Brad Pike
About
INTRODUCTION
Hi! My name is Brad Pike. I am a Music Teacher with openings immediately available for those currently seeking Private Music Lessons.
I am located in St. George, Utah and right here online! If you are ready to have fun playing your instrument right away, you have come to the right place!
MY FIRST SUGGESTION
Before I get into the details, I would like to mention the following:
I have taught music for over 30 years and the best way to get started is by simply getting in touch with me to schedule your first lesson.
So, if you are still interested after you've checked out the info here, give me a call and lets schedule that first lesson and we'll go from there!
QUICK BIO
I have a Bachelors Degree in Music Performance with an Emphasis on Guitar from Utah State University where I was extremely fortunate to study under Prof. Mike Christiansen.
I have taught, performed, composed, and recorded music for over 30 years.
A more 'official' version of my resume, along with additional information on my teaching methods is available below.
Teaching Style
TEACHING STYLE & PHILOSOPHY
Ten and above is what I prefer. However, I’ve had many students younger than that who were highly motivated and a joy to teach. So, I’ll pretty much try helping anyone... (But I really don’t like to go younger than seven or so. It’s usually just too difficult for that young of a child to even hold the guitar correctly, let alone push down the strings and all that.)
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REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS
Students 12 and over should practice, on average, a minimum of 30 minutes a day, five days a week. I make this clear to all my students (and parents) during the first lesson. If they cannot practice at least that much, it probably won’t work. I trim that back a bit for younger students. I also make it clear this needs to be the stuff we discussed in our lesson – but I encourage them to play ‘anything and everything’ they want to above and beyond that.
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LESSON RULES
Have your instrument, the lesson folder (see below), an open mind, and a sense of humor.
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LITERATURE
I like students to have a folder with pockets inside in order to keep any hard copies – and I ask them to make sure to havethat each week.
I discuss any book(s) they should buy as needed.
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TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
In General:
I tell all my students that I am not really their teacher – they are. I am more of a guide – having already gone where they want to go. For the most part, I believe we all teach ourselves how to play - sitting alone in a room. So it’s my job to give them the tools and techniques on how to do this most effectively. I make it clear that nobody is going to learn how to play by sitting with me for half an hour once a week. Our time together is more of a map making effort – it’s up to them to actually go on the journey. I also believe it is of the utmost importance for the student to have fun – in the lessons with me – as well as on their instrument at home (or wherever), as soon as possible.
More Specifically:
On a weekly basis I usually give each student three things to work on until the next lesson. This usually includes some sort of finger exercise (often these are scales), some sort of strumming exercise (learning chords), and a song (which often takes a few weeks). When I think they are ready I have them get a book and we include learning to read standard notation in the weekly lesson. I am really big on rhythm and push them to play everything to a steady pulse (consistent tempo). I also always include ‘music fundamentals’ in the lessons (intervals, chord and scale construction, song writing, etc...). And, of course, I really emphasize the importance of listening to music.
Having said all that – I really try to be creative in my approach based on the individual. How I teach varies from student to student. Finally – I think about this stuff quite a bit, and am constantly trying to improve my methods of helping others achieve their goals in music – so my teaching philosophy is constantly changing (hopefully improving!) – but I suppose this will suffice for now...
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BASIC STYLES TAUGHT
All styles.
Curriculum
I teach Guitar (Electric & Acoustic), Bass & Ukulele. All Styles/Genres and all ages. I have also taught music theory, composition, recording and performance.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED TEACHING?
I started teaching right after I started taking guitar lessons when I was about 14. It began by just helping friends and showing them how to do this or that. It quickly led to giving more formal lessons. I've learned a ton from teaching - it's a privilege to help others on there musical journey. And although I dearly love composing and performing and recording and jamming! - I love teaching just as much (if not a little more!).
WHAT TYPES OF STUDENTS HAVE YOU WORKED WITH?
You name it. From 6 years old to 80 years old. Students of every shape size color and musical tastes. But we all have at least one thing in common - a love for music!
DESCRIBE A RECENT EVENT YOU ARE FOND OF
Last year, I went to a students performance at her junior high school. I got there just in time to see her play her guitar and sing - by herself - for her classmates and parents - at least a few hundred people. At only 14 years old she already teaches guitar with a hand full of students of her own. And although she's fearless when it comes to guitar, she's struggled with public speaking and, of course, singing. But that night she played and sang – and it was a song she wrote! She did great and everyone loved it. (Great job Carli Awesome!!!) In fact, just two weeks ago I helped her get her website up and running...
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT TEACHING MUSIC?
It's all about the music. I enjoy everything and anything to do with music, but I think I'll let these comments from others who know me answer this question:
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Brad! I hope you remember me. My name is Wil Cajucom. I was a student of yours many years ago. Your guitar lessons helped a troubled teen through a difficult time. You wrote my recommendation to the Berklee College of Music. I eventually graduated with a degree in songwriting (and became a troubled adult). I would be honored if you took a look at my YouTube channel. Your influence is still in my playing today. Especially my fingerpicking! I hope to jam with you again one day!
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Dear Brad,
Just wanted to drop a note of thanks for your fine work and positive demeanor that permeates to all since joining our team at our school.
We look forward to our continued success w/ you on our team.
Debra Cook - Managing Director and Head of Voice Department Utah Conservatory of Music and Art
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Brad this is fantastic!. I enjoyed watching this very much. So much talent you have sir! A pleasure watching anything you do.
Terri Jensen
Salt Lake City, UT via Facebook (commenting on a performance video)
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Hi Brad,
My 12 year old daughter Jayde is best buds with Daniel Archuleta, and he passed on your card. My husband and I got her a guitar for Christmas, and she is very excited about taking lessons. Especially when she hangs out with Daniel and he plays guitar so well...
Tracey Trujillo
Student’s Mother from Midvale, UT (Note: The other student she refers to is the younger brother of David Archuleta, who was also a student of mine, and the well known runner up in the 2008 American Idol competition.)
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Hey Brad ...I can't stand not having a good guitar teacher because I need new material to study and guidance on what I should be doing. I never realized how good I had it when you lived here! So just email me back when you get a chance and if you have the time - I would be so happy if you could send me some material so look at...
Jason Trivithick
Student from Lake Havasu City, AZ
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Brad, how have you been man?? Sorry I missed our last meeting, as you may or may not remember from the voice mail I left with my parents the day of our last session at like 9am. Once again I can't thank you enough for all of your help. I have been practicing my ass off. Just as a sort of update, I have been working on :practicing making my own estudio style songs, implementing the usage of my A (in PIMA) finger, practicing my major scales, working on improving my familiarity with the different chords (primarily bar chords), and working on palm muting and chucks...
Matt Buckalew
Student from Park City, UT
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Hi Brad: I met you about a month ago at the Market Street Grill and you gave me a copy of a CD. I have to tell you that in the past that when someone gives you a CD of their music it is mediocre at the best....but your CD is fantastic ! I would like to get some more information about you and the other artists on the disc. I would also like to use some of the tracks for two of the documentaries I am now producing. Great stuff!
Brad Greene
Producer from Salt Lake City, UT
Credentials & Affiliations
Bachelors Degree in Music Performance Guitar Emphasis Utah State University