
What I Teach:
Having Fun Every Step of the Way!!
My Story
The most important part of being a musician is Joy. This joy can come in the form of a simple celebration of life, joy in the experience of creating beauty, or even from a deeper connection with the more difficult aspects of the human condition, as are represented in so many songs we all know and love.
As humans, we are neither robots nor computers. Reflecting on my own journey, and those of the countless musicians I have known in my life, I believe that joy is often overlooked, or assigned inadequate importance in the process of learning to be a musician. As someone whose introduction to musicianship was hindered by a less than ideal instructor, I am passionate and dedicated to instilling these vital lessons in beginning guitarists.
At the age of 12, I began taking guitar lessons. My first instructor told me that I would never be a good guitarist because my fingers were too short. Not the sort of thing a teacher should be saying, or even thinking. After letting my guitar collect dust for the next five years, hearing a friend shred his guitar brought me a renewed inspiration. I luckily picked it back up and never put it down. The cautionary tale of my own experience has a silver lining. The power a teacher holds, if wielded constructively, can be incredibly positive and inspiring. Any hurdle can be overcome, and joy is always attainable.
Having written songs and played the guitar for over 25 years, my musical journey has led me to stages and recording studios all over the country, from L.A. to Austin to Boston to Tampa. The genres I am most drawn to include folk, rock, and country. Personal favorites range anywhere from Dylan and Neil Young, to Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, to the Beatles and Pink Floyd. While these are my own primary influences, my love of music goes deep into many genres. If it stirs that feeling deep in the soul, the genre is irrelevant.
I offer online lessons as well as in-person lessons in Wilmington, NC to those of any age. (In-person lessons can be at my home studio or at your home, your choice!) Whether you’re just beginning, or continuing your musical journey, send me a message below so I can start helping you along on your journey. I look forward to meeting you :)