Sphere College Project

We begin by getting to know each other a little. I'd like to get a sense of what my student's life is like, their educational environment, their interests and dislikes, and attitudes and expectations of tutoring. We will answer each other's questions before we begin to dive in.

As we go, I will assess your current skills and suggest goals---short- and long-term. We will determine how much time you can devote to your studies between sessions, and at the end of each session we will decide how your time should be spent.

Besides my life experience as both a professional musican and a software engineer working with some of the finest professionals in the world, I have four degrees: two in music and two in computer science. They are:

Bachelor of Music, North Carolina School of the Arts, 1983
Master of Music, Eastman School of Music, 1985
Master of Science, Wake Forest University, 1994
PhD in Computer Science, Georgia Tech, 2004

My work in education has been extensive, and my students have become highly successful, both in music and in computer science. I have taught in a wide range of environments from small colleges to large universities. When I was not in higher education as a student or professor, I was working in extremely high-quality environments, both in music and computer science.

I typically charge $50-$80 per hour. I can accomodate people who are experiencing financial hardships as requested.

I had my first music student while I was still in high school: a younger trombone player admired my playing and wanted to improve. I also had students while I was a student in college, and as I became a full-time professional. I loved teaching, and I eventually became a college professor, both in music and in computer science.

I have worked with a wide range of students: master's candidates, undergraduate students at expensive private colleges, homeless people (communication workshops), musicians, computer science students, former inmates, veterans, students from other countries---I've also taught college-level courses in great works of literature and philosophy.

The seeds I started about a week ago for my garden have begun to sprout!

Try to find someone who is sensitive to your needs, will share in the joy of your successes, but will not give compliments just to keep you as a student. Seek someone who will make suggestions and who will listen to you and let you know through their actions that they understand your needs and concerns.

A student should at least have an initial idea about what kinds of goals they have. These may very well change over time to become more realistic---whether more ambitious or more modest, but having a clear direction at all times can help to focus the lessons on reaching the current goals.

At the same time, it can also be quite enjoyable to simply explore different related areas of knowledge without having a specific goal in mind. This can help keep the mind relaxed and open for understanding, incorporating new information and making connections.