Private Lessons with Troy

I teach intermediate and advanced players; usually those familiar with my methods and in need of specialized answers and specific guidance to advance further and reach mastery. I don't take on absolute beginners. There are several reasons for this: First, the online video format isn't as effective for beginners because they need more direct correction and that's easier when you are physically in the same room with the teacher; 2) Video format doesn't enable the teacher and student to play together in the same groove, and beginners need that, too;  3) There are teachers that can get you started at lower cost; and 4) From the teacher's perspective, it's repetitive and I'm not too keen on that. I enjoy solving problems and helping people reach higher goals. So more advanced lessons play to my strengths and expertise.

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If you are interested in private lessons, email me a bit of background information first, so I have an idea of your specific situation and your goals. This will enable me to plan a lesson strategy without wasting valuable lesson time. We will arrange an initial session--usually an hour, or longer if you like. My goal is your ultimate self sufficiency, so if I can answer all your questions and provide the needed guidance in that one session, we are done. On the other hand, if continued sessions are appropriate, that is fine, too. I generally prefer to do a one hour lesson, once per month, and then provide you enough materials to work on until the next lesson. But I'm flexible to arrange what best suits your needs.

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Lesson Rate and Scheduling  

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My rate is $120 per hour, which, I understand. is roughly double the standard lesson rate. But my lessons are worth twice as much, so there!

 

Seriously though, if rate is your primary concern, I may not be the teacher for you. However, consider that my wider and deeper playing and teaching experience enables better and faster results, leaping over plateaus and avoiding limitations. Instead of just focusing on the cost per hour, what about the amount of time you'll be spending on practice? How much is that time worth? How much can be saved by more effective practice and better results? In the end, working with me actually costs about the same anyway. That is, a single 1 hour lesson per month followed by directed, self study materials with me, or four weekly half-hour lessons at $30 each (industry standard), both come out about the same. I'm all about efficiency and effectiveness.

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My times are flexible. We will arrange lessons on an individual basis. I will send you a Paypal invoice after we schedule the lesson. Payment is expected before the lesson time. If you need to reschedule your lesson, that's fine. Things come up. No problem. We will also always confirm the lesson by email or text the day before. If I don't receive confirmation, we will reschedule the lesson.

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To Request Your First Lesson 

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Email me from the Contact Page. Select "Interested in Lessons" in the dropdown menu and give me a little background about yourself. You don't have to write an essay (unless you want to), but I would like to know where you've been and where you want to go, so I can figure out ahead of time how to best get you there, without taking time out of the lesson. Here are some sample questions you can answer for me:

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• How long have you've been playing?

• What are your musical interests?

• What methods you have worked through (mine or others) and what you are now using, if any.

• Are you playing in a band?

• Do you play any other instruments? 

• What are your strengths and weaknesses as a guitarist?

• What are your current goals or aspirations as a musician?

• What do you hope to accomplish through the session(s) with me?

• And please include a video link or two to yourself playing live, if possible.

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I look forward to hearing from you, and all the best with your playing and your music!

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          --Troy