Brad Laird's Online Lessons Via Skype

Have you been teaching yourself to play using my books, DVDs or online free lessons and have a list of questions? Do you just want to get some feedback on your progress? Are you having trouble finding a good instructor in your local area?

To help you in these ways I offer lessons using Skype video technology. If you are a beginner and need some basic instruction, or if you are someone who has been using my array of online, book, DVD or downloadable video lessons and you just want to get some one-on-one feedback on your playing and ask some questions, I think you will find this method helpful.

Lessons available:

• Beginning and Intermediate Mandolin

• Mandolin Improvisation

• Beginning Clawhammer Banjo

• Beginning Scruggs Style Banjo

• Bluegrass Upright Bass

• Music Theory and Practice Techniques

• Learning Tablature or Standard Notation

How to Get Started

If you are already a Skype user you should be ready to go. If you have never used it I would suggest that you download the free software from their website, get it installed, and make sure you have everything working before you contact me.

You'll need a high-speed internet connection (cable, DSL, etc.), a video camera and microphone connected to your computer, and a set of headphones to avoid feedback.

When you are ready just send me an email and we'll set up a time for your first session. The cost for lessons is $35 US for a 30 minute session After your first session, if you choose to continue, you can purchase 4 half-hour sessions for $120 US. Payments will be handled using PayPal or you can send a check. We'll go over all of that when you contact me via email.

Thanks for reading and I hope to hear from you soon,

Brad Laird

Tips for Skype Lesson Students:

1. Use headphones-- it really helps avoid feedback.

2. Test out your Skype setup and experiment with your lighting and camera placement so I can really see what you are doing clearly. For example, try to avoid backlighting (a bright window behind you).

3. Jot down notes of things you want to ask questions about or go over so you don't forget during the lesson.

4. Do your best to be on-time. Be online, tuned up and ready a few minutes early. Be sure your Skype is set to accept calls so that when I dial you up we connect easily.