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FAQ

Frequently

Asked

Questions

Hammers and Keys
  • 11. What is your teaching approach / philosophy?
    I believe in the power of inspiration. My mission is to help my students develop a lifelong passion and love for music. It works only, if I teach them music they like and are excited about. That will keep them motivated and help them do the necessary practice and work to become better at their craft. Also, I'm a very patient and passionate teacher. You will never be rushed or made feel bad about making mistakes. I will be with you at every step and I will be your biggest supporter! I make my students believe in themselves and they often surpass their (and my) wildest expectations.
  • 09. What are your payment and cancellation policies?
    1. Lessons need to be prepaid monthly on the first day of each month. I require two weeks of notice before the end of the month in case of discontinuing lessons. 2. Single sessions need to be paid upfront after an initial free consultation. 3. All lessons are scheduled based on the calendar month and need to be paid in full. Refunds can not be requested for missed classes. In case of cancellations, reasonable efforts will be made to reschedule (or make up the missed time with longer classes) but make-up lessons are subject to teacher's availability. This rule applies to pre-arranged absences as well. Lessons are not scheduled (not charged) for teacher's vacation and the Christmas break and they are optional on public holidays. Lessons do not stop in the summer break, but I allow an opt-out of 4 lessons (2 lessons for bi-weekly students) without payment if rescheduling is not possible. 4. In case of teacher's cancellation, I offer to reschedule or I give a full refund for the missed class, based on client's preference and availability.
  • 10. Can I contact you directly?
    You can contact me directly via email, text or phone.
  • 02. What are the technical requirements for these lessons?
    Classes take place via the meeting platform Zoom. You will need a free Zoom account, proper internet connection, either a computer (laptop) or a tablet (or large screen cell phone). Your main device's screen has to be big enough to display my setup properly for you. Most devices' built-in speakers are sufficient for the lessons, but headphones or additional speakers are always welcome. (note: If your computer doesn't have a built-in camera or microphone, you will need to connect those as external devices) For piano classes, it's recommended to connect with two devices to the meeting. One of them can be used as a camera showing your hands and the keys, while your main device is for displaying the class for you. (If you have only one device, that's completely fine too.) For music production classes, there are certain equipments and software that are needed beyond the regular requirements: proper computer for audio work, DAW software (Logic Pro preferred), studio monitors or studio headphones, MIDI controller / keyboard, audio interface. I can help with more details regarding Zoom settings and other technical requirements during our free consultation.
  • 06. How can I book a lesson?
    Please fill out the form at the Contact page. I will review your answers and will get back to you. If I have availability at your requested times, we will book a free Zoom consultation where we can discuss all details, including your musical goals and technical setup. (Note: If you don't hear back from me, please check your spam folder!)
  • 14. How do you teach music production?
    Music production means different things and techniques in different genres. I teach producing music in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) using mostly software instruments combined with occasional live vocals and live instruments. The process is understanding both the technical and musical layers of the songs and genres you are interested in. We will analyze and replicate songs to the smallest details. It includes musical analysis, sound design, mixing and recording techniques. Besides all that, we will constantly work on your songs and music and will make them as good as they can be.
  • 17. Can you tell more about your mentoring and coaching sessions?
    These sessions are career coaching sessions with a big focus on your music. We discuss specific challenges that music professionals and artists face every day, but we also analyze your craft in detail. We set up goals to find the best way for you to move forward. A path that is doable and fits your goals, life and circumstances. We cover areas like networking, finding gigs, finding work and clients, finding your niche, sound and style, finding professionals for your projects, starting a band, work-life balance, time management, preparing for a recording session, charging our worth... And basically anything that is related to your situation...
  • 07. Do I have to commit to weekly lessons?
    Most clients sign up for weekly lessons, but I offer bi-weekly lessons and single sessions too, depending on my availability. I offer a FREE TRIAL LESSON if you consider signing up for weekly or bi-weekly lessons.
  • 13. How do you teach jazz?
    Jazz is one of the most misunderstood genres based on how most people try to approach it and learn it. Jazz is not math, even if it seems like that at first. Playing jazz is basically composition. Real time composition. And like any kind of composition, it needs ideas, creativity and a wide knowledge of the genre itself. While knowing music theory and jazz theory is important, most people miss the main thing, which is listening to a lot of jazz and learning to play what jazz musicians actually play in a real musical context. I teach jazz the way how I learned it, and how I became a professional jazz player. I can show you the real path that works and brings results.
