Welcome! If you are reading this, that means that you or your child is likely considering signing up for private lessons with me. I’ve set this page up to hopefully answer some of the basic questions that students have when they are getting started.
This also introduces you to my teaching website Modern Guitar Approach. Please take some time to peruse the site. I have catered it to a beginning guitar student and it is representative of some of what you’ll find in our private lessons.
Please call or text me if you have any questions! (801)879-4597.
WHEN AND WHERE
Private lessons are once a week and are 30 minutes long. I teach in a studio at my home. My address is 9295 Kelly Drive, Huntsville Utah 84317.
STUDENT COMMITMENT
I do all I can to make lessons a positive and rewarding experience. This can only happen if you are practicing. When you commit to private lessons with me, you are also committing to practice 5 DAYS A WEEK. If you are practicing, you WILL make progress!
This is the most important aspect of learning how to play the guitar and I have dropped many students in the past who stop consistently practicing (yup, I’m one of those teachers).
I wrote an article for Bobby Davis, the “Guitar Answer Guy” awhile back. The article is about how to motivate your child to practice the guitar. It will give you some great tips if you are hoping to find ways to keep them inspired and playing. Find it HERE.
GEAR NEEDED FOR LESSONS
To get started with lessons, you’ll need:
- A guitar (nylon string, steel string acoustic, or electric)
- A guitar strap
- A guitar tuner
- A guitar capo
- A method book (the book depends on your age and current ability)
There are other items that can also be helpful to create a practice space. I have recommendations for all of these items in the article Guitar Gear For Beginners which can be found HERE.
LESSON TUITION
The rate for guitar lessons is $124 a month, which comes out to $31 per lesson. I teach 48 lessons in a year, which averages out to 4 lessons a month. Payment is generally the same for each month, even if there is a holiday. If you find one month only has three lessons, notice that a nearby month most likely has an additional lesson. A calendar will be sent out to you when you start lessons.
Lessons need to be paid for on the FIRST WEEK of the month. Automatic payments through your bank are encouraged. Payments can also be made by check, cash, Facebook Pay, Apple Pay, Venmo (@Jami-Taylor-4) or whatever new technology is available.
GUITAR RECITALS:
I hold two recitals every year in the fall and spring. I do this to help students learn how to perform in front of others. The more you perform, the easier it gets!
GUITAR ENSEMBLES
Guitar ensembles are held on the 3rd week of each month for 55 minutes. There is no extra cost as this replaces a private lesson. If you are just starting out with private lessons, don’t plan on participating in an ensemble until at least 6 months.
WHY PLAY IN A GUITAR ENSEMBLE? Guitar ensembles are more effective in teaching certain musical concepts, such as:
- note reading
- rhythms
- staying “in-time”
- listening to other musicians while playing
- how to create and play guitar solos
- playing with other musicians
- developing connections between the left and right brain
COMMON QUESTIONS
- IS THIS OPTIONAL? Playing in an ensemble is part of what you’re signing up for by taking lessons with me. I prefer all of my students to participate in an ensemble once they have been taking lessons for about 6 months and are starting to read notes. We can work out other arrangements if needed if you are unable to join an ensemble due to schedule conflicts.
- WHAT IS PLAYING IN AN ENSEMBLE LIKE? Each player has their own part which is usually note reading or chords. A director (Jami) will help keep everyone playing together to create a song.
- HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL BE IN EACH ENSEMBLE? 3-6 players. Who plays in each ensemble will be decided based on age, ability & availability.
- WILL THE ENSEMBLE PERFORM? Yes, every recital!
SUMMER SCHEDULE:
I continue teaching guitar lessons through the summer. I usually move all of my students to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the summers. I typically have plenty of room on those three days to fit in my Thursday and Friday students until school starts up.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Students are allotted two make-up lessons per quarter. Students qualify for these make0up lessons as long as they notify me by text or phone (801)879-4597 that they will be missing their scheduled lesson by 9am the day of that missed lesson. The cost of the lessons are the same each month, even if you need to cancel. Because of this, please be sure to take advantage of scheduling make-up lessons!
In the event that I need to cancel a lesson; I will notify you as soon as possible. You will then have the option to schedule a make-up lesson, or to be refunded $27 for the missed lesson.
ABOUT ME (Jami Taylor)
Music has been a part of my life since I started taking guitar lessons at age 5. Years of lessons ultimately lead me to a Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance from Utah State University.
Utah State has the 4th best guitar program in the nation! In addition to becoming a better player, I also learned HOW to teach others (guitar pedagogy). I learned how to give a beginner student a comprehensive musical foundation. I also learned how to teach guitar sequences for blues, bluegrass, jazz, classical and rock.
I have played in Jazz Bands, bluegrass combos, classical ensembles and rock bands. I regularly perform solo acoustic guitar for weddings, dinners and events and I’m the lead guitarist for the Mothers of Mayhem.
I love teaching lessons and helping others to achieve their goals of learning the BEST instrument ever.