River Oaks Music School
What is the name of your teaching studio?
What inspired you to start River Oaks Music School?
While in college majoring in jazz guitar, I took a part-time teaching job at a local music store and found that I very much enjoyed teaching, especially the younger students. I saw how much students enjoyed the lessons and what a positive influence it was having on their lives. I decided that opening River Oaks Music School was what I wanted to do and what I would find the most satisfaction from in my life. After over thirty years of teaching, we've literally affected thousands of young people and adults' lives in numerous positive ways.
What instruments do you teach?
We teach almost every instrument plus voice in all styles and levels of music ability, beginner to advanced.
What ages do you teach?
We teach all ages from six to eighty years old.
Who's a favorite musician/band that's inspired you?
I had two older sisters, and my father got tickets to see the Beatles and pretty much forced me to go as, at that early age, I had no interest in music. After that, all I wanted to do was play guitar. I was greatly influenced by early rock bands, especially the guitar players of the day like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, etc. I later became very interested in the blues players who had influenced them. Players such as BB King, Albert King, Freddie King, Johnny 'Guitar' Watson, and older blues giants like Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, and John Lee Hooker. This interest led eventually to the great jazz guitar players like Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, and Barney Kessel and greatly influenced my decision to major in jazz guitar at Loyola University in New Orleans.
How is River Oaks Music School different from how you learned as a beginner?
When I started, there were no places for lessons where we lived, so I never had any lessons until I went to college. We learned from friends and by listening to records. I can remember figuring out many guitar solos by switching my record player from 33 1/3 rpm to 16 rpm, which cut the speed in half and made the notes exactly one octave lower in sound.
What's something about River Oaks Music School that you're really proud of?
There are many things that I'm really proud of, but by far, seeing students go from beginners to become professional musicians and singers, some with famous bands, tops the list. Another thing is seeing students go off to college, come back, get married, and then send their children to us for lessons is really special.
What advice do you give to parents looking for a great teacher for their child?
I would say teachers who have performance degrees in music are very desirable. These teachers have by far the most knowledge and experience. The best teachers are the ones who not only teach correctly but make the lessons fun for the students. Teachers with this kind of experience can find what the students enjoy while also motivating them and giving them a lifetime love of music.
What's something you see successful students doing that new students need to know?
I would say that practicing a small amount every day is crucial. Every time you play, you improve a small amount, but if you skip a day, you don't stay where you left offโyou go back a little. Learning music that you enjoy that is not too difficult is a big plus, as is playing with other people who are a little more accomplished than you, which is not only inspiring but speeds up the learning process.
What opportunities does River Oaks Music School offer students beyond lessons?
We have two recitals a year for students to perform individually and with other students to showcase to their friends and families what they've learned and how they've progressed.
What's the big vision for River Oaks Music School?
I would say continuing to make positive lifetime impressions on students and their families' lives, along with providing employment that enables our instructors and myself to continue our musical journey in life, is a big part of our ongoing goals for the future.
