Guitar/Piano/Songwriting Lessons

Rates can be flexible (let me know in the email what your needs are) but below are my normal rates:
$30 per 30-minute lesson
$40 per 45-minute lesson
I will teach 60-minute lessons ($50), but have often found these to be too long for many, especially younger, kids.

Contact: brianjndavis at gmail

About the Lessons

Interested in learning guitar, piano, or songwriting in Central Illinois? I offer beginner guitar/piano lessons to kids and adults, as well as songwriting to musicians of any level. I traditionally travel to students' homes because I know how much easier that is for families, but am always willing to teach remotely, or at my home, if that is your preference.

My teaching style is supportive and laid back (I think), as I was often scared off by overly formal music environments growing up. As a self-taught musician and songwriter of 18 years, I offer an understanding of the unique path that each musician takes and that no one method of learning works for everyone.

Because of that self-taught factor, I am likely not the teacher for you or your child if there is a desire for orchestral training or traditional music pedagogy. I have a folk, folk rock, and singer-songwriter skillset, and that is the vantage point of my teaching abilities. I will of course teach anyone, but want to make sure I don't handicap a student's goals if they are interested in working in the areas I am not fluent in.

I cater lesson plans for each student to the best of my ability, hoping to nurture what makes each student love music, rather than forcing them into a predetermined mold. If they like Taylor Swift, we'll work towards her songbook. If they want to songwrite, we'll find great examples from across genres that excite them. We'll focus on what they like. My most important job is to aid in their loving of music so that they continue with it long after I'm out of the picture. I can't promise that I'll turn students into prodigies, but I can promise they'll have a kind and supportive environment while they work towards whatever level is appropriate for them.