Hi everyone, this is Coire!  I currently offer lessons via Skype to anyone interested!  Here’s more info:

Due to my insane schedule and time restraints I’m only offering lessons that don’t require extensive preparation beforehand.  This means I can help you with anything that’s on Walkerguitar.com, evaluate your technique, talk some theory, or get into anything that you have prepared online that I can reference during our lesson–this could be YouTube videos, tabs, anything that I don’t have to download onto my computer myself.  What I can’t teach/provide would be tabbing out entire songs, giving harmonic analysis to Beethoven’s 5th…stuff like that…   Sorry, for security reasons I can’t accept any files from ya–hope you understand –anything online is fair game though!   Remember that online lessons are one-on-one, but in order for them to be effective my approach to teaching is a bit different than if we were in the same room together…

How good are Skype lessons?

Pretty good, given the following:

-You have a good internet connection. I’m talking pretty fast. Can you stream movies? Then you’re probably ok. If you’re not sure then ask your geek friends if they can help.  HA!
-Keep in mind that these are webcams we are using, and not everyone has the best quality lens.  Have your room as bright as you possibly can and quiet–these two things are VERY important.
-I’ve found that there is very little (if any) lag time between parties on Skype, which is great, but jamming together (or playing at the same time) isn’t an option.
-Skype lessons can be a little more relaxed than in-person because you are in your home and I am in mine, but being too comfortable can be unproductive as well, so keep the room free of distractions.
-Skype sound quality is decent, certainly good enough for teaching, but not good enough for a lesson on tone tips.  Keep your volume at a moderate to low level or it will distort and sound terrible.  I’ve found intermittent silence normal with my Skype experience, so I may have to ask you to repeat something from time to time.
-Speaking in turns works best.  Clarity of lesson concepts is my main priority, so taking turns speaking and playing will keep things moving along smoothly.

How do I prepare for my lesson?

Here are some things to do prior to your lesson:

-Be familiar using Skype.  This is a prerequisite!  Sorry, no exceptions!
-Be ready on time so that we don’t cut into your lesson.
-Make sure your guitar is tuned and ready to go beforehand, and that you are too!
-Your Skype room must be bright, quiet, and free of any distractions (pets, children etc)
-Be familiar with the material you would like to cover in your lesson.
-Do a Skype test prior to your lesson to test your sound input/level.

Can my friend and I take lessons together?

No.  Sorry, but it is too difficult to give you both the proper attention online.  Lessons have to be one-on-one.

Can I record the Skype lesson?

NO, you are not allowed to record the entire Skype lesson–sorry, I just don’t feel comfortable with it (a little creepy, right?)  There will be times during the lesson when I’ll have you record parts of it though (me demonstrating lesson homework for you etc) and that’s totally cool.

How old do I need to be?  Do you take beginners?

Yes, I am accepting all levels of guitar players (beginners too!)  I’ve experienced that children need a teacher to be physically present, but I will gladly teach anyone 14 years or older.

What are your rates?

Rates for 60min and 45min lessons are reasonable and available upon request.

How do I pay you?

Currently I only accept payments through Paypal, unless I know you personally.  Paypal won’t charge you a fee (they charge me.)  I ask that all lessons are paid in advance.  Thanks.

How do I contact you for Skype lessons?

Contact me here:

coire@walkerguitar.com

Info I will need from you:

-contact phone number
-email
-your time zone
-several times that are good to Skype for you (in your own time zone please)
-what you would like to work on in your lesson (please be detailed)

Hope to rock with you soon!  Personally!

-Coire

 

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