Search
Jeff A.'s Photo
Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo

2 music degrees/study with Pulitzer and Grammy prize winners/44 yrs ex
Jeff A.

5.0 (252 ratings)

603 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $36
Contact Jeff
Response time: 11 hours
Jeff A.'s Photo
Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo Jeff A.'s Photo

2 music degrees/study with Pulitzer and Grammy prize winners/44 yrs ex
2 music degrees/study with Pulitzer and Grammy prize winners/44 yrs ex
Jeff A.

5.0 (252 ratings)

603 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
5.0 (252 ratings)

603 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Jeff

Bio

I really enjoy tutoring people and helping them understand their subject better. With more than 44 years of experience teaching at universities, public schools, community education programs, commercial music stores, in private practice, and on the internet, I've developed an ability to work with students effectively in a personable, patient, clear, and understanding way. I've taught more than 26,000 individual lessons and 160 sections of classes such as guitar, piano, ukulele, music...

I really enjoy tutoring people and helping them understand their subject better. With more than 44 years of experience teaching at universities, public schools, community education programs, commercial music stores, in private practice, and on the internet, I've developed an ability to work with students effectively in a personable, patient, clear, and understanding way. I've taught more than 26,000 individual lessons and 160 sections of classes such as guitar, piano, ukulele, music technology, percussion, music theory, ear training and sight singing, guitar pedagogy, guitar literature, music composition, creative music, and more.

I hold a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degrees in music theory (including extensive classical guitar studies). I also hold a certificate for auditing a master class led by Christopher Parkening at Montana State University. I've received several awards, such as Artist of the Week by the Grand Forks Herald newspaper, the Americanism award, and being named one of the "Faculty Stars" when I taught at the college level, plus many certificates of appreciation. Recently my business was named "Best Music Services Business - U.S." by LUX Life magazine.

I have studied many different music subjects including guitar, piano, bassoon, accordion (many other instruments and voice too), music theory, ear training and sight singing, orchestration, music education, composition, counterpoint, arranging, jazz history, Western music history, history of music theory, music analysis, music theory pedagogy, and more. I studied orchestration/arranging with three different teachers, including Pulitzer-prize-winner Dominick Argento, and performed guitar in a master class lead by multi-Grammy-award-winner Sharon Isbin. I regularly create recordings and videos, which are on YouTube, Amazon, iTunes, CDBaby, and elsewhere. I have performed hundreds of times in the US, China, and Canada. My complete portfolio and samples of my work are available upon request.

Read more

Education

University of North Dakota
Music Education
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
Masters
Montana State University
Other

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $36
  • Rate details: Group rates are available upon request, as is special pricing for certain situations. I am often willing to adjust my rate based on financial need.
  • Lesson cancellation: 8 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 6/29/2020

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

Loading...

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Approved Subjects

Art

Composition (Music)

Composition (Music)

I have both bachelor's and master's degrees in music. I studied music composition in college (and since), and related courses such as counterpoint, music theory, and arranging. I studied orchestration/arranging with three different teachers, including a Pulitzer-prize winner. I have composed and arranged hundreds of pieces for wind ensemble, chamber orchestra, and various solo instruments and chamber ensembles. My music has been performed by university-level ensembles and professional musicians. I use my composition and arranging skills every day as a teacher, recording artist, record engineer, composer, and arranger.

Computer

Music Production

Music Production

I have recorded and produced many recordings, available on iTunes, Amazon, and other online retailers. Over the last 35 years I have been involved in many recording projects, on both sides of the microphone. Having both bachelor's and master's degrees in music, I have the music background to understand the elements of recording. (i also have two years of electronics training which comes in handy with electronic music.) I have composed, arranged, recorded, mastered, and produced compact disk and other digital recordings. I have used Audacity, Digital Performer, Studio One, FL Studio, Synthesizer V, Adobe Audition, Finale, and Sonar the most, but I have other Digital Audio Workstations which are installed on my computers (PC and Mac). I am also familiar with licensing and the legal issues associated with releasing music, originals and covers.

