Learning an instrument takes time, patience, and most of all, practice. My job as a teacher is to make the process as easy and fun as possible while making sure the student learns everything they need to know to play the music they want to play. I can help make it much easier and more enjoyable for you by showing you the proper techniques that a “self-taught” musician sometimes lacks.
As with any other teacher, I expect students to take some of their practice time working to the technical aspects of their instrument. Some students may not find this to be the most interesting part of music lessons, but if a student is serious about developing the physical abilities needed on any instrument, then practicing scales, rudiments, etc., is necessary.
But don’t let that scare you off! My approach to teaching is based on the fact that students practice the most when they are excited about the things they are learning. I design my lessons so that the majority of the student’s practice time will be spent playing things they would like to play. It may seem obvious, but it is easy for a teacher to forget that the reason most people sign up for lessons is simply because they want to play the music they love. I have hundreds of songs I can teach you, ranging from artists like The Beatles, Charlie Parker, Nirvana, Bob Marley, Sleater-Kinney, T-Bone Walker, Jimi Hendrix, The White Stripes, Hank Williams, Green Day, Radiohead, and many, many others!