Personable Technical Expert for Individuals and Small Business

My passion is helping others use technology to enrich their own lives. I equally enjoy general computer assistance or targeted tutoring in Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Office. My diverse background in computer software allows me to assist with hardware/network/service configuration, teach you the nuances of social networking, or educate you in how best to secure your computer.

So how does a Broadcast Communication major and Music minor end up spending nearly two decades at Microsoft supporting or teaching others to use computer software? I guess it started with before that when they trundled a little thing they called "a microcomputer" into the electronics store where I worked. I discovered an amazing creative tool for personal expression, whether it's writing books or blog posts, editing videos or podcasting, writing or recording music, or communicating with others.

Mostly I listen to what you want to achieve and, together, we design a way for you to get there. Each person has different needs, varying levels of expertise, and his or her own learning style. My goal is to find those points and enable you to succeed in what you want to do.

Brian's Subjects

Music:	composition (music), general music, music history, music theory
Art:	composition (music)
English:	public speaking
Computer:	general computer, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, networking (computer)
History:	music history
Business:	Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, public speaking
Corporate Training:	general computer, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, networking (computer), public speaking

Microsoft Excel

A user of Excel since 1989, I continue to use Excel to arrange, organizes, and calculate items every day. As a result, I can offer insights on how to approach layouts, optimize data entry, build appropriate formulas and produce quality results.

Microsoft Word

As a whitepaper and course developer, I have been using Word since version 1.0. Besides understanding the capabilities of different versions of Word, I can help in document creation, layout and formatting, as well as building references and indexes. While able to discuss advanced topics, I also enjoy helping beginning users learn to get around and create their first Word documents.

Microsoft PowerPoint

As a course developer, trainer, and presenter over the past 25 years, I started with PowerPoint 1.0 and continue to use the latest version of the product extensively. I am not only technically proficient with PowerPoint, but experienced enough to guide you towards a quality slide deck with just the right amount of eye candy to engage your audience.

Composition (Music)

Music has been at the center of my consciousness since elementary school and still is a creative part of my life. My original goal was to write music for motion pictures, but that was set aside part-way through college as my major became a minor in music composition. A little over a decade ago, I started writing again with the added advantage of hearing my work digitally. My initial training was jazz-based and my classical schooling helps me understand music forms and instrumentation. A deep background... Read More

General Computer

I first started working with computers when they were called "microcomputers" on a TRS-80 Model I. I taught computer classes on MS-DOS 2.2, and 3.2, Lotus 1-2-3, and Intro to Computers for the Continuing Education Department at Belleveuw College in Bellevue, WA

As Technical Support Manager for a small software company, I trained and managed support for the company's software product and, often the computers on which it ran.

As a Support Engineer and Engineer Trainer for Microsoft,... Read More

Networking (Computer)

At Microsoft, I supported and trained support engineers in Networking and networking operating systems.

In 1999, I received a Microsoft Certified System Engineer certification.

I was a technical contributor to to the books, Microsoft Windows NT Server Administrator Bible, and Understanding Directory Services.

I continue to assist individuals and small businesses in network installation and configuration as part of my own consulting firm.

Public Speaking

There are many elements to effective public speaking besides having something interesting to say. How you present yourself and interact with your audience can either elevate your content or sink it. While I had a background in theater, my first real public speaking experience came in the classroom teaching Continuing Education classes at Bellevue Community College in the 1980s. Since then, I have trained support engineers for software companies, presented both technical and non-technical topics... Read More

Microsoft Outlook

As a trainer, I would orient Microsoft support engineers in the use of Outlook and its predecessors, Microsoft Mail and Schedule Plus. I am adept at Outlook 2000 through Outlook 2010. I have also been a heavy user of Outlook for 13 years.

Microsoft Windows

I have supported Microsoft Windows both at Microsoft and other organizations since version 3.1. I understand the underlying architecture of the OS from Windows 95 onward, including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. I can help with system setup, configuration, and personalization.

Microsoft Publisher

An early user of Microsoft Publisher (version 1.0) up through version 2010, I have seen this simple paste-up tool evolve into a desktop publishing application. I have used and guided others through the production of posters, banners, handouts, brochures, and other professional documents with Publisher and have used it in combination with other Microsoft Office applications..

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

Western Washington University

Very patient — Brian is an excellent tutor. He is very patient, especially with an 86 year old trying to learn a whole new system. I would recommend Brian to anyone who needs a very competent tutor.

— Paul from Seattle, WA

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Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $40.00

With Prepaid Discount: $34.00 - $38.00

Save up to 15%

Cancellation: 8 hours notice required

You don't pay until after your tutoring and there are no hidden fees or charges. The price you see here is the price you pay.

Your first hour with any tutor is always 100% refundable. You must be completely satisfied or we will gladly issue you an instant refund.

Travel Policy

Brian will travel within 25 miles of Seattle, WA 98155.

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