NOTE: I am not accepting new students at this time. However, you may still find the information on my "General Info" page helpful if you are thinking about learning guitar or piano.
I'm glad that you're interested in taking music lessons with me! Please read this entire packet. If you decide to register, please fill out the registration form, sign it, and return it to me.
This information is also available as a downloadable pdf (requires Adobe Reader for viewing).
I have a B.A. in music from UNM, with an emphasis in music theory and composition. I play piano, guitar, bass, and drums, and I also compose for orchestra. I have taught lab classes in music theory at UNM, where some of my students were piano teachers. Occasionally, I tutor other music teachers in college-level music theory (not an easy subject!).
At UNM I played in and lead the worship band for Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ). Since then, I have led music at various churches, taught private lessons, and established and directed the music program at The Crossroads Community Church in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. I have over 4 years experience teaching private lessons to students ages 5 through 50.
My music theory training is classical (which applies to a wide variety of other styles). My piano styles include classical, pop, rock, and some jazz. My guitar and drumming styles include acoustic rock, pop, and what you might call "praise & worship" music. I am acquainted with a wide variety of styles beyond these, including post-tonal/avant-garde music.
Perhaps you've heard the saying, "Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you'll feed him for a lifetime." This is my philosophy of teaching. I encourage and teach students to take an active approach to learning. Lessons are great, but if students do not pursue music on their own then even the greatest teacher will achieve, at best, mediocre results.
Some teachers teach strict sheet music reading, never allowing their students to play by ear. Others (less often) teach students by ear, with absolutely no concern for even basic musical literacy. I believe in balance. Playing by ear and being able to read music are both very important, and I will teach both.
Your first lesson is free, with no obligation to enroll! (Please note: I cannot reserve that same time slot until you have paid.) After that, tuition is $93 a month (plus tax). Sign up two or more siblings for lessons and get a reduced rate! $86 per sibling per month (plus tax). The first month will be prorated according to the time of the month in which you sign up, also taking into account the free lesson. Lessons are private (sorry, I can't give group lessons), occur weekly, and are a half-hour in length. Occasionally the calendar will give you a bonus lesson; that is, the fee does not increase if, for example, there are five Tuesdays in a month instead of the typical four. If the student desires two lessons per week (i.e. an hour long lesson, and/or a lesson on a different instrument), this can also be arranged. Please note that, given a choice, more practice will be more beneficial than a longer lesson.
Payment is due in advance at the first lesson of the month. Make checks out to Opus 1 Studios. Please ask for a receipt if I forget to give you one. Alternatively, you may pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card). A late fee may apply for each lesson given in good faith while payment is overdue.
If tuition seems a little pricey, let me help bring things into perspective. First, remember these are private lessons, which means the student receives 100% of my attention the entire lesson. Second, remember that running a business requires a considerable amount of unseen side-work, with a great deal of business expenses (much more than you think!). Third, I didn't get a 4.01 GPA studying music for nothing! Fourth, I have discovered over the years that by undervaluing lessons I have been able to attract a lot of students, but 80% of them practiced one day a week or less. I wasted a lot of my time investing in students who barely made any progress. I want students who want to learn their instrument, and placing an appropriate value on my time helps me find them. And lastly, there are many benefits that come back to you, such as bonus lessons (see above), recitals, practice rewards (see my practice guidelines handout), and so on. If you make the most of your lessons through regular attendance and practice, it will be well worth the money.
Generally, I do not give make-up lessons, except under unusually pressing circumstances. Managing the schedule, as it is, is enough work for just one person! No make-up lessons will be given for missed lessons if I am not informed at least 24 hours in advance with a reasonable excuse. If a student has too much homework or a big school project to work on, for example, he or she can choose not to come but will not receive a make-up. A "reasonable excuse" generally refers to serious illness, death in the family, or an emergency. I understand that not all emergencies happen in such a way that you can give me 24 hours advance notice, so do not be afraid to ask for a make-up lesson if you feel it is warranted. Please do not abuse my kindness, though; not all "emergencies" are really emergencies!
If the lesson is missed because I am ill or have an emergency of my own, I will of course allow a make-up lesson. Also, there will be no lessons on most federally-recognized holidays, so you may elect to receive a make-up (I will do my best to inform you of such holidays well in advance).
Make-up lessons must be used within two months of the canceled lesson, and I cannot guarantee a preferable time slot.
I reserve the right to cancel any and all lessons temporarily or permanently, for any reason, and will give a refund for unused lessons. This is only likely to happen in the event that I am hired for a project, such as writing music for a film, commercial, or a TV series, or I go out of town. Contracts such as these are temporary, lasting anywhere from one to twelve weeks (typically shorter). Should I cancel lessons temporarily, I will do my best to prepare students for effective practice during that time frame, and I will reserve original time slots upon resuming lessons.
You may withdraw at any time. However, no refund is available for any unused lessons, including make-ups, upon withdrawal. For the sake of simplicity it is therefore best to withdraw at the end of the month. I would greatly appreciate 30-days advance notice of your intention to withdraw (an optional courtesy) so that I can make arrangements to fill the slot.
Temporary withdrawal (i.e. if you are going on vacation) is available. However, if a student expects to miss more than two lessons in a row, I cannot guarantee the same slot will still be available upon return, though I will do my best to reserve it.
I teach from my house, where I have a full-sized keyboard with realistic piano feel, a sound system to plug into if you have an electric guitar, and a dry-erase board to teach from. My address is 7129 San Francisco Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. From Paseo Del Norte and Louisiana, go south on Louisiana past Mike's Car Wash and turn east on San Francisco Rd. My house is on the left (north) side of the street, just before the second speed bump. Look for a big blue butterfly on the house. Please do not park in the driveway, since my roommate needs to be able to get into and out of the garage.
I teach lessons in a large, unenclosed room that contains not only my studio but also the living room, kitchen, and dining area (just imagine one big room). Parents/guardians and other relatives are welcome to sit on the couches and read or talk quietly during the lessons; in fact, FOR LIABILITY PURPOSES, I ASK YOU TO REMAIN AT MY HOUSE DURING YOUR CHILD'S LESSON. I realize this means dealing with the noise--er, I mean beautiful sound!--that we will be making, however, it really is best that you stick around. If you wish to step out back momentarily, that is fine.
Please make it a habit to arrive in a timely fashion. It is not fair to everyone else if I have to push back lesson times because of a late arrival. When you arrive, there is no need to knock or ring the doorbell (assuming you come at your usual time!). Just go ahead and come in quietly, have a seat on one of the couches, and wait for me to finish up with my current student.
I try to maximize the amount of time spent teaching, and therefore can't carry on long conversations with parents during the normal lesson times. However, I don't want to give you the impression that I am cold and distant; I really love people! So if you have any concerns that need to be addressed, or you need to chat with me at length, then let me know and I'll try to find another time to meet with you at no extra charge.
There is always an initial "hump" to get over when first learning an instrument. It can sometimes feel overwhelming. I almost quit playing guitar when I first started learning--the strings really hurt your fingers at first! However, if you stick with it and make it past the initial hump, the learning process becomes much smoother and playing becomes extremely enjoyable (that's why they call it "playing"). Parents, be sure to encourage your child during this time. Students, don't get discouraged. Have patience and it will pay off big time! Everyone learns at a different pace, and you're never too old or too young to start!
Students must have an instrument! You can't expect to learn an instrument if the only time you ever play one is during the lesson itself. If you need information on selecting a good instrument, please visit General Info. Below is a list of specific requirements. Please wait until after your first lesson to purchase any books, as I may recommend one other than that listed below, based on my assessment of the student's capabilities.