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andrew wilson, trombone lessons at star music lab
andrew wilson, trombone lessons at star music lab
acoustic guitar lessons in the new river valley, andrew wilson of star music lab

About Star Music Lab | Andrew Wilson

Hello, my name is Andrew.  I enjoy working with music students of all ages and ability levels. With over 10 years of teaching experience, I’m confident that I can help you or your aspiring musician learn how to perform more proficiently on guitar, bass, ukulele, or drums and gain more satisfaction from practicing and playing.  I do not think there is only one “correct” approach to learning and I find that working on a variety of genres helps students grow faster while enjoying the learning process.

My most recent teaching position was in Chatham, New Jersey at School of Rock, where I was for the last 5 years.  I taught approximately 40 private lessons and directed 3 group rehearsals each week.  My main focuses were guitar, drums, and bass, but I also taught brass (Trumpet / Trombone) and keyboard lessons.  I moved back to the Roanoke Valley at the end of 2019 to be closer to friends and family.

I teach students at their homes in Roanoke, Salem, Christiansburg, and Blacksburg and still have openings for additional in-home or remote students over zoom, Webex, etc.

Music Instruction

While working together, we will use an efficient combination of exercises, technical development, and song learning. New or intermediate to advanced students will find themselves gaining control over their instrument(s) quickly and with greater enjoyment than struggling alone through method books and online videos.

 

Music Teacher Reviews from Students and Parents:

Jessica L., New Jersey – Andrew inspired my son at a young age on multiple instruments by always keeping things fun, fresh and made it seem like he was playing with a friend, not a boring instructor. He introduced him to many different types of music and established a great foundation for music education that he hopes to continue throughout high school and beyond.

Rachel P. – Andrew was my teacher when I played drums with a band composed of other adult students at the School of Rock (Chatham, NJ). He’s patient and kind and chill. He’s a talented multi-instrumentalist. He knows how to strike a perfect balance—giving you material that challenges you to improve as a player, as well as material that you can more readily grasp to feel a sense of mastery. Hire him!

Warren F. – Andrew is an excellent instructor and group director. He understands his craft very very well and is able to instruct in a clear and effective manner. He has the ability to teach all ages, from young beginning musicians to senior citizens of all experience levels. His instructions lead to learning how to play very quickly. He matches his level of instruction both to the student’s needs and desires. Andrew does not get locked into strict methods that can become quite boring like some other instructors, but rather tailors his instructions to the individual. If you have the desire to learn, Andrew will take you where you want to go with the music. It is important to note that, as well as guitar, Andrew can play and teach drums, keyboard, bass guitar, and trombone. Thus, Andrew knows well how to blend these instruments into an effective group. He knows how to lead a band and get the most from the group. Andrew is well educated in music. In addition to his teaching and directing abilities, he demonstrates exceptional professionalism in all he does. I have seen him work with venues to set up performances. He is clearly respected by the venues as well as his peers. I have seen his peers seek his advice on music matters relating to instruction, direction, and arrangements. While serious in his endeavors, he also demonstrates great empathy for people and a terrific sense of humor. I have seen parents and students request him specifically because of these fine qualities. Some people are born to do certain things in life. Andrew was born to inspire and teach music to anyone interested in learning.

People enjoy music in different ways. Andrew is able to understand people’s musical interests and abilities and is able to adapt his instructions according to the individual’s talents and desires. He responds well to his students’ questions and needs. He is interested in seeing his students grow and keeps adding more challenges as his students advance. If a student prefers to go in a different direction with lessons, Andrew quickly revises his approach. I was taught by Andrew for 4 years in private lessons and group band. He presented many different types of music, riffs, and styles. It is not a stretch to say that learning from Andrew is exciting and challenging.

George M. – I studied bass guitar with Andrew from 2016 to 2019 at a branch of the School of Rock. He was director of the school’s adult performance group and I stopped by one night with my acoustic guitar, but the group needed a bassist, so I switched to that instrument. In addition to group rehearsals every Thursday, I took weekly private lessons with Andrew. Starting from scratch on bass, I was gigging at local street festivals and bars within a couple of months. As a teacher, Andrew is nonjudgmental and easygoing but knows just how to push his students. He would say “That was great!” before giving us a critique. In my private lessons, we worked on general technique and strength-building exercises as well as specific songs. For the group, he not only arranged songs but also filled in on instruments when needed—he could play them all. He ensured everyone had a part that was tailored to his or her ability and range. These group rehearsals were a highlight of my week—super fun yet challenging. Everyone was sad when he decided to move on, but our loss is other students’ gain.

 

Michelle M. – I have the privilege of being the mother of a student, as well as an adult student myself. What Andrew does with kids is incredible – I’ve seen them transform vocally from shy kids into performers. His musical knowledge is vast, covering many different instruments. He worked with my adult band and would go from instrument to instrument, helping each one of us individually as well as collectively, helping us to form a cohesive group. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.

 

Frequently Asked Questions to Star Music Lab

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I’m happy to give a free trial lesson to a prospective student so we can get to know one another and see if working together would be a good fit. After that, we can establish goals and develop a personalized method for achieving them, while the student is gaining control and understanding of their instrument.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

-B.A. in Music Performance and Technology from Virginia Tech (2009-2013)

-ASCAP published composer since 2014

 -Spent the last 5 years teaching guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and brass at School of Rock, in Chatham, NJ before moving back to Roanoke at the end of 2019 (2014-2019)

 

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I’ve had a passion for music from an early age. After seeing some camp counselors playing guitar in middle school, I quickly realized that I wanted to pursue music as an art form and career. With family members who are also musicians, it was easy to find support and encouragement as I began down a path of musical pursuits.

 

What types of students have you worked with?

I thoroughly enjoy teaching students of all ages and ability levels. Previous work experiences at the School of Rock enabled me to work with students from ages 5 – 65+ on a wide variety of musical styles. I worked with these students in both one on one lessons as well as group settings as a band, in preparation for quarterly live shows at local venues.