I am now taking a few new students for the fall season! I am planning on being back in Tucson by early August am beginning to schedule autumn lessons both in person and by webcam.
Drop me an email or text so we can get started.
Please also remember to read my lesson policies below.
Private Sessions
Lessons are available worldwide via live by webcam with Skype, Facetime or your choice of video call program.
Whether you are starting out From Scratch, or getting ready to take your show on the road! I can help you become a better musician and Play Nice!
Nothing beats taking time that is all about you and your musical goals. Private lessons are were we get to sit one on one and take you from where you are to where you want to be both musically and technically on your instrument. That’s right. It’s just you, me, and your instrument. We will be working together to tailor your lessons to build upon your current skill level.
Technique and tunes, both.
Our first lesson together will assess where you are, your level of skill on your instrument, understanding of music, who and what you have listened to, who/what you like and don’t like, and where you might see yourself in 6 months, a year and beyond.
The typical lesson is about an hour in length, which gives us time to work on your technique and take a detailed look at what you are doing, WHY you are doing it and where we go next. We discover what is standing in the way of your advancement as well as what is already working.
An hour also gives us enough time make sure you know what to work on until your next lesson. Rates currently start at $75 per hour.
CONTACT DAN AT [email protected] TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST LESSON
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 $160 for the first 2 hours plus $60 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 $300 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 June, 2023
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
Lessons are currently $75. 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.
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 cancelations 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.
Contact Dan
