My philosophy of teaching, I think, is pretty unique for a private instructor. For me, as much as lessons are about learning the instrument, they're also about shaping attitudes and passions, and teaching kids about life.

Each student's curriculum will be individualized to fit his or her abilities, interests, and age (I have taught students as young as 7 and as old as 57). However, students with no experience will begin with "the basics," from ground zero. Here's just a snapshot of some of the topics we'll be covering, as your skill level increases:

Beginner

• Learn popular songs
• Foundational chords
• Open position note reading
• Scales
• Beginning music theory

Intermediate

• Rock-style soloing
• Advanced chord inversions
• Advanced scales
• Sight-reading
• Classical-style finger picking
• Ear training
• Classical repertoire development

Advanced

• Jazz improvisation
• Chord melodies
• Jazz harmony and scales
• Sight-reading
• Jazz repertoire development