Frequently asked questions.

Q: I have never taken online guitar or improv lessons before. What exactly is the first step?

Congratulations, you have already taken the first step by coming on here! The next step is to contact me over email through either the “Book Now!” button or the Contact form on this website. Feel free to include some information about yourself, what your goals are, and what your schedule is like. I will be in touch shortly!

Q: I’m worried about the scheduling process because of my Time Zone. Am I still eligible for online guitar/improv lessons?

Yes, you are! Tim’s studio includes students from all over the world. Time Zones will be carefully taken into account when scheduling your lesson.

Q: I really want lessons, but I’m under the age of 18. Can I still have lessons?

If you are under the age of 18, you have to have the permission of your parent or legal guardian.

Q: I already have a teacher, but I also want to try something new. Am I still eligible to have lessons?

Yes, absolutely! However, it is strongly advised that you inform and counsel with your regular teacher if having another teaching artist’s opinion is advisable.

Q: Do you take students under the age of 12?

Yes, but it depends on the student’s ability to focus during lessons, as well as being somewhat diligent about practicing regularly at their own will. Let’s talk first, and we’ll find out if it’s the right fit or not.

Q: I am living in/visiting the New York City area. Can I have an in-person lesson?

Yes, Tim teaches in-person as well, but lesson prices vary depending on where the lesson takes place. Please inquire to receive a quote.

Q: Do you take beginner students who just started learning 1 year ago or less?

Definitely, I have had many beginner students, and even some who started learning all online, and it has worked out great so far for most. Any level is welcome, however I only take students who are willing to put in the work between lessons, otherwise we are both wasting time and money, which I want to avoid as much as possible.

Q: What should I expect and prepare for the first lesson?

To the lesson, you can bring any songs, chords, scales, solo or anything else that you have been working on, and we’ll go from there. It is recommended to bring a song that you already feel comfortable playing to get an idea of your skill level as well as something that you would like to work on. Ultimately, that’s why we take lessons - to get inspired and to improve! Bringing a set of questions written ahead of time to the lessons, is also highly recommended!

Q: What equipment do I need?

For in-person lessons, bring yourself, your guitar, any sheet music you might need, and ideally a notebook of some kind.

For online lessons, the same as for in-person lessons applies, but you also need a fully charged device set up so I can see your hands, with a reliable internet connection, and a quiet room where you won’t be disturbed. I use an iPad to take notes as we go, and will send you a pdf right after each lesson, so you know what to work on for next time.

Q: What languages are okay?

I speak Norwegian & English fluently, as well as basic Japanese.

Q: What are your rates?

This are subject to change in the future, due to increasing demand, yearly inflation etc, but as of Spring 2024, they are: 50$ for 30 min, 75$ for 45 min, and 90$ for 60 min.

If you’re experiencing financial hardship, still feel free to contact me and I can sometimes offer sliding scale pricing.

Can’t afford private lessons? Join my wonderful little Patreon Community instead:

Patreon Community

Q: If I live in NYC, can you come to my house for the lesson?

It depends, but usually I can as long as you live in Manhattan we can make it happen. This usually requires an additional 15 - 20$ for travel/transportation.

Q: Do I have to commit to a semester of lessons?

No, one-off or monthly lessons are possible as well, however regular students get priority in my calendar. You are also welcome to try a couple lessons before committing to a lesson package.

Q: How does payment/billing work?

For US students, I take either Zelle or Venmo, and also cash if in person. For international students generally Wise or Paypal is used, and for Norwegian students I use Vipps. Weekly students prepay monthly for a package of 4-5 lessons, and biweekly students prepay monthly for a package of 2-3 lessons.