Thank you for visiting my music lessons page on the web !!!

    Growing up in southwest Virginia, I spent many hours listening to Earl Scruggs and others play the 5 string banjo. Sometime around 1972, I decided that I wanted to try and do the same. By the mid 70’s I was playing in several local bluegrass bands and loving every minute. I even incorporated my banjo picking as a professional musician during the 1980’s. I have taught the “Scruggs style” picking for over 30 years and I am delighted to meet people who wish to learn bluegrass banjo. The right hand technique , along with an understanding of how the melody fits inside the “rolls” is a key element that makes this style of playing so unique. I hear folks say “I could never do that . . .” but you will never know until you try. I can help you learn to play ‘Cripple Creek’ before the Wabash Cannonball pulls into the next station.

    I often say that my saxophone got the education, but my guitar has brought home more groceries. I have enjoyed playing guitar in various genres, and many venues across the country.  Basic knowledge and a basic set of techniques on guitar can unleash a musical joy that will transfer to almost any style of music you wish. I can get you on the road to everything from flat picking bluegrass to the traditional twang of good country music. If you prefer classic rock and roll, or just solid chord progressions for the songs you are writing, we can customize your guitar lessons to fit your goals. We can study music theory (even a little theory will make you a better musician) or we will limit that to the basics.  It’s all up to you. I will teach musical notation, or the Nashville number system, or both !  You name it.  Playing guitar has brought me countless hours of joy and peace. I would love to pass that along to you !

    I joined school band my fifth grade year in elementary school. That was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I learned to play the sax, and I enjoyed being in band all the way through school. I eventually played in college with saxophone as my major instrument, going on into the field of music education. As a band director I know the joy, and sometimes frustration of learning a wind instrument. If you want to begin, or improve your playing please consider contacting me for private lessons on saxophone, flute, or clarinet. I will teach and guide you as you learn at your own pace with each lesson crafted to fit your needs.

private music lessons

    The Ukulele is simply one of the most fun and easy instruments of all !  This is a great choice for young, and not so young.  This is becoming one of the most popular classes I offer. Uke groups are popping up everywhere, and you can pick up a good ukulele without breaking the bank.  If you like to sing, or strum a happy tune, I can help !

The first instrument ever placed in my hands was Dad's old fiddle.  You might say that was the very beginning of my journey in music, and believe me when I say the journey is not over. If this pings your curiosity then how about a "fiddle" lesson ? I will admit, if you are looking for classical violin, my lessons may not be your best choice. However, I can get you started with proper technique, note reading, and you can go as far as you like. If you just want to play some good fiddle tunes from the mountains of my old home then I can fill the bill.

Sometimes, a band is not a band without a bass player. If you would like to learn the basics and be the solid musical foundation that your band needs, I can help. Just contact me for a lesson.