Homeschool

Piano

Piano

At the age of 6, I began taking private piano lessons, starting a lifelong love of playing the piano. While studying for and obtaining two degrees in music, the piano was a crucial tool in all aspects of music. Even as an adult, after my college training in music was done, I continue to play, study, and teach the piano. As a composer and arranger, and when producing recordings, the piano is a critical instrument.

Most Popular

Piano

Piano

At the age of 6, I began taking private piano lessons, starting a lifelong love of playing the piano. While studying for and obtaining two degrees in music, the piano was a crucial tool in all aspects of music. Even as an adult, after my college training in music was done, I continue to play, study, and teach the piano. As a composer and arranger, and when producing recordings, the piano is a critical instrument.

Music

Composition (Music),

Composition (Music)

I have both bachelor's and master's degrees in music. I studied music composition in college (and since), and related courses such as counterpoint, music theory, and arranging. I studied orchestration/arranging with three different teachers, including a Pulitzer-prize winner. I have composed and arranged hundreds of pieces for wind ensemble, chamber orchestra, and various solo instruments and chamber ensembles. My music has been performed by university-level ensembles and professional musicians. I use my composition and arranging skills every day as a teacher, recording artist, record engineer, composer, and arranger.
Ear Training,

Ear Training

I have both bachelor's and master's degrees in music and studied at three different universities. I taught ear training and sight singing at the college level for many years. I took ear training and sight singing classes at the undergraduate and graduate levels. I use ear training and sight singing skills as an arranger, composer, and teacher.
Guitar,

Guitar

I have studied guitar performance at the undergraduate and graduate levels at three different universities. I have performed on guitar hundreds of times in all kinds of settings, including as a soloist with orchestras, wind ensembles, and choirs in the United States, China, and Canada. I have taught over 26,000 individual lessons and taught music classes at the graduate and undergraduate levels. I have performed in guitar master classes led by several professional guitarists, including Sharon Isbin, winner of several Grammy awards. My recordings are available on iTunes, Amazon, etc., with many, many videos on various YouTube channels and websites.
Music Production,

Music Production

I have recorded and produced many recordings, available on iTunes, Amazon, and other online retailers. Over the last 35 years I have been involved in many recording projects, on both sides of the microphone. Having both bachelor's and master's degrees in music, I have the music background to understand the elements of recording. (i also have two years of electronics training which comes in handy with electronic music.) I have composed, arranged, recorded, mastered, and produced compact disk and other digital recordings. I have used Audacity, Digital Performer, Studio One, FL Studio, Synthesizer V, Adobe Audition, Finale, and Sonar the most, but I have other Digital Audio Workstations which are installed on my computers (PC and Mac). I am also familiar with licensing and the legal issues associated with releasing music, originals and covers.
Music Theory,

Music Theory

I hold a master's degree in music theory and a bachelor's degree in music education. I studied with internationally-known teachers including a Pulitzer prize winner. At the university level, I taught music theory subjects at the undergraduate and graduate level for many years, both as a part-time and full-time lecturer. In private practice, music theory is part of the individual music lessons that I give on a daily basis. I have authored many pages of handouts for students that explain music theory, which can be found on my music theory website, http://www.musictheoryetc.com. I also use music theory as a professional composer, arranger, transcriber, and music engraver.
Piano,

Piano

At the age of 6, I began taking private piano lessons, starting a lifelong love of playing the piano. While studying for and obtaining two degrees in music, the piano was a crucial tool in all aspects of music. Even as an adult, after my college training in music was done, I continue to play, study, and teach the piano. As a composer and arranger, and when producing recordings, the piano is a critical instrument.
Sight Singing

Sight Singing

I have earned two degrees in music, a bachelor's degree in music education and a master of arts. As a college music lecturer I taught undergraduate and graduate classes in sight singing and ear training. My career in music involves the use of sight singing, as both a teacher and a performer. My study of ear training at the graduate level included training in singing atonal melodies, arguably the hardest kind of sight singing.

Summer

Piano

Piano

At the age of 6, I began taking private piano lessons, starting a lifelong love of playing the piano. While studying for and obtaining two degrees in music, the piano was a crucial tool in all aspects of music. Even as an adult, after my college training in music was done, I continue to play, study, and teach the piano. As a composer and arranger, and when producing recordings, the piano is a critical instrument.

