Guitar, Drums, Bass & Vocal lessons from the comfort of your home!
I offer in home music lessons in the greater Austin area. Lessons are scheduled on a weekly basis. Lessons range from 30 to 60 minutes in length. Monthly payments ensure a weekly time slot reserved for you with a consistent day and time. Making a commitment to a weekly lesson and a practice routine of at least 15 minutes per day will create consistent progress week after week! Short term goals will lead to long term success! I will help you create a practice routine that is custom tailored to your specific goals. From beginner to advanced, all styles and all ages are welcome!
Guitar Lessons
Beginners:
My approach is to get you playing and enjoying the instrument as quickly as possible by teaching simplified versions of your favorite songs. Start playing real music right away! Keeping it simple will keep it fun! Based on your long-term goals, I will help you set reasonable weekly objectives. By starting off with proper technique, you will avoid developing bad habits. As you progress, your skills and knowledge will expand.
Intermediate / Advanced:
For more experienced players, I will assess your current abilities and goals, analyze both right and left-hand techniques, as well as your understanding and application of music theory. Based on this assessment, a personalized lesson plan is developed, covering advanced techniques and theoretical concepts tailored to your objectives.
Drum Lessons
I have over 25 years of drumming experience, including five years of private lessons at Dicenso’s Drum Shop just outside of Boston MA in which I learned from world-class drummers and instructors such as Dave & Dick Dicenso, Mike Mangini, Van Romaine, David Garibaldi and my main private lesson teacher Vance Gordon just to name a few! My drumming is featured on over 100 studio recordings, including my one-man rock show, “The Sky Zito Solo Experience” as well as my four solo albums. As a teacher, my objective is to help you create a daily practice routine that enables consistent progress. A typical lesson will include warm-ups, chop builders, rudiments, drum set grooves, limb independence, chart study, and playing along with recordings. Any style of music can be approached through this method.
Bass Lessons
With over 20 years of bass playing experience, I offers lessons that emphasize the unique role of the bass in ensemble settings. Like many bass players, I was a guitar player first. When learning bass from that perspective I found that the biggest difference between instruments was to understand what the bass player’s role was in terms of the bigger picture. Lessons focus on creating groove, finding the pocket, and embracing the use of space, while also exploring the bass as a solo instrument with its own unique voice and capabilities.
Vocal Lessons
I have over 25 years of experience as a singer. What originally started as just a way to accompany my guitar playing soon took on a life of it’s own. I began taking lessons with Steve Heck from Berklee College of Music who helped me imensly to not only improve my voice but also to gain confidence! Years later I studied with Mark Baxter; known as the vocal coach of the stars from his work with Steven Tyler, Scott Weiland and many more famous singers! He is also the author of my favorite vocal book entitled “The Rock N Roll Singers Survival Manuel”! His method is based on minimizing tension, never waisting air and developing a solid foundation of vocal skills in order to pocess a voice that responds without hesitation! The end result: The Singing just flows! My singing style as well as teaching style is based on Mark’s concept of minimizing tension and creating an atmosphere in which “ The Singing Just Flows”!
Cancellation Policy
A minimum of 24 hours notice is required to reschedule a lesson. As long as at least 24 hours time is given then a make up lesson will be offered. There are no make ups offered for cancelled make up lessons. Make up lessons can carry over to the following weeks or even the following months though they will only stay valid while you are a current student. If I cancel a lesson (which I rarely do) then a make up time will be offered. If we are unable to find a make up time that works for both of us then a refund will be offered.
Payment & Pricing
Preferred method of payment is cash (most preferred), check, or zelle. Other forms of payment such as venmo, cash app or credit card are accepted though those may incurr a fee so please reach out beforehand if that is your preferred way to pay. Monthly payments are to be made in advance which are due on the last lesson of each month for the following month. For example, March tuition is due on the last lesson of February. Current monthly tuition cost is as follows:
30 minute lessons (4-5 30 minute lessons) - $150
45 minute lessons (4-5 45 minute lessons) - $220
60 minute lessons (4-5 60 minute lessons) - $280
Included in the monthly rate is at least 4 lessons. In the event of a month that has five weeks then you’re 5th lesson is Free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you offer Live Performance Opportunities?
A: Yes! As a gigging musician I have the opportunity to have my students sit in with me on a regular basis! I frequently perform at restaurants and other family friendly establishments in which I can feature a student accompaniment!
Q: Do you offer recording of the lessons and/or recording of performance pieces?
A: Yes! I often encourage my students to download a voice recorder app on their phone in order to record snippets of practice material. Video recording and full lesson recording is also allowed but only for personal use (not for monetizing). As for recording for performance, I have a home studio as well as a mobile studio in which professionally recording along with editing and mastering can be accomplished at the students request!
Q: Do you offer Songwriting?
A: Yes! In addition to releasing four albums of original music, I have also written music with literally hundreds of projects / collaborations over the years. I offer lessons in songwriting but I also offer songwriting services in which we collaborate on original music. In such situations the fee for my time will be the same as for a lesson and you retain all rights to the music.
Q: Can you work with my band?
A: Yes! I offer band coaching as well as production and more! Whether it’s a first get together and you need help getting things in motion or you’ve got an established band with an upcoming gig or recording session, I would love to help get things polished up and running smoothly!
Q: Do you offer group lessons?
A: Yes! If you and a friend would like to take a lesson together then let’s do it! Unlike many teachers, there is no additional fee for a group lesson. You and your friend or even friends can split the cost of the lesson without any additional charge. I’ve especially found that group lessons can work really well for beginner students. Often times beginner students find that motivation to practice can be amplified in a group setting.
Q: Do you offer longer lessons and / or multiple lessons per week?
A:Yes! Call me to discuss availability and additional discounts on pricing may be available!
Q: Do you offer single lessons outside of the monthly program?
A: Yes! Call me to discuss details. For beginner to intermediate students I feel that weekly lessons are for sure the best route to ensure great results. If you’re an advanced player looking for a lesson on a specific topic or technique then I’m happy to help you with your specific goal.
Q: If “In Home” lessons are not ideal for any reason then is it possible for me to travel to your location instead of you traveling to mine? Are there any discounts for such an arrangement?
A: Yes! I have a home studio in Northwest Austin complete with all instruments, amplification and recording capabilities! Call to discuss scheduling and possible rate discounts.
Q: What if I’m interested in lessons but live outside of your travel radius?
A: My home studio in Northwest Austin is a great spot for lessons if you don’t mind making the drive from where you are located. Alternatively, Virtual lessons through Zoom or other video chat service are also an option.
Q: Do you offer virtual lessons via Zoom and / or other video chat services? Are there any discounts for such an arrangement?
A: Yes! Virtual lessons are an option if in person lessons are not possible. Call to discuss details and any possible rate discount.
Q: Do you offer a trial lesson before committing to a month long commitment? Also, what happens if I start mid month?
A: Yes! Your first lesson will be considered a “trial” lesson. You do not have to commit to a month of lessons in order to schedule a “trial” lesson. The initial lesson will be 25% of the monthly rate. If you were to start mid month then the payment for the first month would be pro-rated based on how many lessons remained in the month.