  • 01. Are online music classes effective?
    With the help of current technology, online music classes can be as effective as in-person classes, and there are even more features that are easier to handle in an online setup. Listening to music, watching and analyzing musical performances, creating professional sheet music during the class, they are all just a click away. Screen sharing and the use of cameras can give you the same experience like the teacher was sitting next to you.
  • 16. How do you teach songwriting?
    Songwriting is one of the most personal ways of musical expression because it involves sharing our thoughts and message in the form of lyrics and melodies. It's also very similar to composition in terms of arranging our creative ideas into a cohesive musical piece. The main difference lays in the form, which is usually more consistent and follows more regularities. We will analyze every aspect of your songs (lyrics, melody, chords, rhythms, groove) and will compare them with professional references to look for areas of improvement. We will spend a good amount of time on experimenting with little changes in the lyrics, chords and rhythm, so we can create the best flow possible. We may also get into the realm of music production to find a final form for your songs.
  • 05. Do you offer a trial lesson?
    Yes, I offer a FREE TRIAL LESSON for new clients who consider signing up for weekly or bi-weekly lessons. I expect a decision to be made in 24 hours after the lesson took place.
  • 12. What is your approach with advanced and professional clients?
    Regardless of field or genre, I help my clients find their own uniqueness, their own genuine voice, sound and style. All successful artists and music professionals have one common trait: They dare to be themselves, and they do so unapologetically. People react to music that is genuine and comes from the heart. If you can achieve that, you will find your audience. Besides developing this important mindset, we clarify goals and meticulously identify areas that need work and improvement.
  • 15. How do you teach music composition?
    Music composition is all about how our musical ideas get into a form of a cohesive musical piece / song. Besides understanding the underlying musical and technical aspects, creativity and balance play a major role in why a musical piece is perceived as good or enjoyable. We will analyze your compositions and will compare them with similar professional references to look for ideas and possible areas of improvement. Depending on the genre, we may get into the realm of music production, especially if you are interested in scoring and film music.
  • 03. Why to learn from a teacher when there are free materials on the internet?
    While there are many useful teaching materials on the internet, learning from a professional who is focused on helping you at your current level comes with benefits that no app, youtube video or online course can compete with. Playing (and making) music has so many layers and details, that very few people are able to learn music effectively on their own. The most important part of working with a teacher is instant personalized feedback that prevents students from practicing something wrong and developing bad habits. Also, students have the option to ask specific questions and get answers right away. There is a clever saying: "You don't know what you don't know..." Students often don't notice if they play something wrong or there is a better way to do something. Like the feel of their playing, timing, accents, dynamics, incorrect notes and rhythms and so many other details... Regardless of what musical field they are involved in, professional feedback is invaluable for saving time and being on the right track.
  • 08. What are your rates?
    FREE TRIAL LESSON* (*If considering weekly or bi-weekly lessons) CLIENTS WITHIN CANADA: (*after 3 months, regular $45 CAD /half an hour rate applies) CLIENTS OUTSIDE OF CANADA: Canadian rates plus: 1. International transaction & conversion fees. 2. VAT may apply in certain countries
  • 04. Do you teach kids and beginners? You seem overqualified.
    Yes, I teach students of all age groups and skill levels. I have taught hundreds of kids and adult beginners throughout my career. There is no such thing as an overqualified music teacher. Let me ask you a question. If you need to see a doctor, would you choose one who has decades of experience and expertise or would you choose one who is still a student or just recently graduated? I think the answer is obvious. It's the same with music. The more experienced the teacher, the better for the student, at any skill levels. It's a misconception that it's okay to have a less experienced music teacher for beginners. It's quite the opposite. Just like in sports, good foundations are crucial. I'm also a multi-genre player with 25 years of professional career as an internationally touring musician. My background gives me a unique perspective that most music teachers don't have, and all that experience affects the way I teach, even when I teach beginners. The only requirement for children is to be old enough to focus on a screen and follow instructions. In general, I would recommend starting online classes at age of 7-8, but every child is unique and different. Some may be able to start sooner, and a little help from parents can be useful at the beginning, so they can get used to learning from someone who is not there physically. One of my other specialties is helping adults to discover their musical talent and the joy of playing music. It's never too late to start!
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