LESSONS
STUDY WITH ME
My Personal Learning Journey and Pedagogy Philosophy:
Artistic development and learning are deeply personal experiences and lifelong pursuits that I believe are ever-evolving practices and processes. The core of my teaching philosophy is built on this belief, both as an experienced artist and as a committed learner myself. I am currently a doctoral candidate in music composition at the University of Hawai‘i and have taken an unorthodox musical path spanning more than 20 years across a diverse range of experiences.
I began playing guitar at the age of 16, inspired by artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, before receiving formal training in jazz during my undergraduate and master’s studies. This led to nearly a decade of work as a full-time performer and private guitar instructor in New York City, where I performed upwards of 80 concerts a year while teaching over 30 students weekly. In 2021, I felt the urge to further develop my craft and returned to school to pursue a doctorate focused on contemporary classical music and intercultural composition. Throughout the years, I have maintained an active performance career, touring extensively across North America, Asia, and Europe, and releasing 25 albums under my own name.
Building a career as an independent artist has taught me how to be resourceful on the administrative side of music, including grant writing to secure funding, tour booking, press outreach, and album production and release cycles. While I deeply enjoy creating and performing music, I also LOVE teaching musicians at every stage of their development, whether it is refining guitar technique, learning to notate compositions, strengthening ear training and theoretical knowledge, or building professional skills within the music industry.
There is no correct or straight path to building one's artistry or career, so I teach through a holistic approach that centers the student's core artistic values. Lessons guide students to build and apply important skills that will support both short- and long-term development. Through mentorship, I provide a supportive space for students to work with me on solving artistic plateaus they are currently facing in their own practice. The guidance, critical thinking, and consistent feedback provided during lessons help build long-lasting habits, approaches, and perspectives that can be utilized throughout the student's career.
What I teach:
If you are a student looking to develop your musicianship and creative voice, private lessons can help you build skills at your current level and guide your long-term growth as a musician. Using an integrated approach, I focus on fundamental skills and musicianship while integrating diverse interests and creative processes for students from a wide array of backgrounds. Through my professional experience, I can guide students with:
Jazz and classical music theory
Enhancing technical and improvisational skills on guitar in the styles of jazz, rock, and popular music
Ear training, transcription, and learning repertoire by ear
Composing original music and songs, both with instruments and with music production
Learn how to read and notate music
Professional development in grant writing, tour booking, and album release cycles
How to start lessons with me:
Shoot me a message HERE with the following information:
1) Do you prefer a 30 minute, 45 minute or 60 minute lesson?
2) What are your goals, and what music sparks your desire to play?
I will respond with a price quote and availability to set up a lesson. I have package deals for multiple lessons.
Here are a few of my student testimonials.
Previous students who have studied with me have gone on to study music at prestigious institutions such as Berklee College of Music and NYU.
Jessica is a superb teacher. She's been teaching my son and me for several years now. Her online lessons feel like she is right in the room with you and she makes remote learning accessible and fun.
-David S.
Jessica is an extraordinarily talented and insightful guitar teacher, with vast and deep knowledge of music and the guitar, and a unique ability to guide students forward while making lessons (and even practicing) fun. She can almost instantly figure out how to play any song, and she's adept at zeroing in on what you're ready to learn.
-Mary D.
As a professional musician and performer, I needed to advance my guitar playing to the next level for my studio sessions and rehearsals. Jessica helped me get to that level I aspired for. Super organized, very knowledgable. Highly recommend!
-Robin M.
Why one on one lessons are the best lessons:
Everyone learns differently and at their own pace, and a good teacher will always be able to tailor lessons to each student's needs. There are thousands of tutorials and websites that offer lots of information and promises of improvement, but nothing will ever compare to the benefits of an exchange of ideas between two people. Working alongside a teacher can help identify technical issues unique to each student, and questions can be answered immediately. Having an experienced teacher to guide you is the best way to improve and accomplish your goals on the guitar.
Why online lessons are a good thing:
Online lessons can save you time, money, and offer greater convenience. No time is wasted traveling to the lesson location. You can enjoy playing your guitar in the comfort of your own home. Plus, you save money by not having to pay for studio rental costs and travel expenses.
What you will need for your guitar lessons:
- A guitar
- PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo (cash or check are also accepted)
- For online lessons you will need high speed internet, a webcam/microphone, and an online video app (I work with Zoom and Google Meet)
Studio and Cancellation Policy:
More than 24-hours notice is required to reschedule a lesson. If a lesson is cancelled within the 24-hour scheduled time, the student will be fully charged
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
