FAQ

Why can’t I find you on social media?

In early 2021, I finally decided that 13 years of Facebook was enough. What a waste of time. Then about a year ago I thought to myself, “Do I really need a LinkedIn account?” - LinkedIn is fine, but I don’t use it for anything. It’s nice to be able to look people up, but why is it a requirement? I’ve never opened an Instagram account, and don’t have any intention to join TikTok, so I communicate directly - in person, and via my website. I’ve uploaded a few YouTube videos over the years - not much, but if you’re interested in looking into it, you can find them at:

What kind of drums/guitar/keyboard do I need?

I help students/parents find instruments appropriate to their interests. I always suggest buying used equipment. Who looks at a Stradivarius and says “ no thanks - it’s used ” ? $250 - $500 will usually get you there. Of course, more gets you more, but a lot more doesn’t always get you a lot more.

What ages do you teach?

I don’t have a limit, however, with perhaps the exception of rare cases - which I haven’t seen - 7 years old is about the youngest I would recommend to start children with music lessons. If a child has an extraordinary interest in music, they might be able to start younger, but even then, their practice time at home will have to be supervised. Sure, many of the greatest musicians say they started playing their instrument at age 3-4, but they also universally say one or more of their parents were working musicians, meaning they essentially had a live-in tutor. Then you have masters like Wes Montgomery, who didn’t start playing until he was 19.

Is 30 minutes, 45, 60, best?

For kids under age 10, I generally recommend 30 minute lessons. From 10-15, usually +/- 45 minutes, depending on the student’s interest level. For all others, I recommend at least 45 minutes, and an hour is ideal. For all highly motivated students, having two lessons per week provides significant advantages.

How long does it take to get “good”?

If a beginning student puts in a solid hour of playing every day, they will feel like they “play the instrument” within six months or so. At a consistent half hour per day, a year. At 2-3 times a week for 20 minutes, 1-2 years. For students that prepare +/- once per week for 10-15 minutes, they will see little improvement within the first year, and successive years will yield diminishing returns. For students that get excited about it and want to play the instrument day and night - virtually anything is feasible. It’s like running - there’s only one way to do it. Irrespective of aptitude, the more a student works at it, the more they will achieve.