Question 1

What's the difference in pricing between Nashville in-person, Nashville online, and West Virginia lessons?

Accepted Answer

Neil offers three pricing tiers based on location and format:

• Nashville In-Person — $90/hour. Neil meets students at local Nashville music stores. This is the most hands-on experience where Neil can physically guide posture, hand placement, and technique.

• Nashville Online (Zoom) — $70/hour. Live video lessons via Zoom for Nashville-area students who prefer to learn from home. You get the same personalized instruction at a lower rate.

• West Virginia Online (Zoom) — $50/hour out of pocket. For WV students paying privately. If your child is enrolled through the Curry Music Foundation's 501(c)(3) sponsor program, lessons are billed at $70/hour — fully covered by the sponsor at no cost to the family.

Question 2

Why are West Virginia lessons less expensive than Nashville lessons?

Accepted Answer

Neil grew up in West Virginia and is passionate about giving back to his home state. The reduced $50/hour rate for WV students reflects his commitment to making music education accessible to families there. For students enrolled through a foundation sponsor, there is no cost at all to the family.

Question 3

How do I set up Zoom for online lessons?

Accepted Answer

Getting started with Zoom is easy and free:

1. Download Zoom — Go to zoom.us/download on a computer, or search 'Zoom' in the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play Store (Android).

2. Create a free account — Sign up at zoom.us with your email address. A free Zoom account is all you need.

3. Test your camera and microphone — Before your first lesson, open Zoom and click 'New Meeting' to check that your camera and mic are working.

4. For the best experience — Use a device with a stable internet connection. Position the camera so Neil can clearly see both your hands and your instrument. Good lighting helps too!

5. Neil will send you a Zoom meeting link before each lesson — just click the link at your scheduled time to join.

Question 4

What equipment do I need for online lessons?

Accepted Answer

You'll need your instrument, a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, and a reliable internet connection. A phone or tablet propped up at an angle works great for most students. For guitar students, if you have a small amp, placing it near the device microphone helps Neil hear your tone clearly.

Question 5

Are online lessons as effective as in-person?

Accepted Answer

Yes — many of Neil's students have learned entirely online with excellent results. The main difference is that Neil can't physically adjust your hand position during an online lesson, but he is very experienced at coaching technique through video. For younger beginners, having a parent present during online lessons to assist with physical adjustments can be very helpful.

Question 6

How long are lessons and how often should we schedule them?

Accepted Answer

Lessons are typically one hour. Neil recommends weekly lessons for consistent progress, especially for beginners. Students who practice 15–30 minutes daily between lessons tend to advance the fastest.

Question 7

What ages do you teach?

Accepted Answer

Neil teaches all ages — from young children (typically 6 and up works well) through adults of any age. He adapts his teaching style to match the student's age, goals, and personality.

Music Lessons

Instruments Offered

What You'll Learn

Where to Learn

Nashville — In-Person

Nashville — Online

West Virginia — Online Only

Neil's Approach

Ready to Start Playing?

See Lessons in Action

How Zoom Lessons Work

Student Testimonial

Frequently Asked Questions

Guitar Lessons by Location

Ready to Start Playing?