About Me

I've been teaching for 27 years and playing for 30. By my calculations I've had about 250 students over the years. I usually don't take more than 2 or 3 at a time due to time constraints. I can teach any style including blues, acoustic, electric, rock, jazz, country, pop guitar. I also teach open tuned style which is my style of choice.

I've taught youngsters as young as 6 and oldsters as old as 80. Specializing in easy to understand lessons that jump right into real songs.

The Lessons

I stress theory early on so you won't end up a technically proficient player with no knowledge of what you're doing. However, I also teach real songs from the first lesson so you won't get discouraged while learning theory. This is an important aspect that many teachers don't realize. I'm not one of those teachers that says you HAVE to do it my way or the highway. However, I feel it IS very important to learn at least basic theory.

I teach how to play in all positions, not just plain ole open chords. This allows you to KNOW what you are playing and is invaluable when playing with other musicians. You won't be lost or feel embarrassed because you'll know what key you're in and you'll be able to play all over the neck. This also helps when you start to compose your own songs. If you only know 5 chords in the open position (you know, the traditional Johnny Cash or Hank Williams chords) you have a very limited palette from which to create. This is not to say that you can't write some great songs with just a couple of chords, but why not have more at your fingertips should you ever need it?

Scales

I'm not one of those teachers that sits there for hours as you endlessly fire off one modal scale after another. I'll teach them to you, then let you progress at your pace, using the scales as YOU prefer. From the blues scale to jazz and beyond, you'll have a good knowledge of most of the scales that you'll need. You do your practicing at home rather than pay me to watch you practice.

Songs

So you wanna be a rock n roll star? Whether its metal, blues, folk or country, you'll learn the classics. From the bone crunching barre chords of the Ramones to the gentle country influenced fingerings of Neil Young, you'll be prepared to play them all at the campfire and 'amaze your friends.'

The Small Print

$30 per week (1 hour lesson) prepaid monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do you accept VERY beginners?

Yes, I've taught people who've never played an instrument before.

Q How often will I come for a lesson?

Once a week for 1 hour. I do not teach 30 minute lessons because over the years I've realized that 30 minutes just isn't enough time to learn anything. You really get your money's worth with hour lessons.

Q What ages do you teach?

I've taught youngsters as young as 7 and oldsters as old as 80.

Q What days/hours do you teach?

That depends. My schedule is always changing. I do have a day job, so I like to have SOME nights free : ) Just give me a call to see what times are available.

Q What styles of music can you teach?

You name it. I'm not a country or jazz virtuoso my any means, but I can get you started. : )

Q Where do the lessons take place?

My house in the Argenta Historical District of North Little Rock..

Q How much do lessons cost?

$30 per hour, four lessons per month (once a week) prepaid.

Q Is there a registration or enrollment fee?

No.

Q Will I need a book?

Not unless you wish to buy one. I usually provide all teaching materials.

Q How do I set up a lesson time?

Just call me at

501-837-3878 and leave a message (I have a busy schedule) or email me

jag@NOSPAMjagshouse.com

Q What is your cancellation policy?

It is VERY IMPORTANT that each student understands the cancellation policy. All professional music teachers must enforce their lesson policies in
order to earn a living. You will be given a written copy of the policy at your first lesson. The student or parent (where applicable) will read and sign the policy indicating that he or she understands our cancellation policy. Lesson slots are assigned to new students on a first come first serve basis. Your lesson time slot is reserved for you and ONLY you.

Please recognize that when you miss a lesson, the teacher precludes the possibility of earning income (from another student) during your lesson time because it was specifically reserved for you. Unlike a hair salon, music teachers do not get "walk-ins".

If you cannot attend one of your lessons, please let me know as soon as possible. Students are permitted to cancel a lesson with a minimum of 24 hours notice. Missed lessons that are not canceled in advance (24 hours minimum notice) are forfeited. Please limit cancellations to a maximum of one per month. If you must miss several consecutive lessons due to a vacation etc., let me know and I'll TRY to make arrangements to work around your schedule.

Students who cancel a lesson the requisite 24 hour notice are eligible for a "make up" lesson at another time mutually convenient to the student and me. Canceled lessons may NOT be "credited" to the next month in order to reduce the monthly lesson fee for a subsequent month. World Gym does not refund money back if a member doesn't workout on a particular week. Time Warner doesn't give it's subscribers a rebate if they don't watch TV on a given night so please, don't ask us to reduce your monthly lesson fee if you have canceled a lesson in a prior month.

Occasionally, it may be necessary for the teacher to cancel a lesson in order to travel to a playing engagement. Lessons that the teacher cancels however, may be credited to subsequent months.

Tuition Policy

The monthly lesson fee is payable at the first lesson of each month. If you forget to bring a payment on the due date, please mail your payment or bring it by in person later. I allow 3 business days beyond the due date to receive your payment. If your payment is not received (by mail or in person) in 3 business days, I will assume you have decided to discontinue your lessons and make your time slot available to any new incoming students.

My Background

Currently I am playing acoustic fingerstyle delta and country blues exclusively. I have studied the blues greats such as Bukka White, John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, Elmore James, Mississippi Fred MacDowell, Son House and others for the past ten years in an effort to become a traditional country blues master. Country blues is not your typical polished B.B. King or Bobby Blue Bland Chicago blues. It's the raw, funky, minimal sounds of the 20's and 30's. I intentionally steered away form the blues my entire career except when I was just learning the typical pentatonic scales and early Chuck Berry riffs. Somehow, I stumbled across acoustic country blues, threw away my flatpick and was hooked. I currently play a Simon & Patrick acoustic guitar with metal, glass and porcelain slides.

I use my fingers as the masters did, occaisonally using finger picks for those occaisions when more volume is needed. I'm also teaching myself how to play blues harp. I use the famous Shure Green Bullet harmonica mic and a small amplifier.

I may some day go back to rock n roll ensemble playing, but for now it's 'strictly blues'.

See my cigar box guitar page! Hand made electric guitars made of real cigar boxes!

I play local venues such as Reno's Argenta Cafe, the Third Annual Cigar Box Guitar Extravaganza, Huntsville, Alabama, Vino's The White Water Tavern, Starbucks, The Afterthought, Bogies, Cruisin' the Park BBQ and Blues Festival, Arkadelphia Arkansas, Downtown Music, George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville, Arkansas, The Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, The Deep Delta Fest in Rolling Fork Mississippi, Summerset Festival in North Little Rock, the Parrot Beach Cafe, the Starving Artist Cafe and other venues. I can also be found on some Friday and Saturday nights playing on the Rivermarket with a portable battery powered amplifier.    

H A P P Y ..J A M M I N G ! !

JAG