Master Classes & Residencies

A MASTER CLASS is a private lesson with intent! Here you set the agenda. These classes tend to be longer  with a two hour minimum – 2 to 3 hours – and are more focused and intensive than your usual weekly lesson. The intent here is to give you dedicated intensive learning time where you get a lot of your questions answered in a short time. Or perhaps you have a specific technique or two you would like to learn. It’s up to you!
Perhaps you have a regular teacher but you want another viewpoint. Maybe you have seen me at a show, a video, or heard a recording and wonder, “How did he do that?” Maybe you don’t need or want a regular lesson or a limit on the time to cover your topic. This can be your chance to investigate the finer details of Old-Time music, musicality and style. Sometimes folks want to have me play so they can record and analyze MY playing while others have lots of questions about other musicians they have heard or seen. It could be focused work on a tune, a technique, or guidance on how to teach others, or getting your career started.
Rates start at $175 for the first 2 hours plus $70 for each additional hour of that session.
(3 hours is usually the maximum time of any one session. Max of 2 sessions in a day).

RESIDENCIES are yet another intensive learning experience. Residencies are at least a full day and can happen at my place or yours. You don’t have to wait for a camp or share time with hundreds of other students. Come for a day, or several days. OR have me at your place to work with you, your duo or perhaps your whole band. Create your OWN camp for you and your friends.

Home is in Tucson, AZ so you could even escape those cold winter months if you come down here then. Summers can be warm, but the A/C works fine and the spring and fall are beautiful too.

Rates start at $350 per day (plus expenses if I am coming to you). 
Group and multiple day rates are available by quote.
Contact me to set up your time and place!

Lesson Policies

Lesson Policies

Updated September, 2024

Lesson length

Lessons are approximately one hour long. During that time we review what you have done since the last lesson, critique what you are doing at the lesson, present the new material, and set up the next lesson.

Cost

Your first lesson will be $95 and are to be paid in advance. Ongoing lessons are currently $75 for (weekly/bi-weekly lessons) or $95 for “Drop in” style or as desired scheduling. Your first lesson is where we see how we best work together and start to lay out our plan. Rates are subject to change but your rate should remain the same as long as we are working together on a regular basis.

Scheduling

Most students take lessons weekly, but that is not required. Some folks prefer “same day and time each week”, others want to schedule as they are able.

At the beginning, I suggest at least a few weeks of weekly lessons, especially for beginners. We want to get your basics solid and “correct” (at least in the technical sense) and I find that with weekly sessions, if you happen to get something “wrong” we can correct it before you get set in a “bad habit”.

Payment and cancellations

My time can be flexible because I am a full-time musician. So instead of requiring that you pay for a full month at a time (show or no show) as most studios do, we can schedule week to week on an “as available” basis and is to be paid in advance.

When we schedule a lesson, I block out that time for you. You have reserved my time, which belongs to you, meaning I cannot schedule another student or any other activity during that time. You are paying for me to reserve that time whether or not you show up for it.

Now the hard part for me – if you miss your lesson you are still required to pay for the time you had reserved. Emergencies happen (yes, for both of us) so occasional “misses” can be made up or forgiven on a case by case basis. I do depend on the income from lessons, so please understand that repetitive cancellations can severely affect my ability to be available for you.

Payment options

Payment is to be made in advance of each lesson unless other arrangements have been made. You can use PayPal (do use send a payment to friend or family), Venmo or Zelle.

Scheduling options

We will schedule lessons as often as you like based upon when you and I are available. I still go on tour to perform, especially in the summer months, and you have times when you will not be available either. Keep in mind that Webcam lessons (Skype, Zoom, Facetime, Google Chat) are a very effective and productive alternative if we cannot meet in person.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you. I look forward to a long and musical relationship.