisational lead guitar, rhythm guitar, fingerpicking, songwriter accompaniment styles, altered tunings, among other things. I also regularly work with students on singing and songwriting, if this is something that interests them.

What will the first lesson be like?

The first lesson will be really easy. We'll talk a bit about what you want to do and what music you like. I'll ask you about what sort of musical experiences you've had in the past, if any. Since there are so many different guitar techniques we could possibly learn and so many different styles of music to explore, I find it helpful to start with a list of 10 of your favourite songs. As a starting point this list of 10 songs can then help to inform me as to what techniques we should focus on.

I may also give you a warm-up exercise to start building up some calluses on your fingertips, and help build some strength and dexterity in your fingers.

What is your teaching philosophy?

First and foremost, I believe that students should play the music that they enjoy. This may sound obvious, but students constantly tell me about lessons that they have taken in the past where they have learned to play just about everything but what they were interested in playing. I suspect it was the music the guitar teacher liked, or whatever songs are in the latest Mel Bay Guitar Method book. As a student of mine, you will decide virtually all of the music that you will learn. Let’s face it, if you’re not playing the music you like, it’s not much fun to play.

I try and start with end in mind -- what is the music you would like to play? What techniques do you need to know to play this style of music? Once you are clear where you want to go I can help you get there. I'm totally happy to suggest music for you, but it's usually more meaningful to students when they decide what music they want to learn.

Do you teach a specific method?

I use examples from many different guitar methods in my day to day teaching to help address the different goals of different students. I do not have a set teaching program that all students follow. It all depends on what each individual student is trying to achieve. For example, some fingerpickers can really benefit from learning a few classical studies to sharpen up their fingering technique. If a student likes this idea, I might suggest some Mauro Giuliani classical studies to a struggling fingerpicking student. If, on the other hand, a student wants to play "punk rock", we might learn some songs from punk bands from the past as a stylistic exercise, concentrate on downstroke tremolo picking, power chords, and explore using dissonance, noise and feedback to enhance a songs impact.

Do you teach TAB or standard notation?

I teach both. If you are someone who wants to learn some songs by your favorite bands or songwriters for your own pleasure or to play in a band, I will suggest or provide an accurate transcription of the music for you in either TAB or standard notation. Most players find TAB easier. If you don't read music I can still show you how to play it, but if it's complex, it will take a lot longer.

If you are a very young student who has never read music before I may suggest we work through at least 1 or 2 standard notation reading guitar method books, although this is not a requirement in my guitar program. If you wish to go to school to study music in the future you will need to understand and confidently be able to sightread standard music notation. If that is your wish, we should work on it.

My approach is quite flexible and totally customized to you or your child's interests.

Are you just looking to learn some songs for around the campfire or do you have professional aspirations? Do you want to write songs? Are you working towards your first live performance and need some help? Are you a professional already but want to improve your technique or work on your songs for an upcoming tour or recording session? It’s up to you. For each goal there is a different curriculum.


Do I have to learn to read music?

No you do not. There are countless outstanding guitarists who do not read music. I can work with you on specific techniques, warm-ups, or scales, modes, arpeggios and chords using only diagrams and "playing by ear".

What qualifies you to teach music?

I have a great deal of experience both playing and teaching music. I have been an active professional musician since 1982 and have been teaching guitar since 1992. I have been playing music for virtually my entire life beginning with singing songs with my mother on the piano bench as a toddler and studying classical piano starting at age 6 with Edmonton church organist Hugh Bancroft. Those early days were followed with a series of musical experiences including singing in the school choir, playing alto and tenor saxophone while in junior high, more piano lessons, classical guitar lessons, guitar lessons at Alberta College and plenty of days and nights listening to the radio. By the time I was 20 I was making records and on the road with a band.

Since that time I have gathered many pertinent experiences in the recording studio and concert stage and had the privelege of teaching many guitar students. I have taught in a few different contexts starting with guitar workshops for schools, at a guitar store ("Acoustic Music Shop" in Edmonton between 2002 and 2005) as well as private lessons. I also taught visually impaired students for The Brail Tone Music Society (in Edmonton) from 2001 until 2007.

Do you like teaching?

Very much.