The best way to
learn is to commit to a weekly half-hour lesson, which is $30.00
(all lessons are based on $60/hour). Lessons are designed for the
student to try and practice 1/2 hour a day. If you have less time,
just lower your expectations as to how quickly you will learn. As
a beginner, the important thing is to pick up the instrument every
day. People who already play or have played other stringed instruments
will usually progress more quickly and sometimes switch to longer
lessons or a more varied schedule (i.e. 45 minutes every other week).
My teaching is based
on directing people to learn by ear, where I demonstrate how to do it
and you copy that. As we continue, I intersperse music theory to help
you understand what you are doing and play with other people. I organize
lessons in units, so-to-speak, where we work on one concept for several
lessons in a row. I use a tablature system (instead of note reading)
to begin. I will play each tune we learn slow and fast on a cassette
(be sure to bring a tape). I have been teaching for years and am very
dedicated to the profession. I will be glad to help you in any way I
can, whether it be through direct teaching or informing you of special
events such as workshops that might be beneficial to your learning.
I teach Mondays
and Tuesdays out of my house near 183 and I-35 from Noon - 9 PM and
on Thursdays and Saturdays 11AM - 6PM at South Austin Music (1402
S. Lamar). My schedule is nearly full (45+ students a week). If I
don't have an opening to match your schedule, I will keep in touch
via email and try to get you started through filling in for cancellations
and move you into a desired time slot once such an opening occurs.
If you would like to be kept informed of future openings, please
let me know what possible times work for you. If you are a beginning
banjo or mandolin student, it is a good idea to go ahead and get
a copy of my book, Basics of Bluegrass Banjo (…and a Whole
lot More!), or Basics of Bluegrass Mandolin (…and a Whole
lot More!). Familiarizing yourself with the introductory material
before starting lessons should speed your learning.
I look forward to
staying in touch and hearing from you soon.
Eddie Collins
8407 Loralinda Drive
Austin, TX 78753
512-836-8255
tuneman@austin.rr.com
