Lessons

• Exploratory. We try things. We think outside the box to find solutions to our challenges. We learn the limits of what we can do at any given moment.
• A commitment. We will work together to find a practice routine that fits your lifestyle. This means different things to different students – If you are a high school student who plays your instrument in band every day, your practice needs will be different from someone who is learning their instrument for the very first time. I can help you plan your practice accordingly.

• Customized to YOUR needs and musical goals. I am an experienced and professional musician, AND my path is very different from the paths of my peers. My job is to help you find your path to musical fulfillment. Goal setting is an important, collaborative part of this process.
• An investment in YOU. Music is such a holistic discipline. Even if your goal is not to become a professional musician, investing in your musical practice can reap incredible rewards. For example, through becoming a musician I have also developed confidence and become a more skilled collaborator. How can making music help you?

• One-size-fits-all. Everybody is different, and every day is different.
• High-pressure. Unless this is something you want and need, I have no interest in intimidating students into perfection. Motivation to create your own beautiful sound should come from within, and I am happy to encourage and help you find that.
• One-sided. The student and the teacher both have work to do. The better prepared you are for a lesson, the more exciting the lessons can potentially be. (You will always get suggestions on how to prepare.)

Location. I am based in Orcutt and travel to various Santa Maria locations to hold my lessons. For an additional fee, I can travel to Los Alamos, the Santa Ynez Valley, Nipomo, or the Five Cities (Arroyo Grande, Oceano, Pismo/Shell/Grover Beach).

Payment. I charge for the month’s worth of lessons at the beginning of the month. (For example, if your lessons are Thursday and there are 4 Thursdays this month, you will be asked for payment for all 4 lessons on the first Thursday.) I accept cash, check, Venmo or PayPal.

Attendance. If a student is going to miss a lesson, they must notify me at least 24 hours in advance. In this case, or if I need to miss, I will credit that lesson toward the next month. If a student does not notify me that they will miss a lesson, or notifies me less than 24 hours in advance, I will not credit for the missed lesson.

Materials. Students are responsible to pay for needed materials, such as method books or instrument supplies. I will suggest which method books are appropriate after getting to know the student’s strengths and goals. I utilize a notebook to keep track of assignments and practice strategies. I also suggest keeping a practice journal.