Examples of Expertise

Jeff has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 4 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Jeff ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (252 ratings)
5 star
(251)
4 star
(0)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Incredibly knowledgable!

Jeff is the real deal! He knew so much about audio engineering and explained very high level concepts in a way I could easily understand. He communicated lots before the lesson to assess my needs and ensure that once we got face-to-face (or screen to screen I should say) he had everything ready to go in just under and hour. I know exactly who to go to if I need any sound recording or equipment help!

Kiri, 1 lesson with Jeff
Tutor responded:

Thank you so very much for the review. It was terrific working with you and I'm truly glad to hear that I was able to help you out.

Great tutor!

Jeff is incredibly knowledgeable in music theory and helped me transcribe sheet music for a few of my piano compositions. I greatly appreciate Jeff's joyful and warm personality! He is very easy to work with.

Zachary, 1 lesson with Jeff

Excellent tutor

Great initial lesson from a seasoned teacher who loves what he does and who teaches and helps with compassion, skill and dedication. Thanks for a great first lesson!

Michael, 1 lesson with Jeff

Extremely Knowledgeable and Personable

My son is not comfortable with just anybody. I was so worried before his first session, but Jeff immediately put my son at ease and found a way to connect with him. He worked through each problem with my son, checking in often to check for understanding. After the session he even added some notes on his music website that my son could use as he continued to work on his own. We will continue to use Jeff regularly!

Gretchen, 4 lessons with Jeff
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! I look forward to working with your son more.

Knowledgeable and very Passionate!

Jeff is a fantastic teacher as he is patient, kind and very knowledgeable. I really like his calm approach which keeps me relaxed and focus. Jeff has shared many good tips on piano posture and has given me wonderful in-depth information which will definitely help with my future lessons. I look forward to my lessons! He is very thorough and gives you everything needed to be fulfilled as a student. As a senior student I was apprehensive about learning to play the piano but I am very fortunate to have Jeff as my tutor which makes me happy that I have now pursued my dream. Jeff really knows his stuff you can not go wrong with him. Thank you Jeff.

Brenda, 5 lessons with Jeff
Tutor responded:

It is so very kind of you to leave such a glowing review! I am really looking forward to working with you to make piano lessons fun and educational!

knowledgeable and encouraging

Jeff is a knowledgeable music teacher. He is enthusiastic and very encouraging. My son enjoys his lessons and is looking forward to them. He is also a genuinely good person whose very helpful and has good communication.

Zun, 7 lessons with Jeff
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much for leaving such a nice review! I am really enjoying working with your son!

Great tutor. Knows his stuff and encourages just the right amount.

Really like working with Jeff, and will be doing more. He knows his stuff, and is easy to work with. Fun too. Good work. Thanks much (keeping typing here as it has to be 160 characters, Wyzant, you need to quit that)

Mike, 12 lessons with Jeff
Tutor responded:

I really appreciate the positive review, but I'm especially happy to know that I am providing you with what you need. (Yes, I agree that Wyzant needs to quit the 160 character minimum.) ;-)

great class ! great teacher !

My son really likes classes. He is very excited about it! Looking forward learning more! Great relationship with a teacher !

Alisa, 11 lessons with Jeff
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much for this wonderfully positive review! I am so glad that things are going well.

Very Knowledgable

I asked for help in certain areas of music theory I was having difficulty with and Mr. Jeff helped me out tremendously. I came in at such short notice but received better knowledge of understanding music theory way better than I have before.

Daisy, 8 lessons with Jeff
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much for your positive feedback. I am so very glad that I was able to help you out.

A good teacher who knows how to help me improve my fingers action on the frets

JEFF is a good listener, focusing on the things that I can do to improve strumming, flexible about his availability. He has multiple instruments, good set up for video conferencing

Ezra, 5 lessons with Jeff
Tutor responded:

Thanks so much, Ezra, for the positive feedback! I am so happy to hear that I have been able to hep you. I will continue to do my best to increase your enjoyment of and skill at guitar playing.

Hourly Rate: $36
Response time: 11 hours
Contact Jeff