Lessons are expensive - are your rates flexible? - I'm afraid not. I truly believe that absolutely everyone deserves to afford a good music education. However, teaching is also how I make a living, and is therefore, my business. After years of scattered pricing and lots of creative bookkeeping, I have settled on a system that serves both the means of my clients and my personal sustainability. 

What form of payment are accepted?  - Please see my rates page for all information regarding lesson payment. 

How do I know my skill level? - Good question. We are all beginners at something! In my book, it really doesn't matter. We will spend a good part of our first lesson determining "where you're at," where you'd like to go, and what we can do to get you there. 

Do I have to own the instrument? - Yes, absolutely. And it should be of a decent quality, too. Practice between lessons will fuel at least 75% of your progress. Playing an instrument once a week on which you'd like to progress will not work very well for you. We will talk a lot about practice techniques together during our lessons to make sure you have the guidance you need to work on your own. 

What do I need, besides my instrument, to learn? - Unless you have been pursuing your instrument for a while already, chances are there are a few small accessories you'll need to buy. Tuners, humidifiers, and straps for guitarists. Metronomes for everyone (yes, you). I also recommend certain books for different instruments. Basic supplies such as a ruled notebook, binder, or folder are also very useful. We will discuss necessary supplies at our first meeting, or more likely, prior via email.

How often should I / my child practice? - While it isn't always realistic to practice daily (life gets busy, other tasks take precedent), sitting down at your instrument at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes is a good starting point. It is more useful to practice for 10 minutes, 4 times during a busy week, than it is to practice for 40 minutes right before a lesson. Kids will be given a "practice sheet," where they may track their practice sessions during the week in exchange for stickers. 

What do I need to bring to a studio lesson?  - If you have not paid online or in advance, please bring payment at the discussed rate. I also recommend a notebook or folder for your personal use. If you have started lessons using a particular book or other resources in the past, taking a look at these materials is very helpful for beginning our lessons together. I have many guitars and a piano at hand in my studio, so unless there is an instrument of your own you very much want with you, I've got you covered!

Do I get to choose what songs/pieces we work on? - Sure! This is YOUR lesson, and we will work on whatever you like as long as I feel that it fits in realistically with our current goals.

What form of payment are accepted?  - Please see my rates page for all information regarding lesson payment. 

How often do you recommend having a lesson?  - I usually recommend every week for those looking to really make progress quickly. Younger students do well with a weekly lesson, as it becomes a reliable part of their schedule. Every-other week is an option for those with less time. 

I need to reschedule! What now?  - Life happens. There WILL be times when you need to cancel a lesson, and there will occasionally be times when I'll need to reschedule as well. Cancellations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis - students should be aware that they may be asked to pay for a lesson they cannot attend at the last minute (think less than 24-hours notice), and WILL be asked to pay for no-shows (day-of cancellations or straight-out missing the lesson). My advice is to cancel the day before, if you are unsure about your availability.  Much appreciated!

What instruments do you have at your studio?  - several acoustic and electric guitars, two small guitar amps, one large bass amp, a full-sized Casio keyboard, an old 5-string banjo, and more. They are out populated only by my houseplants. 

Where can I see you play?  - Aw, shucks! Please see both my artist website as well as that of my band Bellehouse.  Be sure to let me know if you are performing as well, so I can come support you in person!

How long have you been playing? - I was lucky to grow up in a really musical household and have been playing something and reading music since I can remember! I've been seriously singing and playing guitar since 2003, and writing songs since about 2007.

Do you still take lessons too? - YES! I absolutely LOVE being a student, and will continue lessons as long as I can afford it. Bit of a lesson nerd, you might say.