FORT LANGLEY GUITAR STUDIO
GUITAR LESSONS
Perhaps you are new to music but the guitar has always intrigued you, or maybe you have been playing for a while but want to take your abilities to that next level. Or, maybe you are interested in studying music at a college or university and desire to prepare yourself for post-secondary studies. I welcome students ages 7 and older into my studio, located in Fort Langley, British Columbia.
Lessons are one-on-one in order to give each student the individual attention needed to develop their unique set of gifts as well as tailor their lessons to the interests and needs of the student. I enjoy teaching all ages and abilities whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Regardless of level, I guide students to establish and build upon a solid foundation of musical abilities and technical skills that allow the individual to enjoy playing and authentically express themselves.
Although my background and training comes from the classical tradition, where I help you learn to express yourself through many different styles of performance throughout the 400 year history of the guitar, I also encourage students to explore other genres of music related to the acoustic guitar, such as finger-style, jazz, Flamenco, and Celtic music.
I am a member of the British Columbia Registered Music Teachers' Association (South Fraser Branch), the Vancouver Classic Guitar Society, and the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators' Association.
If you would like more information, have questions, or are interested in studying music as it pertains to the guitar, please do not hesitate to contact me. Contact
GUITAR LESSONS FOR YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER
"Music education can help spark a child's imagination or ignite a lifetime of passion. When you provide a child with new worlds to explore and challenges to tackle, the possibilities are endless. Music education should not be a privilege for a lucky few, it should be a part of every child's world of possibility." ~ H. Clinton
Parents hope their son or daughter's involvement in studying music will not only result in them enjoying and appreciating music, but parents also wish their child to develop the skills and knowledge that will help them be successful in life. Responsibility, perseverance, personal management, organizational skills, sharpened concentration, and discipline are just some of the essentials skills music students develop in order to experience success. Similarly, it is clear that students truly have fun (not just be entertained) when they recognize they are acquiring the skills and understanding that give them the freedom to create. Accomplishment is a great builder of self-esteem.
If you would like more information, have questions, or are interested in studying music as it pertains to the guitar, please do not hesitate to me. Contact
STUDENT SUCCESSES
My students have been awarded gold and silver medals from the Royal Conservatory of Music for receiving the top mark in the province, have placed first in local music festivals, been finalists in provincial and regional music competitions, performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and successfully auditioned for major music schools and conservatories in Canada and the United States. My students have also gone on to be high school music teachers, film composers, performers, singer/songwriters, video game composers, private music teachers, university instructors, session players, and have released their own music videos and recordings of original music.
What students have said . . .
"Don was a teacher of mine for private lessons throughout senior high and I was a student of his at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. I've always ranked him as one of my greatest teachers whether it be music or any avenue of life as his lessons were universal. He knew if you weren't pushing your game to it's true potential and he wasn't afraid to let you know. . . . Don, I'm sure you don't know how often your lessons run through my head or what stuck out in the short couple of years as your student but I really appreciate your work."
“The encouragement, assistance, support, empathy, and knowledge I have found have been very beneficial for me, and it’s greatly appreciated. Thank you.”
“Don has been an outstanding private teacher, he explains concepts clearly and is very patient if I may not get something right away. Don is a great motivator and teaches with a lot of enthusiasm. I look forward to many more lessons.”
“Thank you so much for this past year. [Our son] has always looked forward to his weekly guitar lessons. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for your help in showing [Our son] direction in his schooling. [Our son] is looking forward to his first year at Kwantlen.”
“Don is an extremely talented guitarist and a very effective teacher.”
Studio Fees
- Primary (Under the age of 10) 30 minutes $40.00 per lesson
- Beginner to Grade 3 level 45 minutes $55.00 per lesson
- Grade 4 to Grade 7 level 60 minutes $70.00 per lesson
- Grade 8 and up 90 minutes $100.00 per lesson
Studio Policies
Priority
Please make your lessons and the practicing you do in between lessons a priority. Making the most out of your studies by regular practicing is a critical part of your progress and enjoyment of the guitar and its music.
Absences (Missed or cancelled lessons)
Each student reserves a set time for a weekly lesson and is responsible for showing up at that reserved time. Lesson times cannot be extended if the student arrives late. Regrettably, there are no make-up lessons for missed lessons, except in the event of a prolonged illness. In the event that I am required to cancel a lesson (it is rare, but it does happen), the lesson will be made up at a mutually agreeable time.
Tuition Fees
Lesson tuition is due and payable in full on the 15th of each month. Most individuals find it convenient to do electronic transfer. Cheque and cash payments are also accepted. Tuition fees do not include RCM exam fees, music festival fees, concert tickets, or books. A $20.00 fee will be charged for returned cheques.
Neighbourhood Tranquillity
I enjoy the privacy and tranquillity of my neighbourhood and wish it to remain this way. I also wish to respect my neighbours privacy and peace. For these reasons, it is imperative that all observe the following:
Under no circumstances should drivers honk their horns to summon students out to their car. Students will wait inside and when they see that their ride has arrived, will exit quietly. Students are not permitted to wait outside for their rides. If students arrive early for their lesson, please enter quietly and wait inside. Instruments must be transported in proper cases.
Of course, parents are welcome to wait inside for their son or daughter and in the case of very young students, parents are encouraged to sit in on their son or daughter's lesson.
Withdrawal from Study
Students who need to withdraw from study are required to give four (4) weeks (lessons) notice. If the student chooses not to attend these lessons, four (4) lessons will still be charged to their account. Any post-dated cheques will be returned.