Brad Pike

Certified Private Instructor

My name is Brad Pike. I am a Music Teacher with openings immediately available for those currently seeking Private Guitar, Bass & Ukulele Lessons. The first lesson is free!If you are ready to have fun playing music right away, please contact me to schedule your first free lesson.I have a Bachelors Degree in Music Performance with an Emphasis on Guitar from Utah State University where I was extremely fortunate to study under Prof. Mike Christiansen. I have taught, performed, composed, and recorded music for over 30 years.

TEACHING STYLE

In General: I tell all my students that I am not really their teacher – they are. I am more of a guide – having already gone where they want to go. For the most part, I believe we all teach ourselves how to play - sitting alone in a room. So it’s my job to give them the tools and techniques on how to do this most effectively. I make it clear that nobody is going to learn how to play by sitting with me for half an hour once a week. Our time together is more of a map making effort – it’s up to them to actually go on the journey. I also believe it is of the utmost importance for the student to have fun – in the lessons with me – as well as on their instrument at home (or wherever), as soon as possible. More Specifically: On a weekly basis I usually give each student three things to work on until the next lesson. This usually includes some sort of finger exercise (often these are scales), some sort of strumming exercise (learning chords), and a song (which often takes a few weeks). When I think they are ready I have them get a book and we include learning to read standard notation in the weekly lesson. I am really big on rhythm and push them to play everything to a steady pulse (consistent tempo). I also always include ‘music fundamentals’ in the lessons (intervals, chord and scale construction, song writing, etc...). And, of course, I really emphasize the importance of listening to music. Having said all that – I really try to be creative in my approach based on the individual. How I teach varies from student to student. Finally – I think about this stuff quite a bit, and am constantly trying to improve my methods of helping others achieve their goals in music – so my teaching philosophy is constantly changing (hopefully improving!) – but I suppose this will suffice for now... BASIC STYLES TAUGHT: All styles.