1906 N 15th St Unit B, Bismarck ND, 58501
Instruments:Composition, Ear Training, Electric Bass, Guitar, Ukelele
Styles:Jazz, Folk – Country – Bluegrass, Rock – Alternative, Blues, Kids, World, Electronic, Other
Levels:Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Experience:16 years
Rate:$40 / hr
Personal Statement
I have over twelve years professional experience in private instruction and performance. I started giving bass lessons while attending the University of Mary in 1995. While attending school, I operated a private teaching studio and performed with such groups as Mother Blues and the Mojo Band, Joe Friday, Nu-Voyce, Dennis Connelly Quartet, and the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra.
After graduating with a degree in instrumental music education, I have been active in the Midwest as a performer, composer, arranger, studio musician, and educator. In the Chicago area, I performed with Joe Rockhead and jazz guitarist Hunter Prendergast. I also worked as a studio musician at The Barn in Long Grove, IL, and taught music lessons at About Music in Libertyville, IL.
I moved back to Bismarck in 2001 and completed state teacher certification (license #58144). I perform regularly with local groups such as Choice of Potato and Fully Loaded as well as regional groups like the Great Plains Jazz Society. I was a featured soloist at the 2003 University of Mary Jazz Festival. I am currently accepting guitar and bass students at my private studio and spend a good deal of my time contributing to FinaleGuitar.com, an online guitar and bass method. I work during the week as a substitute teacher for the Bismarck Public School District and I recently passed an exam (the first of many) and became a Microsoft Certified Professional. My son Elijah turned three in July and is currently fascinated with dinosaurs, volcanoes, trains, and performing temper tantrums.
The first lesson with me is free and no-obligation. I expect any prospective student to ask some questions and see what I like in person before making any decision. All of my lessons are “open door” and I encourage parents, grandparents, and/or siblings to sit in on any lesson and see the progress the student is making. I have a list of references available on request.
Please visit my teaching profiles at www.ActiveBass.com, www.WholeNote.com, and www.FindaGuitarTeacher.com.