1. I LOVE teaching guitar. I’ve been doing it a long time. I began playing guitar professionally in nightclubs and bars before I had even finished high school. Since then I have never stopped playing in bands – some of them great, others not so. I’ve been a full-time musician, teaching and playing guitar almost my entire life. Ask other teachers about the extent of their experience.
2. I expect and get results and will motivate you by kicking your ass when necessary. A guitar will give back everything you put into it and more, but learning to play one does take some effort. It is NOT a quick-gratification thing. I will not allow you to waste our time and your money if you are not progressing because you are unable to commit to practicing your instrument.
3. I teach other guitar teachers!
4. Pretty much every musical thing that I own, including my instruments, pedals, amplifiers, books, magazines, CD’s, recording gear, etc., is within reach and available for my students to try or borrow.
5. Ten minute breaks between my lessons ensure that my students receive TRUE half-hour lessons. The time it takes to unpack, get tuned up and then pack up is not time taken away from the lesson (as it is with many teaching establishments where students are taught “back to back”).
6. I take careful notes of your progress and plan ahead for your lessons whenever possible. If you discontinue lessons, but return at a later date I will know exactly where we left off. I still have my teaching notes from the 1980’s!
7. I am very flexible with teaching times and only ask for 24 hours notice to cancel and reschedule lessons. I charge no registration fees, nor is there any cost to you for lesson materials.
8. I have an extensive music library which includes hundreds of books, personally created tablature (tab) transcriptions, high quality lesson handouts and summaries from my method book and recordings. My students jam along with a great sound system!
9. Former students of mine are now famous. Many others are very prominent in the Canadian music scene. I’m proud of that.
10. People that I taught years ago are now asking me to teach their children.
Remember: Some guitar teachers will just teach you how to play a few songs. A truly good instructor will be your guide and mentor – helping you learn the language you will need to explore and share in a world that only those who make the music truly understand.
