🎵 Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you teach?
I work with students of all ages, from children as young as 9 through adults. Lessons are personalized around each student’s experience, pace, interests, and musical goals.
Do I need my own instrument?
Yes. Having your own instrument is important so that you can practice between lessons.
If you are just getting started, I can recommend affordable beginner options for guitar, bass, drums, or piano. When arranged in advance, I may also be able to bring an extra guitar or bass to the first few lessons while you choose an instrument of your own.
Where do lessons take place?
I offer in-home lessons throughout Portland and surrounding cities, as well as online lessons for students who prefer to learn remotely.
In-home lesson availability depends on your location and my current teaching schedule.
What instruments and styles do you teach?
I teach guitar, bass, piano, drums, songwriting, and music theory. Styles include rock, pop, blues, folk, funk, jazz, and more.
I also teach beat making, music production, recording, mixing, and mastering for students interested in digital music creation.
How long are lessons?
Lessons are available in 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions.
Thirty-minute lessons can work well for younger beginners. Forty-five or 60-minute lessons provide more time for detailed instruction, guided practice, and work on multiple skills or projects.
How much do lessons cost, and when is payment due?
Lessons are scheduled and paid for in advance. You may choose weekly lessons or an every-other-week schedule.
Weekly lessons
Four lessons scheduled and paid for at a time
Every other week
Two lessons scheduled and paid for at a time
Payment is due at or before the first lesson in each group. All lesson dates in that group are scheduled in advance.
The per-lesson price is the same for either schedule. Weekly students book four lessons at a time, while every-other-week students book two lessons at a time.
Before the final lesson in the current group, we’ll confirm the next group of lesson dates. Payment for the next group is due at or before its first lesson.
Please visit the contact page with any questions or to begin scheduling lessons.
Do you offer a trial lesson?
I do not currently offer individual trial lessons, but I do offer a free consultation call for new students or parents.
The consultation gives us an opportunity to discuss musical interests, experience, goals, scheduling needs, and any questions you may have before booking lessons.
How often should I schedule lessons?
I recommend weekly lessons for most students because the consistency makes it easier to build skills and maintain steady progress.
Every-other-week lessons are also available for students who need a lighter schedule. This means one lesson every two weeks, with two lessons scheduled and paid for at a time.
Both options are subject to current scheduling availability.
Can parents sit in on lessons?
Absolutely. Parents are always welcome to observe lessons.
For students under 18, a parent or guardian must remain at home during an in-home lesson, and the lesson should take place in a shared or common area of the home.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson.
With at least 24 hours’ notice, we can arrange another available lesson time. Cancellations, rescheduling requests, or missed lessons with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged at the full rate and count as one of the prepaid lessons.
If I need to cancel a lesson, it will be rescheduled and will not count as completed until the replacement lesson takes place.