In theory…
Learn the languages of music theory and jazz as a means to an end – turn chord symbols and theory terms into sounds you can hear, feel, and actually use.
I help players of all instruments hear and understand the music. You’ll learn to transform music and jazz theory into musical expression and improvisation.
Music Theory and Jazz Improvisation
Theory lessons and coaching designed to supplement your existing instrument study.
Lesson options (click to jump):
Single sessions
A 4-session foundational “kickstarter” course
Practical keyboard
Asynchronous lessons
*Ongoing bi-weekly sessions reserve a weekly lesson time and are billed monthly.
You can work with me:
In person at my Bend, Oregon studio
Online via Zoom
By uploading recordings for asynchronous feedback
Still have questions after reviewing the lesson options below? Please feel free to contact me directly.
Jazz Harmony & Improvisation – Ongoing Coaching
For players who want a clear, long-term path into jazz harmony and improvisation.
In this ongoing 1:1 coaching, we work on any melodic or harmonic instrument while using piano and lead sheets as a common language. Together we will:
Clarify key centers, functional harmony, and common progressions.
Apply theory directly to standards, blues, and modal tunes.
Develop improvisation skills built on chord tones, guide tones, and clear phrasing.
Use transcription and targeted listening to connect your ears and your hands.
This is a monthly subscription program for committed students who want structure, accountability, and steady progress rather than piecemeal lessons. It includes two 60-minute sessions per month.
No upfront payment is required. Book your first session and I’ll be in touch to set up your regular schedule.
Pricing: $230/Month
Single Jazz Harmony / Improv Session (60 minutes)
A dedicated 60-minute session to dig into the theory and improvisation topics you need most—chord progressions, scale choices, phrasing, tune study, transcription strategy, or specific problem-solving in your jazz playing.
This is a great option if you’re self-motivated, working through material on your own, or want a single deep-dive before deciding on an ongoing plan.
Payment is required at the time of booking for single sessions.
Pricing: $125/session
Jazz Harmony Foundations – 4-Session Intensive
If you have some playing experience but feel lost when you look at a lead sheet, this is your on-ramp.
Over four 60-minute sessions, we build a working foundation in jazz harmony for any melodic or harmonic instrument. By the end of the series, you will:
Understand key centers, the circle of fifths, and diatonic 7th chords.
Read and interpret common chord symbols with confidence.
Recognize and navigate core progressions such as ii–V–I and basic blues.
Begin to improvise simple, clear lines that actually fit the harmony.
This is a time-limited, structured series—perfect if you want a strong start without committing immediately to ongoing coaching. If you choose to continue, we can roll directly into the ongoing Jazz Harmony & Improv coaching track.
Payment is required at the time of booking. Schedule your first session and I’ll be in touch to set up your remaining lessons.
Pricing: $445/4 Sessions
Practical Keyboard for Musicians
This series is designed for instrumentalists and vocalists who are not “pianists,” but want to use the keyboard as a powerful tool for understanding harmony.
Across four 60-minute lessons, you will learn to:
Play simple voicings for common chords and progressions.
Navigate basic ii–V–I, blues, and standard forms at the keyboard.
Read and interpret lead sheets in a practical, gig-ready way.
Use the keyboard to hear voice leading, tensions, and reharmonization ideas more clearly.
The focus here is not classical piano technique. It is about giving you enough functional keyboard skill to support your jazz harmony and improvisation work, write and test ideas, and communicate more clearly with other musicians.
Payment is required at the time of booking. Schedule your first session and I’ll be in touch to set up your remaining lessons.
Pricing: $445/4 Sessions
Async Lessons
Valuable coaching and feedback on your own schedule.
HOW IT WORKS
Asynchronous lessons are for self-directed players who want detailed, targeted feedback without needing a weekly time slot. You’ll send recordings on your own schedule, and I’ll respond with specific notes and a clear practice plan for your next block of work.
Purchase a 3-submission pack.
For each submission, you’ll send:
A 10-15 minute audio or video recording of what you’d like feedback on.
Notes on what you’re working on and the kind of feedback you’d like.
Within 7 days, I’ll send back:
Video feedback on your playing.
Concrete practice priorities and exercises for the next 1-2 weeks.
Answers to any follow-up questions related to that submission.
You can use your three submissions anytime within 3 months of purchase.
Pricing: $195 for 3 Submissions
How to Get Started
Getting started is simple. You don’t need to commit to a subscription right away.
Recommended Steps
1. Book a single 60-minute lesson.
We’ll play, talk through your goals, and get a realistic sense of where you are now.
2. Decide on the right option.
After your first lesson, we’ll decide together whether ongoing lessons make sense and, if so, which option fits best.
3. Start working the plan.
You’ll leave each lesson with a clear, realistic practice plan and specific things to listen for in your own playing.
You're also welcome to sign up directly for a subscription or async lessons if you’re ready. If you’re unsure, please check out my Frequently Asked Questions.