Rock & Roll 101 - Scriptural Worship Songs Taken From the Bible

Music Lessons That Actually Work

Tired of lessons that feel endless and irrelevant?

When I teach, I try to connect you with the music you love, and show you how to teach yourself. You'll find yourself on a path to playing that is satisfying and suprisingly easy.

My Method

Music is a language, and like any language, one should not start out learning to read without having a basic grasp of how to communicate. The languages which can only be read and not spoken are called dead languages, and music is far from dead.

I teach my students how to carry on a musical conversation with other artists. We focus on building skills like you would any "second language," immersing ourselves in a music dialogue. We learn the basic syntax of music, what makes it work, as well as what the constraints are, and then experiment with new prhases, idioms, and genres.

At the end, the student is ready to learn to read and write, and we often record new music together.

Cost of Lessons

Lessons cost $35.00 dollars per half-hour. Some students prefer to book an hour, which is fine if I have two spots back-to-back.

Payment is due at the beginning of each month via e-transfer (deposit@rockandroll101.ca), cash, or with 10 post dated cheques.

The following amounts are for the dates between and including September 7, 2026 and June 30, 2027, excluding holidays.

Mondays

September 2026: $105
October 2026: $105
November 2026: $175
December 2026: $140
January 2027: $140
February 2027: $105
March 2027: $140
April 2027: $140
May 2027: $140
June 2027: $140
Total: $1330 for the year

Tuesdays

September 2026: $140
October 2026: $140
November 2026: $140
December 2026: $140
January 2027: $140
February 2027: $140
March 2027: $175
April 2027: $140
May 2027: $140
June 2027: $175
Total: $1470 for the year

Wednesdays

September 2026: $140
October 2026: $140
November 2026: $140
December 2026: $175
January 2027: $140
February 2027: $140
March 2027: $175
April 2027: $140
May 2027: $140
June 2027: $175
Total: $1505 for the year

Advanced Students

Occasionally students arrive with a strong understanding of music and extended harmonies. Other times students have learned to read first, but still don't really understand what they're saying when they play back.

Whatever your place, you'll find some unique perspectives in my teaching to open up more musical doors to you. Lead guitarists can discover new scales, pianists can grow in their chording abilities. I often work with vocalists to help them unlearn bad habits.

Learning In Studio

I have a music studio with a rear-entrance, and hold my lessons on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons from 2:30 to 8 p.m.

I have a lot of instruments in my studio, including the usual drums, bass, guitars, piano, but also including trumpets, Irish penny whistles, synthesizers, keyboard controllers, percussion, clarinet, violin, recorders, and ukuleles.

I teach many these instruments, and also make my recording studio available to you in order to improve your playing and performance.

Frequent Questions

Where are you located?

I'm at 4362 Amelia Street, in the village of Sydenham, across from the legion hall.

What door do I use?

I have a staircase that goes up to my studio at the back of the house. There's a sidewalk along the right side of the house which you can use to get to the stairs. (The driveway isn't always clear)

During the winter months, please use the front door. Let yourself in without knocking, and come up the stairs. At the top of the stairs there is a chair in which you can wait in until the student before you is finished. Please be quiet as to not interrupt the student before you.

How often are the lessons? Do I book every week?

Lessons are weekly, unless pre-arranged with me. When you book your first lesson time, they automatically recur every week at that same time.

What if I want to do lessons every second week, or make some other custom schedule?

metimes this might work, but usually it makes it hard for me to fill the days you're not coming in. Ask me in person if you would like more information.

Do you provide instruments, or should I bring my own?

I don't provide an instrument for taking home. If your instrument isn't very portable, (drums, piano, for example), then you can use one of mine during the lesson. If you want to borrow instead of buy, I recommend Joe's M.I.L.L. in Kingston (Musical Instrument Lending Library).

Is there anything else I should bring?

Except for drum students, please bring a booklet that can stay open when placed on a music stand. It needs to be stiff enough to stay open, and not fall over, and preferrably is lined. We'll use that to take notes, write out chords, songs, etc.

Will you come into our home to teach?

No, my lessons take place in my music studio in Sydenham Village.

What system do you use for teaching?

I've been teaching since 1993, and over this time, I've developed and refined my own method, especially within the last twelve years. For beginner students, I teach them essentials so they can start playing songs as quickly as possible. I encourage students to suggest songs they would like to learn.
For more advanced students, I try to explain the systems behind why music works, and to find and fill holes in their comprehension of music.

I'm taking piano lessons, but only have a keyboard. Is this sufficient?

Maybe. If you're just a beginner, it's probably fine. Having a keyboard that responds to heavy or light playing (touch sensitive) is important, and having regular sized keys (not mini keys) is important as well.

I'm learning bass or electric guitar. Do I need to also bring my amplifier?

No, I have amplifiers in my studio which you can plug into.

How long are the lessons?

Most students prefer 30 minute lessons, but I also teach one hour lessons to those who want more lesson time.

I see lessons run for the year from September to June 30th... can we do a trial period first?

Yes. If you'd like to try it out for a month to see if things are compatible, that's completely fine with me. I like to know this is the arrangement at the beginning, in case there are people waiting for a lesson spot. (I can let them know a spot might be coming up next month).

Will I be able to watch my child during the lesson?

This is really up to you. Some students focus better with mom or dad there to snap the whip. Other kids open up more or are less distracted when their parents aren't watching. You likely know what's best for your children.

How much are the lessons?

Lessons are $35 per half hour as of July 2024.

When do you take payment?

Payment is due in advance at the beginning of each month. Please let me know if you have difficulty with this system. and we can try to work out an alternate arrangement.

What payment forms do you accept?

I accept cash, bank transfer, cheque, and credit card.

For e-transfer, which email should I send payment to?

Please use deposit@rockandroll101.ca

Can I get a receipt for payment?

Yes, I have an automatic receipt system, so if you like, I can send you a PDF by email upon request.